Diversity,phytochemical and medicinal potential of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Phytochemistry Reviews - Ocimum, commonly known as Tulsi, is a huge genus within family Lamiaceae, comprising about 64 species of annual to perennial aromatic medicinal herbs with a long history of...     

Studies on the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. leaf.

Oral and intra-peritoneal acute toxicity and the sub-chronic intra-peritoneal toxicity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn, Lamiaceae (Ocimum oil), was investigated. The acute toxicity test involved the oral and intra-peritoneal administration of graded doses of Ocimum oil prepared as a 4% v/v emulsion to 2 groups each of 30 rats and mice. LD50 and LD100 were determined for both routes and species. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 test groups (treated with three graded sub-lethal doses of Ocimum oil prepared as a 4% v/v emulsion) and a control. Organs and blood samples were taken for analyses after a 30 day treatment period. A dose-dependent sedative effect of Ocimum oil was observed during the acute toxicity study in mice and rats and in the sub-chronic test in rats. Evidence of treatment, route, and dose-dependent toxicity were detected in both studies. Changes in weight of the testes, hearts, kidneys, intestines and lungs of the rats were statistically insignificant (ANOVA P < 0.05). Data analyses of blood biochemical, haematological and histopathological findings showed significant differences between control and treated groups and revealed that Ocimum oil is capable of invoking an inflammatory response that transits from acute to chronic on persistent administration. While the study revealed that Ocimum oil might be better tolerated when administered orally for systemic delivery, the oil has toxic potentialities that should not be overlooked.     

Comparative transcriptome analysis to identify putative genes related to trichome development in Ocimum species

Molecular Biology Reports - Genus Ocimum is known to have&nbsp;species possessing important therapeutic essential oil. The major phytoconstituents of essential oil in Ocimum species are...     

Comparative evaluation of antiinflammatory potential of fixed oil of different species of Ocimum and its possible mechanism of action.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil and linolenic acid found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The other species of Ocimum, viz. O. basilicum and O. americanum also containing linolenic acid in varying proportions, also showed significant inhibition of edema against carrageenan, PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The fixed oil of O. basiliaum containing maximum percentage of linolenic acid showed higher protection. The results suggests that linolenic acid percent in the fixed oils of different species of Ocimum has the capacity to block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism and could be responsible for the antiinflammatory activity.     

河南栽培罗勒和丁香罗勒的香气成分差异分析

目的:分析河南栽培罗勒(Ocimum basilicum L.)和丁香罗勒(Ocimum gratissimum L.)成龄叶香气成分的差异。方法:于2015年7月在云南师范大学呈贡校区随机采取长势健壮、无病虫害的河南栽培罗勒和丁香罗勒的成龄叶(自下而上第5、6片叶),采用气相色谱-质谱联用(GC-MS)进行检测;根据峰面积归一化法测定各个组分的相对百分含量。结果:河南栽培罗勒中检出24种香气物质,丁香罗勒中有26种。其中,1,3-二甲氧基苯、石竹烯、乙苯等是2种罗勒共有的主要香气成分。香叶醛、β-蒎烯、薄荷二烯是河南罗勒的主要特有香味成分;蒿脑、桉树脑及异龙脑是丁香罗勒的特有成分。结论:河南栽培罗勒和丁香罗勒种的叶片中香气成分的种类和含量存在明显差异。     

Anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant effect and cytotoxicity of ocimum sanctum intra oral gel for combating periodontal diseases

It is of interest to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant effect and cytotoxicity of Ocimum sanctum (an Indian herb, Thulsi) intra oral gel in combating periodontal diseases. Hence, 2% of O. sanctum gel was prepared with Carbopol940 soaked in purified water containing 0.2% w/v sodium benzoate overnight. Hydroxy proplyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) solution was mixed with propylene glycol using using tissue homogenizer. Anti-oxidant effect was analyzed using DPPH radical assay and anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using the inhibition of albumin denaturation assay. Ocimum sanctum gel with various dilutions from10 micro litres to 50 micro litres showed exponential increase in percentage of inhibition from 60.9 to 72.2 exhibiting antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ocimum sanctum gel showed comparatively equivalent effect with standard diclofenac gel with values ranging from 76.6 for 50 micro liters of Ocimum sanctum gel and 89.6 for standard gel at 50 micro liters. Ocimum sanctum showed less toxicity towards brine shrimp nauplii. Thus we show that Ocimum sanctum gel showed potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and less toxic to brine shrimp nauplii as a promising agent for the treatment of periodontal diseases.     

Chemical Characterization of basil (Ocimum Spp.) found in the markets and used in traditional medicine in Brazil

Ocimum species are used both in Brazilian traditional medicine against bronchitis, coughs, and sorethroat, and in foods and flavorings. The traditional uses of basil in Brazil are reviewed and fourteen accessions of basil, O. americanum (1), O. basilicum (3), O. campechianum (3), O. gratissimum (5), and O. selloi (2) were collected and brought from Brazil to the USA and grown at Purdue University. Upon flowering, the volatile oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and chemically analyzed by GC/ MS. Accessions ofO. gratissimum showed high eugenol (40-66%) and high thymol (31%), as a relative percentage of total volatile oil. Ocimum campechianum accessions showed high 1,8-cineole (62%) and ß-caryophyllene (78.7%). Accessions of O. basilicum were found to be rich in 1,8-cineole (22%), linalool (49.7%), methyl chavicol (47%) or methyl (E)-cinnamate (65.5%). An O. americanum var. americanum accession showed high methyl (E)-cinnamate (>90%). Volatile oils of O. basilicum and O. gratissimum naturalized in Brazil reflected the range of chemotypes found in their country of origin. Unusual basils from other Ocimum species were identified that can serve as genetic sources of aroma chemicals for crop improvement.     

The composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils in three Ocimum species growing in Romania

In this study the glandular hair morphology, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from three Ocimum species have been investigated (Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genovese, O. gratissimum and O. tenuiflorum). The indumentum shows little variation among the investigated species with both glandular and non-glandular hairs presents. Glandular hairs on the three species are peltate and capitate (with various cell numbers in the stalk and gland). The samples of essential oils obtained from the plant aerial organs by hydrodistillation have been analyzed by GC-MS. Linalool (65.38%, 74.22%, 38.60%), eugenol (5.26%, 3.47%, 10.20%) and tau-cadinol (8.18%, 3.47%, 10.20%) appear as the main components in Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genovese, O. gratissimum and O. tenuiflorum. The oils also contain lower levels of α-bergamotene, 1,8-cineole, germacrene D, β-ocimene, α-caryophyllene, camphor, and α-guaiene. All essential oils showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli depending on their concentration. Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genovese oil produced the strongest antibacterial effect on S. aureus and E. coli.     

Larvicidal activity of essential oils from Brazilian plants against Aedes aegypti L

Aedes aegypti L. is the major vector of dengue fever, an endemic disease in Brazil. In an effort to find effective and affordable ways to control this mosquito, the larvicidal activities of essential oils from nine plants widely found in the Northeast of Brazil were analyzed by measurement of their LC50. The essential oils were extracted by steam distillation and their chemical composition determined by GL-chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. The essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia sidoides, reported in the literature to have larvicidal properties against A. aegypti, were used for activity comparison. The results show that Ocimum americanum and Ocimum gratissimum have LC50 of 67 ppm and 60 ppm respectively, compared to 63 ppm for L. sidoides and 69 ppm for C. citratus. These results suggest a potential utilization of the essential oil of these two Ocimum species for the control of A. aegypti.     

Yield,Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of the Essential Oil of Sweet Basil and Holy Basil as Influenced by Distillation Methods

The profile and bioactivity of essential oil (EO) depends on genetic, environmental, and other factors. We hypothesized that the basil EO may be influenced by the distillation methods. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of steam distillation (SD) and hydrodistillation (HD) extraction method on the yield, composition, and bioactivity of EO of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). In both basil species, the EO yield (content) was significantly higher from SD than from HD. There were significant differences in the compounds’ concentrations of EO obtained from SD and HD as well, however, the same compounds were identified in the EO from HD and SD. In the EO of O. basilicum, the concentration of 74% of the identified compounds were higher in SD than HD, whereas in the EO of O. tenuiflorum, the concentration of 84% of identified compounds were higher in SD than in HD. However, the concentrations of two of the major compounds of O. basilicum EO (estragole and methyl cinnamate) and a major compound of O. tenuiflorum EO (methyl eugenol) were significantly higher in HD than in SD. The type of distillation did not affect the antioxidant capacity of basil EO within the species. This study demonstrated that the type of distillation may significantly affect oil yield and composition but not the antioxidant capacity of the EO from sweet and holy basil.     

Enrichment of tomato flavor by diversion of the early plastidial terpenoid pathway

We have modified the flavor and aroma of tomatoes by expressing the Ocimum basilicum geraniol synthase gene under the control of the tomato ripening-specific polygalacturonase promoter. A majority of untrained taste panelists preferred the transgenic fruits over controls. Monoterpene accumulation was at the expense of reduced lycopene accumulation. Similar approaches may be applicable for carotenoid-accumulating fruits and flowers of other species.     

Toxic and deterrent effects of two volatile oils against cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The fumigant effect of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils and their mixture against adults and eggs of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) was evaluated. Bioassay experiments showed that Ocimum basilicum oil was significantly effective against adult and egg stage which was the least effective. However, in the fumigant toxicity experiments against adult stage, Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 1.88), the mixture of both oils at a dose of 6.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 10.3) and Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 80.0% mortality (LC₅₀ = 41.224) during a one day exposure period. Regarding the oviposition deterrent activity, Ocimum basilicum oil achieved 100% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 0.5 μl/38.5 ml air) followed by the mixture of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils, which achieved 71.22% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air) and Mentha piperita oil, which achieved 39.6% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 5.0 μl/38.5 ml air). The essential oils and their mixtures studied here determined a significant decrease in the number of eggs hatched and in the emergence of adults. The eggs failed to hatch on using Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 0.6 μl/38.5 ml air. However, the number of eggs hatched decreased to 7.4 on using a mixture of oils at a dose of 2.0 μl/38.5 ml air and 14.0 with Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air compared with 25.0 eggs hatched in the control experiments. On the other hand, the percentage reduction in emerging adults were 100% for Ocimum basilicum oil, 90.9% for a mixture of the two oils and 72.7% for Mentha piperita oil. Results showed that Ocimum basilicum oil and Ocimum basilicum oils plus Mentha piperita oils in blend are potential alternatives to synthetic fumigants in the treatment of durable agricultural products. Successful adoption of plant oils in the protection of food commodities promises an eco-friendly option compatible with international biosafety regulations.     

The potential of a jumping spider, Phidippus clarus, as a biocontrol agent

Spiders, particularly assemblages of species, have been shown to be effective in reducing pest insects and crop damage in field crops and orchards. We investigated the potential for a single jumping spider species to reduce pests in a greenhouse setting. We placed three treatments in large enclosures: 1) control treatment of only sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum L.; 2) sweet basil and a phytophagous pest, fourlined plant bug, Poecilocapsus lineatus (F.) (Heteroptera: Miridae); and 3) sweet basil, fourlined plant bug, and jumping spider Phidippus clarus (Keyserling 1884). After 1 wk, jumping spiders reduced the number of plant bugs. Plants exposed to plant bugs alone were significantly shorter than either control plants or plants exposed to plant bugs and spiders. Chlorophyll concentration did not significantly differ across treatments. We discuss the feasibility of using P. clarus and similar salticids in biocontrol.     

Comparison between partial ulnar and intercostal nerve transfers for reconstructing elbow flexion in patients with upper brachial plexus injuries

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Ocimum sanctum and its saponin rich fraction in vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain in rats. Peripheral neuropathy was induced in rats by administration of vincristine sulfate (50 μg/kg i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. The mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, paw heat hyperalgesia and cold tail hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, hot plate and cold tail immersion tests, respectively. Biochemically, the tissue thio-barbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), super-oxide anion content (markers of oxidative stress) and total calcium levels were measured. Vincristine administration was associated with the development of mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, heat and cold hyperalgesia. Furthermore, vincristine administration was also associated with an increase in oxidative stress and calcium levels. However, administration of Ocimum sanctum (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) and its saponin rich fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for 14 days significantly attenuated vincristine-induced neuropathic pain along with decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels. It may be concluded that Ocimum sanctum has ameliorative potential in attenuating chemotherapy induced-painful neuropathic state, which may be attributed to decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels. Furthermore, saponin rich fraction of Ocimum sanctum may be responsible for its noted beneficial effect in neuropathic pain in rats.     

Spatial and temporal patterns in Arvicanthis niloticus (Desmarest, 1822) as revealed by radio-tracking

Arvicanthis niloticus was radio‐tracked in the grasslands of the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Home range sizes calculated by Ranges V^® using the Minimum Convex Polygon Method (at 95%) were on average 5.5 times larger in the bushland–grassland mosaic than those in the Abutilon guineense–Ocimum suave bushland. An inverse relation between home range size and population density was found. In both habitats the species was highly active during daylight hours but differed in activity patterns.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract: characterization,antimicrobial activity and toxicity analysis

Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology - The present study reports the optimization of various parameters for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum...     

Trypanocidal and cytotoxic effects of 30 Ethiopian medicinal plants

Trypanocidal and cytotoxic effects of traditionally used medicinal plants of Ethiopia were evaluated. A total of 60 crude plant extracts were prepared from 30 plant species using CH2Cl2 and MeOH. Effect upon cell proliferation by the extracts, for both bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and human leukaemia HL-60 cells, was assessed using resazurin as vital stain. Of all CH2Cl2 and MeOH extracts evaluated against the trypanosomes, the CH2Cl2 extracts from five plants showed trypanocidal activity with an IC50 value below 20 microg/mL: Dovyalis abyssinica (Flacourtiaceae), IC50 = 1.4 microg/mL; Albizia schimperiana (Fabaceae), IC50 = 7.2 microg/mL; Ocimum urticifolium (Lamiaceae), IC50 = 14.0 microg/mL; Acokanthera schimperi (Apocynaceae), IC50 = 16.6 microg/mL; and Chenopodium ambrosioides (Chenopodiaceae), IC50 = 17.1 microg/mL. A pronounced and selective killing of trypanosomes with minimal toxic effect on human cells was exhibited by Dovyalis abyssinica (CH2Cl2 extract, SI = 125.0; MeOH extract, SI = 57.7) followed by Albizia schimperiana (CH2Cl2 extract, SI = 31.3) and Ocimum urticifolium (MeOH extract, SI = 16.0). In conclusion, the screening of 30 Ethiopian medicinal plants identified three species with good antitrypanosomal activities and low toxicity towards human cells. Dovyalis abyssinica might be a promising candidate for phytotherapy of trypanosomiasis.     

Chemical and Olfactory Analysis of the Volatile Fraction of Ocimum gratissimum Concrete from Madagascar

The chemical composition of the volatile fraction of Ocimum gratissimum concrete (romba) from Madagascar has been determined for the first time by GC/MS and GC-FID. A methyl cinnamate chemotype has been determined for this material, along with a set of compounds typical in essential oils and extracts from plants of the Ocimum genus. Variability was mostly observed on terpenes and terpenoids components. GC-O-MS was also used for a sensory evaluation of this material performed by a master perfumer. The chemical composition of this O. gratissimum extract was then compared with literature data to assess subtle differences between chemotypes of the same species and other species of the same genus within natural variability. A mapping illustrates the occurrence of the cinnamate chemotype in Eastern Africa, India and now Madagascar, while other origins generally present eugenol, thymol, camphor, or linalool chemotypes.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity among Iranian accessions of Ocimum spp. using AFLP markers

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to assess the genetic, diversity of 120 Ocimum accessions belonging to five species and varieties named: Ocimum ciliatum, Ocimum minimum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens, O. basilicum var. dianatnejadii and O. basilicum var. alba. Eight AFLP primer combinations revealed 150 polymorphic bands (59.5%). The highest and the lowest PIC were 0.87 and 0.81 for E-CAA/M-ACC and E-CAA/M-AGA primer combinations, respectively, with average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.84 over all primer combinations. Cluster analysis based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic Average (UPGMA) and Jaccard’s coefficient grouped the five species and varieties into two main clusters. The first cluster contained the accessions belonging to O. ciliatum and the second comprised different botanical varieties of O. basilicum and O. minimum. The means of Shannon’s diversity index and Nei’s index of genetic diversity indicated that O. basilicum had the greatest variation, while O. ciliatum showed the least variation. Nei’s genetic identity measured in five Ocimum species and botanical varieties revealed the highest identity (0.939) between O. minimum and O. basilicum var. purpurascens and the lowest genetic identity (0.611) between O. basilicum var. purpurascens and O. ciliatum. In conclusion AFLP results indicated that O. minimum should be considered as a variety of O. basilicum.     

The effect of photoperiodism on the growth and the essential oil ofOcimum basilicum (Sweet Basil)

Economic Botany - Ocimum basilicum var.citriodora plants were grown in July and August under 9 hours of daylight, outdoors, plus 0 to 15 hours of fluorescent light (125 fc), indoors. The overground...