<i>In vitro</i> assessment of antioxidant, phytochemical and nutritional properties of extracts from the leaves of <i>Ocimum Gratissimum</i> (linn).

Abstract

The antioxidant, phytochemical and nutritional properties of acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn) were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic and nutritional potential of the leaves of this plant. The antioxidant of the plant extracts were assessed against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing agent. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidins were determined to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant. The extracts exhibited DPPH and ABTS .+ radical scavenging activities, which was comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponin, steroids, cardiacglycoside, flavonoid, terpenoids and phenol. The proximate analysis confirms that the leaves contain appreciable amount of ash, crude protein, lipids, fibre and carbohydrates. The macro and micro elements and constituents revealed that the leaves contain significant amount of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, nitrogen, and manganese. This study shows that the leaf can be used as a therapeutic agent and justifies its application in folkloric medicine.

Anti-vibrio potentials of acetone and aqueous leaf extracts of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> (Linn)

“…These medicinal properties exert bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effects on some bacteria which have earlier been reported [5,6]. The medicinal properties of Ocimum gratissimum according to our study reveal that biologically active components of this plant have disease inhibiting ability potentials [7]. Pharmacologically active molecules may act individually, additively or in synergy to improve health [8].…”

“…These phytochemical compounds have been known to play different roles in the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants. Previous reports have demonstrated the anti-diarrhoeal activity of tannin, flavonoid and saponin, these secondary metabolites were elucidated in our previous studies [7], these molecules may act individually, additively or in synergy to improve health. The phytochemicals present in Ocimum gratissimum leaves might be responsible for the anti-vibrios activities found in this study, more so as most Vibrio species are implicated in diarrhoea.…”

Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of root and stem bark of Bridelia ferruginea. Benth. (Euphorbiaceae)

“…This support reasons for using the plant in traditional medicine. Just et al, 1998 andIgbinosa et al, 2013 demonstrated the inhibitory effect of saponins on inflamed cells.…”

Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activities of Crude Extracts from Acacia Senegal Leaf Extracts

“…Phenols, flavonoid and anthraquinones were reported to possess tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial activities. 21,22 Antioxidant potential of alkaloid, tannin, terpenoids and steroids have also been reported. 23 Free radicals are generated in the body during metabolism.…”