Phamacognostic study of Ocimum gratissimum Linn.: Pharmafood plant.

Abstract

Objective: To study the preliminary characteristics and pharmacognostic of Ocimum gratissimum Linn., medicinal plant, used as food in some parts of West Africa. Methods: The pharmacognostic study involved performing macroscopic and microscopic examination of fresh and dry medicinal plant. The study of physicochemical parameters consisted of the determination of moisture content, total ash and insoluble sulfur in hydrochloric acid.rnResults: pharmacognostic examination revealed a small plant with small stalked leaves. The fruits are in the form of small capsules. The anatomo-histological section, showed trichomes, palisade cells, spongy parenchyma, vascular unit. On the stem, primary tissues, a fundamental parenchyma is observed. Micrographic revealed oily cells, spiral and wood beams spiral beams. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic analysis and physico-chemical characteristics can help in the efficient use of this plant.