Mineral salt composition and secondary metabolites of Ocimum gratissimum L., an antihyperglycemic plant

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus affects more and more people in poor areas of developing countries. The search for an adequate treatment and within the reach of the population has moved us to select the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum. Phytochemical screening was carried out on one hand, detecting major groups of secondary metabolites, on infused 10% aqueous and on the other hand minerals salt in point microanalysis dispersive spectrometry. Toxic test was carried out using white mice CF1 type. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponin, sterol and terpenes, alkaloid, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids and especially mucilage. The amounts of total polyphenols and total flavonoids were respectively 11,98mg EAG / g and 3,99mg EQ / g of dry extract. The phytochemical screening revealed moisture content of 8.97%, total ash of 8.45%, sulfuric ash of 10.27% and ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid 0.96%. The presence of Cu, Zn, K, Ca and Mg having an important role in glucose metabolism was revealed. The study of acute toxicity showed that the toxic dose could be greater than 3000mg / kg. Also, the leaves are eaten as vegetable by some people. The results indicated that the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum contain minerals and bioactive secondary metabolites that, in combination, may explain their therapeutic uses for treating diabetes.