LAUSR

Abstract Plants are the source of active ingredients of most of the modern drugs. In search of new plant based drug the present study has been designed to isolate, characterize and evaluate cardioprotective principle from Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) leaves. Chromatographic purification of the active chloroform extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) leaves yeilded dihydroxyl α-humulene (OG1) - a new potent cardioprotective principle, along with three known compounds β-caryophyllene (OG2) & eugenol (OG3). The structures of all the isolated compounds (OG1 - OG3) were characterized by using modern spectroscopic analytical techniques like UV, IR, 1H & 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the new isolated compounds were screened for myocardial infract size assessed by volume method and attenuation of release of LDH and CK-MB in coronary effluent. Dihydroxyl α-humulene given trival name Gratissinol and has well defined cardioprotective effect in ischaemia and reperfusion-induced myocardial injury as compared to standard drug ramipril, 1 mg/kg of body weight.