Functional phytochemicals from Ocimum gratissimum mitigate lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory pathways

This study evaluated the protective effects of Ocimum gratissimum methanol extract (OGME) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mice. Animals were pretreated with OGME (125–500 mg/kg) before LPS challenge. Biochemical indices, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gene expression, histopathology, and molecular docking analyses were assessed. OGME improved survival and significantly reduced liver enzyme levels, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, while restoring superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities. The extract downregulated the expression of NF-κB, MAPK14, TNF-α, and IL-1β and upregulated NFE2L2. Histological examination showed preservation of tissue architecture. HPLC profiling tentatively identified flavonoids and related phytochemicals, while docking analysis demonstrated favourable interactions with KEAP1 and MAPK14. These findings suggest that OGME phytochemicals possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities relevant to functional food and nutraceutical applications.