Evaluation of immunity enhancing potential of Ocimum sanctum L. (TulsiOdaat™) on mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, network pharmacology and insilico studies

Abstract

Abstract Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn), commonly known as Holy Basil, has traditionally been used as a remedy for common infections of the respiratory tract, and as an immunity booster. The herb has potential anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral effects. The present study evaluated the cytotoxic and phagocytic activity of a standardized extract of Ocimum sanctum (TulsiOdaat™) in mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 cell lines. Phagocytic activity was evaluated by observing the amount of engulfed zymosans isolated from yeasts at 405 nm. The study demonstrated that TulsiOdaat™ significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages compared to the vehicle-treated/control group at a non-toxic concentration of 3 µg/mL. The observations made in the present study confirm that TulsiOdaat™ stimulates macrophages and enhances their phagocytic activity and therefore, may have potential enhancing effects on innate immunity. Moreover, the elected target proteins showED strong correlation to each other including such as CASP3 and MAPK. Interestingly, insilico docking of ursolic acid have strong binding affinity to CASP3 and MAPK as well as SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The in-vitro and in-silico studies revealed that bioactive compounds of Ocimum sanctum may augment the immune response against foreign antigens or disease-causing pathogens.