Evaluation of some anti-oxidative constituents of three species of Ocimum

The use herbal medicines for combating with several kinds of health hazards has been traditionally practiced by different human societies since long past. Among the plants known for their therapeutic value, the genus Ocimum, commonly known as ‘Basil’ is very important for its curative potential. In traditional Ayurvedic system mainly the leaves and the seeds of different species of ‘Basil’ were recommended for household remedies from several diseases. Three different species of Ocimum (Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum canum Sims.) were grown under laboratory condition for analyzing some of their antioxidative constituents using standard methods. The results revealed that the leaf extract of Ocimum canum had the highest amount of carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoid content than the other two species. Riboflavin and thiamine content also much higher in Ocimum canum, whereas Ocimum sanctum contained highest amount of ascorbic acid. The results obtained in this effort clearly indicate that, the leaves of these three species of ‘Basil’ have strong antioxidative potential, and surely can be used as a cheap source of natural antioxidants.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i5.11858