Abstract
BACKGROUND: To study the pharmacokinetic interaction of cephalosporin antibiotic ceftriaxone (CFT) with raw undiluted Ocimum sanctum L. leaf juice in chronic staphylococcal mastitis in caprine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic inflammation of the udder was evoked in goats by Staphylococcus aureus (J638) intracisternal inoculation 2000 cfu for 30 days into the left udder. Animals of Group I were given one single dose of CFT at 20 mg/kg i.v. Group II animals were given one single dose of CFT at 20 mg/kg i.v, and contemporary extracted fresh leaf juice of O. sanctum L. given at 5 ml/kg orally for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS: O. sanctum L. at 5 ml/kg oral had synergistic herb-drug pharmacokinetic interaction with CFT antibiotic (i.v.) and increased its bioavailability. It prolonged its rate of elimination (β) and enhanced the volume of distribution (Vdarea) and mean residence time in the body. Bioavailability and persistence of the antibiotic CFT and its metabolite ceftizoxime were increased in the milk from the udder. CONCLUSION: Administration of O. sanctum L. at 5 ml/kg oral with intravenous CFT at 20 mg/kg may be advocated for effective treatment of S. aureus inflammation of the udder in caprine.