Stem volatile oils composition of Ocimum basilicum L. cultivars and Ocimum gratissimum L. from Nigeria

Abstract

The stems essential oils of Ocimum basilicum L. (Napoletano and sweet basil cultivars) and O. gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) were analyzed for composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of thirty-four constituents were identified. Estragole (59.6% and 57.4%) dominated the O. basilicum stem oils; β-caryophyllene (13.9%) and β-bisabolene (15.7%) were also prominent components in the sweet basil oil. The main components of O. gratissimum stem oil comprised of β-carophyllene (15.3%), thymol (12.9%) and γ-terpinene (11.7%). Distinct chemical profiles were obtained for the volatile oils of O. basilicum and O. gratissimum species; however the oils of O. basilicum cultivars showed strong chemical similarity.