Estimation of total phenolic content in selected varieties of Ocimum species grown in different environmental condition

Abstract

Plants produce specialized metabolites as part of their defence mechanism and the most prominent metabolites are alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds which have significant medicinal properties that cure several human diseases. The plants of genus Ocimum commonly called as Basil belonging to family Labiatae have remarkable therapeutic potentials. Traditionally leaves of basil used in treating cold, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, influenza, eye diseases, mosquito repellent, dysentery and diarrhoea. Essential oil of basil has antibacterial, antifungal, antifertility and antiviral properties. The objective of this research was to estimate the total phenolic content present in methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum L, Ocimum gratissimum L and Ocimum basilicum L when grown in shade and open field. Methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum L is presented best total phenolic content 0.165 mg GAE/g and 0.196 mg GAE/g when grown in shade and open field respectively.