Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of fresh ocimum sanctum (tulsi) leaves paste, suspended in gum acacia in experimentally induced acute anti-inflammatory animal models.

Methodology: Adult Albino rats of either sex weighing 150-250gms were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6); control (vehicle), Standard (Indomethacin 100mg/kg) and fresh tulsi paste (500mg/kg). Each rat was fed orally with the respective drug 1hr prior to the administration of the phlogistic agent. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan induced paw edema.

Results: Anti-inflammatory activity is expressed as Percent Inhibition. The Percent Inhibition with the control, Standard (Indomethacin) and the test compound (Tulsi), in the carrageenan induced paw edema model were 0%, 76% and 67% respectively. The anti-inflammatory response of 500 mg/kg of the tulsi paste was found to be 88.15% as that of the response observed with 100 mg/kg of indomethacin.

Conclusion:  The fresh tulsi leaf in its paste form also shows considerable anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to Indomethacin, with minimal side effects. Hence fresh tulsi leaves can be used as a potential adjuvant with the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs for the therapy of inflammation.