GC-FID based metabolite profiling of leave extracts from naturally growing Ocimum basilicum L. Ocimum gratissimum L. and Ocimum tenuiflorum L.

Abstract

Ocimum spp., also known as “tulsi” member of Lamiaceae, are widely studied herbal plants. Due to their diverse biological activities, Ocimum basils are the most popular traditional herbal remedies against various diseases. The aim of the present study is comparative chemical composition profiling of bioactive compounds from three species viz: Ocimum tenuiflorum (Black tulsi), Ocimum gratissimum (Jungli tulsi), and Ocimum basilicum  (Green tulsi). Leaves extracts from dried powder were prepared in acetone/water mixture solvent. GC-FID was used to study the comparative chemical profile of cultivars. The results revealed the presence of various bioactive constituents in acetone extracts but in a species-dependent manner. The main bioactive constituents in O. tenuiflorum were: β-bisabolene and tetracontane, in O. gratissimum were: 4-methyl - 2 -pentyl acetate and tetracontane, in O. basilicum were:  β-bisabolene and tetracontane. The results indicated that bioactive compounds from tulsi species can be extracted and used as therapeutic agents having potential biological activities.