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Purpose: Alternative and affordable tick control strategies are crucial to control and prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of 35 aqueous plant extracts (17%) against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii. Results: The phytochemical profile indicated the presence of various secondary substances. Plants were classified into three groups according to their mortality percentage 15 days post-treatment with 17%. This highly effective group (91%–95%) comprised Ocimum basilicum, Mespilus germanica, and Viola alpine followed by Carum carvi, Cucurbita pepo (peel), and Peganum harmala. A moderately effective group (80%–90%) included Acacia nilotica, Apium graveolens, Capsicum annuum, Ceratonia siliqua, Cucurbita pepo (seeds), Equisetum arvense, Eruca sativa, Ginkgo biloba, Plantago psyllium, Phyllanthus emblica, Punica granatum, and Ziziphus spinachristi. The 20 remaining plants were assigned to the less effective group (< 80%). Viscum album (58.3%), which was the least effective reference plant. The high potency of six plant extracts as acaricides may be attributed to the high content of active principles, e.g., phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Conclusion: All of these highly effective plants are recommended for use as an acaricide, in case of facing acaricidal resistance or limited options for tick control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper indicates the results obtained over 19 years of research on the common basil species (Ocimum basilicum L.) as an aromatic and food crop, the description of the cultivars bred and registered in the Catalogue of Plant Varieties of the Republic of Moldova, as well as elaborated technological elements. The data on the morpho-biological parameters and the production of fresh and dried raw material and essential oil in the researched cultivars were obtained after conducting different tests over several years in various scientific institutions. The cultivars of basil were selected according to the requirements of the regional and local market for aromatic herbs. The cultivars created and registered are meant for the food industry, but they have various purposes of use - those with lemon flavor are best suited for hot drinks and refreshing ones, those with savory and "sweet" flavored foliage - for garnishing appetizers and salads, and the cultivars with peppery flavored foliage - for the preparation of meat and fish dishes. Thus, 6 cultivars of aromatic basil have been created and registered, for various uses, suitable for the pedoclimatic conditions of our country and nearby areas, with high productivity of fresh and aromatic raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ocimum americanum L. (O. americanum) and Ocimum basilicum L. (O. basilicum) are highly valued aromatic medicinal plants. Their leaves are widely used as spices in traditional cuisine. Their essential oils (EOs) are extensively used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to investigate the main chemical profiles of O. americanum and O. basilicum leaf EOs and assess their effects on antibacterial, antioxidant, and larvicidal properties. Methods EOs were extracted from the leaves of O. basilicum and O. americanum using steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of the EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal-chelating techniques were used to assess the free-radical scavenging capability of the oils. The extracted oils were also tested for their antibacterial activities via a disk-diffusion test and the broth microdilution method. Furthermore, the mosquito larvicidal (Aedes aegypti) activity was tested using standard protocols. Results Camphor (33.869%), limonene (7.215%), longifolene (6.727%), caryophyllene (5.500%), and isoledene (5.472%) were the major compounds in O. americanum leaf EO. The EO yield was 0.4%, and citral (19.557%), estragole (18.582%) camphor (9.224%) and caryophyllene (3.009%) were the major compounds found among the 37 chemical constituents identified in O. basilicum oil. O. basilicum exhibited a more potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid tests than O. americanum. The zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration of the oils in the microdilution and disk diffusion methods were 8.00 ± 0.19 mm to 26.43 ± 2.19 mm and 3.12–100 µg/mL, respectively. At 400 ppm, O. basilicum and O. americanum EOs demonstrated larvicidal activity, with mortality ratios of 73.60% ± 0.89% and 78.00% ± 1.00%, respectively. Furthermore, after 30 min of exposure to O. americanum and O. basilicum EOs, the larval death rates were 73.60% ± 0.89% and 78.00% ± 1.00%, respectively. Conclusions The findings revealed that the EOs extracted from the leaves of O. basilicum and O. americanum exhibited reasonable antioxidant, antibacterial, and mosquito larvicidal potentials, and can be used as alternative medicine for the treatment of human health and larvicidal mosquito control.

In this study, we explored the in vivo effects of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extracts (OGE) on colorectal cancer (CRC) development provoked by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS). The results showed a significant reduction in the tumor load and tumor number for the OGEH group that received continued administration of OGE compared to the AOM/DSS group, with P values of <0.01, but this was not observed in the OGEHs group that received separated administration of OGE. All groups except the control group exhibited aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenocarcinoma of lesion pathology in colon, and both conditions were significantly reduced in the OGEH group (P  < 0.01) as compared to the AOM/DSS group. Subsequent investigation into whether OGE exhibits eliminative effects on DSS-induced severe colitis (SC) in mice showed that the disease activity index score was significantly reduced in the OGE-treated groups (P  < 0.01), also colon colitis histological score was reversed. These data suggest that OGE may be potentially effective in preventing CRC when administered throughout the promotional stages of carcinogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many regions, plants are the sole source of natural medicines. The numerous bioactive substances they contain have significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of many ailments. Determining the therapeutic characteristics of plants requires knowledge about their biological activity and essential oil contents. The mineral, nutritional, essential oil, and biological activity data for the genus Ocimum was gathered in this research. Several members of the genus Ocimum were found to engage in a wide variety of biological processes, as shown by the research findings. It has been discovered that this source may be very useful, particularly for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It's also said to contain naturally occurring minerals, nutrients, and essential oils. For this reason, plants belonging to the genus Ocimum are being considered as a potential valuable resource for use in the development of pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocimum americanum L. (O. americanum) and Ocimum basilicum L. (O. basilicum) are highly valued aromatic medicinal plants. Their leaves are widely used as spices in traditional cuisine. Their essential oils (EOs) are extensively used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to investigate the main chemical profiles of O. americanum and O. basilicum leaf EOs and assess their effects on antibacterial, antioxidant, and larvicidal properties. Methods: EOs were extracted from the leaves of O. basilicum and O. americanum using steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of the EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal-chelating techniques were used to assess the free-radical scavenging capability of the oils. The extracted oils were also tested for their antibacterial activities via a disk-diffusion test and the broth microdilution method. Furthermore, the mosquito larvicidal (Aedes aegypti) activity was tested using standard protocols. Results: Camphor (33.869%), limonene (7.215%), longifolene (6.727%), caryophyllene (5.500%), and isoledene (5.472%) were the major compounds in O. americanum leaf EO. The EO yield was 0.4%, and citral (19.557%), estragole (18.582%) camphor (9.224%) and caryophyllene (3.009%) were the major compounds found among the 37 chemical constituents identified in O. basilicum oil. O. basilicum exhibited a more potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid tests than O. americanum. The zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration of the oils in the microdilution and disk diffusion methods were 8.00 ± 0.19 mm to 26.43 ± 2.19 mm and 3.12–100 µg/mL, respectively. At 400 ppm, O. basilicum and O. americanum EOs demonstrated larvicidal activity, with mortality ratios of 73.60% ± 0.89% and 78.00% ± 1.00%, respectively. Furthermore, after 30 min of exposure to O. americanum and O. basilicum EOs, the larval death rates were 73.60% ± 0.89% and 78.00% ± 1.00%, respectively. Conclusions: The findings revealed that the EOs extracted from the leaves of O. basilicum and O. americanum exhibited reasonable antioxidant, antibacterial, and mosquito larvicidal potentials, and can be used as alternative medicine for the treatment of human health and larvicidal mosquito control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical profiling of essential oils (EOs) from Ocimum species can lead to species identification and the valorization of their potential use in the food and flavour industries. This research was undertaken to discriminate chemometrically between five very closely related species of Ocimum, viz., O. tenuiflorum (green basil), O. tenuiflorum (purple basil), O. gratissimum, O. kilimandscharicum, and O. basilicum, based on their leaf EOs, to identify the differential volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and to determine their anti-cholinesterase and antityrosinase activities. The leaf EO compositions were determined using GC-MS, and a total of 67 metabolites were identified. Untargeted metabolomics and multivariate analysis showed clear discrimination among the studied species based on their VOCs composition. PLS-DA (Partial least squares-discriminant analysis) identified the characteristic VOCs responsible for discrimination among the species. Based on VIP scores, the top 10 metabolites for discrimination among the selected species were detected, viz., linalool, α-cadinol, γ-murrolene, β-ocimene, α-eudesmol, γ-eudesmol, α-selinene, E-β-farnesene, humulene epoxide II and linalyl acetate. The quantification (mg/μL) of eugenol, β-caryophyllene, linalool, β-ocimene, and neo-allo-ocimene of the isolated leaf EOs were done by comparing with the standards. O. basilicum showed the highest AChE inhibitory activity whereas, O. tenuiflorum (green basil) showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition. These results led to the conclusion that the EOs of edible Ocimum species exhibit important enzyme inhibitory activities and can be potential sources of natural active ingredients for memory-enhancing as well as progressive neurodegenerative disorders and also as non-toxic skin lightening and anti-browning agents for fruits, vegetables, and other food substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four different varieties of tulsi were taken for their characterization for identification of metabolites. • GCMS, LC-MS/MS, FTIR, HPLC techniques were used for identification of flavonoids, phytochemicals, functional groups, polyphenols. • This is the first report on four varieties of tulsi naming Krishna, Vishnu, Camphor and Lavanga are taken for characterization. • Identification of proximate composition, flavonoid content and polyphenol estimation done by using standard protocols. • This paper will be a good reference paper for those who are looking for characterization of secondary metabolites. Leaves from four varieties of tulsi (Camphor, Krishna, Lavanga and Vishnu) were collected, dried and extracts were prepared using different solvents such as acetone, water, dichloromethane, ethanol, hexane and methanol. The total solids content in dried leaf powder was highest in Lavanga and Camphor, while Krishna showed the least. The study revealed that various secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and flavonoids were present in tulsi leaf extracts. The HPLC profiling showed the presence of rosmarinic acid in all the extracts irrespective of the solvent extraction. The other polyphenols present in the tulsi leaf extracts were p-coumaric acid, isothymucin, proto-catechic acid and caffeic acid. The GC-MS analysis of the extracts revealed methyl eugenol in Krishna variety with all the solvents, Bornanone in Lavanga and Camphor varieties in all the solvent extracts and caryophyllene in Vishnu variety. The LC-MS/MS profile of Krishna variety of tulsi showed mallic acid, citric acid, rosmarinic acid and asiatic acid as major compounds. The LC-MS/MS profile of Camphor variety of tulsi showed major peaks of compounds like mallic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and asiatic acid. The LC-MS/MS profile of Lavanga variety of tulsi showed mallic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, asiatic acid and sumaresinolic acid as major compounds. Similarly in case of Vishnu variety, mallic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, apigenin, and sumaresinolic acid were present in majority. These phytochemicals from natural plant sources are known to possess many health benefits and considered as safe. Hence, these bioactive compounds may be explored for possible application as nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic potentiality of medicinal plants is attributed by the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites or phytochemicals which will have various pharmacological activities. It is well known that every plant species possess complex mixture of bioactive compounds in which each component contributes to its overall bioactivity. The genus Ocimum, has long been acclaimed for their diversity and economic, nutritional, industrial and medicinal importance. The enormous information revealed by the ethnomedicinal applications of Ocimum species demands a scientific investigation into its chemical constituents. In the present study comparison of two Ocimum species, Ocimum gratissimum L. and O. sanctum L. were done in terms of phytochemical constituents and FT IR spectral analysis. Both Ocimum species showed variation in the presence of phytochemicals in different non polar to polar solvents extracts. FT-IR spectral analysis was attempted to analyze the functional groups and characteristic absorption bands & their corresponding functional groups revealed variations in fingerprint band features of Ocimum species. For O. gratissimum, the FTIR spectral peak starts at 3969.50 whereas in O. sanctum it was at 3967.57. The shared FT-IR regions between the species were 366.48, 489.92, 696.30, 1068.56, 1394.53, 2937.59 and 3728.40. Similarly, the unique bands for O. gratissimum were 1166.93 and 1512.19, while 1842.02 and 2397.52 represent that for O. sanctum. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of varied functional groups. Thus, the FT-IR spectra validated the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum plants are commonly used culinary herbs and fragrant ornamental plants. Beyond this feature, the present review firstly describes scientific studies on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of several Ocimum species. Secondly, the use of Ocimum plants as ingredients for food preservation, such as meat, fish and dairy products was covered. Thirdly, the phytochemical composition has been reviewed to reinforce further standardization to be Ocimum plants used as preservatives. Finally, other pharmacological properties (cardioprotective activity, anti-diabetic activity, hepato-renal protective activity, anticancer activity) are also reviewed. Overall, these plants can serve to promote food preservatives and functional ingredients, but there are still some challenges to be overcome as this review points out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stress factors such as salinity, drought, flooding, as well as low and high temperatures are the main factors that drastically influence crop yield worldwide. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of foliar spraying with humic acid and algal extract alone or in combination with organic fertilizers under salty soil conditions on the growth, essential oil composition, and quality of two basil varieties (O. basilicum var. basilicum and O. basilicum var. Genovese). Growth characters significantly increased when plants were sprayed with 1.5% humic acid and/or 3 ml/L algal extract (oligo X) as control < humic acid < algal extract (oligo X) < humic acid + algal extract (oligo X). Also, essential oil composition, yield, and proline content significantly increased after spraying with humic acid 1.5% and/or 3 mL/L algal extract. The two varieties differed in their growth characteristics; the number of branches and herb fresh weight; as well as essential oil percentage and yield per plant under control conditions, and thus differences were due to the differences in salinity stress tolerance. Both varieties differed in their response to treatments with humic acid and algal extract. The GC/MS results show the presence of 30 components in the essential oils of the studied basil plants. The major compounds were linalool, Estragole, and Eucalyptol. Linalool and Eucalyptol were much higher in O. basilicum L., while Estragole was much higher in O. basilicum var. Genovese. These results revealed humic acid and algal extract's vital role as eco-friendly fertilizers in improving basil plant growth, yield, and quality under salinity stress conditions. Which may be involved in sustainable medicinal plant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum spp. are the widely studied herbal plants because of their diverse biological activities. The present study aimed at comparative extraction of secondary metabolites and evaluation of their biological activities in different solvents such as acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water. Three Ocimum species, namely Ocimum basilicum L. (Green tulsi), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Jungli tulsi), and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Black tulsi), were selected for this study. Leaf extracts from dried powder of these species were prepared in different solvents. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, and total condensed tannins were estimated using standard assays. Fingerprint analysis using UV, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and fluorescent spectroscopy was also conducted. Total antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Fingerprint analysis indicated the presence of a sufficient level of polyphenolics in all the solvent extracts. Among all the solvents, acetone provided a higher yield of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in all Ocimum species. Black Ocimum showed the maximum level of antioxidants. All Ocimum extracts exhibited a sufficient level of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicated that by using appropriate solvents, bioactive compounds from Ocimum species can be extracted and used as therapeutic agents with potential biological activities.

Greenhouse and aquaponic productions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are well established, but the comparison between these two methods is not studied in detail. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of basil in both aquaponic and soil systems under greenhouse conditions. The plants were raised in aquaponic beds with ornamental fish and a set of plants was raised in soil pots under a greenhouse setup. The studied parameters were morphological, biochemical and antioxidant levels. In order to analyze the stress effects of an aquaponic system on plant defense mechanism, two different antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) were analyzed. Water quality parameters were monitored during the entire study period. Based on the results, there was a significant increase in growth parameters in the aquaponic system when compared to the conventional greenhouse cultivation of basil plants. The photosynthetic parameters showed a decline in the aquaponic system, but the biochemical parameters showed an enhancement in the aquaponic system of growing basil plants. The antioxidants exhibited a significant increase in the aquaponic system, which suggests a water stress effect on the plants induced by the aquaponic growing system. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the aquaponic system is the best suitable method for basil production in the UAE condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tulsi (Holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Lamiaceae), native to Asia, has become globalised as the cultural, cosmetic, and medicinal uses of the herb have been popularised. DNA barcoding, a molecular technique used to identify species based on short regions of DNA, can discriminate between different species and identify contaminants and adulterants. This study aimed to explore the values associated with Tulsi in the United Kingdom (UK) and authenticate samples using DNA barcoding. A mixed methods approach was used, incorporating social research (i.e., structured interviews) and DNA barcoding of Ocimum samples using the ITS and trnH-psbA barcode regions. Interviews revealed the cultural significance of Tulsi: including origins, knowledge exchange, religious connotations, and medicinal uses. With migration, sharing of plants and seeds has been seen as Tulsi plants are widely grown in South Asian (SA) households across the UK. Vouchered Ocimum specimens (n = 33) were obtained to create reference DNA barcodes which were not available in databases. A potential species substitution of O. gratissimum instead of O. tenuiflorum amongst SA participants was uncovered. Commercial samples (n = 47) were difficult to authenticate, potentially due to DNA degradation during manufacturing processes. This study highlights the cultural significance of Tulsi, despite a potential species substitution, the plant holds a prestigious place amongst SA families in the UK. DNA barcoding was a reliable way to authenticate Ocimum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is an important transmitter of diseases in tropical countries and controlling the larvae of this mosquito helps to reduce cases of diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) of Ocimum basilicum var. minimum (L.) Alef. The EO was extracted by stem distillation and the chemical composition was characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS and GC-FID). The larvicidal activity of EO was evaluated against third instar Ae. aegypti following World Health Organization (WHO) standard protocol and the interaction of the major compounds with the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated by molecular docking. The predominant class was oxygenated monoterpenes with a concentration of 81.69% and the major compounds were limonene (9.5%), 1,8-cineole (14.23%), linalool (24.51%) and methyl chavicol (37.41%). The O. basilicum var. minimum EO showed unprecedented activity against third instar Ae. aegypti larvae at a dose-dependent relationship with LC50 of 69.91 (µg/mL) and LC90 of 200.62 (µg/mL), and the major compounds were able to interact with AChE in the Molecular Docking assay, indicating an ecological alternative for mosquito larvae control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the surrounding environment on the bacterial composition of bioaerosol were well documented for polluted and contaminated sites. However, there is limited data on the impact of plant species, especially those that produce aromas, on bioaerosol composition at agricultural sites. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the variability in bacterial communities present in bioaerosol samples collected from agricultural sites with aroma-producing crops. For this, PM 2.5 , PM 10, and bioaerosol samples were collected from agricultural fields growing Ocimum [two varieties of O. sanctum (CIM-Aayu and CIM-Angana)] and O. kilimandscharicum (Kapoor), nearby traffic junctions and suburban areas. PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations at the agricultural site were in between the other two polluted sites. However, bioaerosol concentration was lower at agricultural sites than at other sites. The culturable bacteria Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus tequilensis , and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were more prevalent in agricultural sites than in other areas. However, the composition of non-culturable bacteria varied between sites and differed in three fields where Ocimum was cultivated. The CIM-Aayu cultivated area showed a high bacterial richness, lower Simpson and Shannon indices, and a distinctive metabolic profile. The sites CIM-Angana and CIM-Kapoor had a higher abundance of Aeromonas , while Pantoea and Pseudomonas were present at CIM-Aayu. Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus , and Bacillus were the dominant genera at the other two sites. Metabolic profiling showed that the CIM-Aayu site had a higher prevalence of pathways related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism and environmental information processing compared to other sites. The composition of bioaerosol among the three different Ocimum sites could be due to variations in the plant volatile and cross-feeding nature of bacterial isolates, which further needs to be explored. [Display omitted] • The particulate matter and bacterial bioaerosol were analyzed at different sites. • High bioaerosol and particulate matter were observed at traffic junction. • The bacterial genera present in each sample exhibited limited inter-site correlation. • The phyllosphere and rhizopshere contributed to bioaerosol at agricultural site. • Distinct bacterial communities were observed site with different Ocimum varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various applications of nanoparticles stimulates the need for synthesising them. But, the conventional methods are usually hazardous and energy consuming. This lead to focus on "green synthesis "of nano particles that was a efficient and eco friendly approach. Biological reduction agents are being explored worldwide to minimise the effects of toxic chemicals used in nanoparticles fabrication. The present study states a green approach for the synthesis of zinc oxide nano particles via complex formation with plant extracts of ocimum tenuiflorum (black Tulasi). Leaf extract was used as the biological reduction agent for synthesising zinc oxide nano particles from zinc sulphate. The resultant nanopowder was characterised using various analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, SEM, XRF, particle size analyser, The size range of nano particles obtained upon synthesis at optimum conditions was 50–63 nm as reported by TEM. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles indicating particle size within the range provided by electron microscopy data. Due to the large rate of toxic chemicals and extreme environment employed in the physical and chemical production of these NPs, green methods employing the use of plants, fungus, bacteria and algae have been adopted. This review is a comprehensive study of the synthesis and characterisation methods used for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs using different biological sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ocimum maintains rich diversity of species through natural and artificial outcrossing. Africa is named as one of the epicentres of plant diversity including numerous Ocimum species. Cytological evidence has attributed such diversity to extensive genome augmentation through selection, speciation, polyploidy and hybridization. This study identified polyploidy as the major natural phenomenon that drives successful hybridization programs or otherwise, within and among four Ocimum species studied and showed rate of gene exchange among the concerned species. All Ocimum species and variants used were grown for two generations before hybridization experiments were carried out. Interspecific and intraspecific reciprocal crossing was done. The crossed flowers were monitored for flower abortion and fruit formation. The resulting progenies from successful crosses were raised along with their parents and evaluated for all identifiable agronomic character differences and similarities. All viable seeds resulted from crosses involving at least one polyploid parent (tetraploids O. basilicum, O. canum and O. americanum). The intra- and interspecific hybridization programs recorded success within O. basilicum and between O. basilicum and tetraploid O. canum. Hybridization within O. canum was difficult due to differences in ploidy levels of O. canum parents used. Hybrid progenies obtained within O. basilicum parents (b1 and b2) and between b2 and tetraploid O. canum possessed morphological characters related to b2 parent while offspring from crosses between b1 and c1 combined characters from both parents. Pollen fertility in both O. basilicum and O. canum parents and their reciprocal crosses was more than 50 percent. O. basilicum displayed higher gene exchange capacity than other species. O. kilimandscharicum and O. americanum parents exhibited allopatric behaviour and low crossability with other seemingly sympatric species used in the study. Genome imbalance and incompatibility were associated with some of the possible causes of sterility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ocimum maintains rich diversity of species through natural and artificial outcrossing. Africa is named as one of the epicentres of plant diversity including numerous Ocimum species. Cytological evidence has attributed such diversity to extensive genome augmentation through selection, speciation, polyploidy and hybridization. This study identified polyploidy as the major natural phenomenon that drives successful hybridization programs or otherwise, within and among four Ocimum species studied and showed rate of gene exchange among the concerned species. All Ocimum species and variants used were grown for two generations before hybridization experiments were carried out. Interspecific and intraspecific reciprocal crossing was done. The crossed flowers were monitored for flower abortion and fruit formation. The resulting progenies from successful crosses were raised along with their parents and evaluated for all identifiable agronomic character differences and similarities. All viable seeds resulted from crosses involving at least one polyploid parent (tetraploids O. basilicum, O. canum and O. americanum). The intra- and interspecific hybridization programs recorded success within O. basilicum and between O. basilicum and tetraploid O. canum. Hybridization within O. canum was difficult due to differences in ploidy levels of O. canum parents used. Hybrid progenies obtained within O. basilicum parents (b1 and b2) and between b2 and tetraploid O. canum possessed morphological characters related to b2 parent while offspring from crosses between b1 and c1 combined characters from both parents. Pollen fertility in both O. basilicum and O. canum parents and their reciprocal crosses was more than 50 percent. O. basilicum displayed higher gene exchange capacity than other species. O. kilimandscharicum and O. americanum parents exhibited allopatric behaviour and low crossability with other seemingly sympatric species used in the study. Genome imbalance and incompatibility were associated with some of the possible causes of sterility.

Several species of the genus Ocimum are traditionally known and consumed by the population, but studies on aqueous extract composition are restricted to preparations by infusion. The aim of this study was to compare three different aqueous extractive methods (decoction, infusion, and maceration) of the leaves from Ocimum basilicum, O. gratissimum, and O. kilimandscharicum, using their chemical composition, and antioxidant and photoprotective potentials. Using the data from LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, we identified two organic acids and ten flavonoids in the extracts. Comparing the three studied species, O. gratissimum showed the greatest antioxidant and photoprotective potentials and the highest concentration of phenolic substances, followed by the species O. basilicum and O. kilimandscharicum. Considering the extraction methods, decoction showed the greatest antioxidant and photoprotective potentials and the highest content of phenolic substances regardless of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum species represent commercially important medicinal and aromatic plants. The essential oil biosynthesized by Ocimum species is enriched with specialized metabolites specifically, terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. Interestingly, various Ocimum species are known to exhibit diverse chemical profiles, and this chemical diversity has been at the center of many studies to identify commercially important chemotypes. Here, we present various chemotypes from the Ocimum species and emphasize trends, implications, and strategies for the quality and yield improvement of essential oil. Globally, many Ocimum species have been analyzed for their essential oil composition in over 50 countries. Asia represents the highest number of chemotypes, followed by Africa, South America, and Europe. Ocimum basilicum L. has been the most widespread and well-studied species, followed by O. gratissimum L., O. tenuiflorum L., O. canum Sims, O. americanum and O. kilimandscharicum Gürke. Moreover, various molecular reasons, benefits, adverse health effects and mechanisms behind this vast chemodiversity have been discussed. Different strategies of plant breeding, metabolic engineering, transgenic, and tissue-culture, along with anatomical modifications, are surveyed to enhance specific chemotypic profiles and essential oil yield in numerous Ocimum species. Consequently, chemical characterization of the essential oil obtained from Ocimum species has become indispensable for its proper utilization. The present chemodiversity knowledge from Ocimum species will help to exploit various applications in the industrial, agriculture, biopharmaceutical, and food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the burning of lemon basil straw (LBS)—the byproduct of basil seed production—we propose utilizing LBS as a replacement substrate for mushroom cultivation. LBS can stimulate both mycelial growth and percentage biological efficiency; however, the rigidity of this material limits particle size reduction. In this work, aqueous extractions were facilely performed without using either hazardous chemicals or complex procedures to valorize LBS as a stimulator for gray oyster mushroom cultivation. An aqueous extraction at solid-to-liquid of 50 g/L was employed. The macerated-LBS and decocted-LBS extracts were tested for mycelial growth in potato dextrose agar and sorghum grains. Following this, both aqueous extracts were applied as a wetting agent in cylindrical baglog cultivation to estimate mycelial growth, biological efficiency, and productivity. It was found that LBS extracts insignificantly enhanced the mycelia growth rate on all media, while the diluted LBS (1:1 v/v) extracts improved 1.5-fold of percentage biological efficiency. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer results indicated 9-octadecaenamide is a major component in LBS aqueous extract. Results demonstrated that the LBS extract is a good stimulator for the production of Pleurotus mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum spp. are the widely studied herbal plants because of their diverse biological activities. The present study aimed at comparative extraction of secondary metabolites and evaluation of their biological activities in different solvents such as acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water. Three Ocimum species, namely Ocimum basilicum L. (Green tulsi), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Jungli tulsi), and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Black tulsi), were selected for this study. Leaf extracts from dried powder of these species were prepared in different solvents. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, and total condensed tannins were estimated using standard assays. Fingerprint analysis using UV, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and fluorescent spectroscopy was also conducted. Total antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Fingerprint analysis indicated the presence of a sufficient level of polyphenolics in all the solvent extracts. Among all the solvents, acetone provided a higher yield of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in all Ocimum species. Black Ocimum showed the maximum level of antioxidants. All Ocimum extracts exhibited a sufficient level of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicated that by using appropriate solvents, bioactive compounds from Ocimum species can be extracted and used as therapeutic agents with potential biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Hypercholesterolemia is correlated with brain amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and impaired cognitive functions and contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. Effects of cholesterol-lowering dill tablets and aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) on learning and memory and hippocampus fatty acid composition were examined. mRNA levels of the genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis were also determined in high-cholesterol diet (HCD) fed rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were allocated to 4 groups: rats fed chow diet (C); rats fed high-cholesterol (2%) diet (HCD); rats treated with HCD+300 mg/kg dill tablets (HCD+Dill); and finally, rats fed HCD and treated with 400 mg/kg basil aqueous extract (HCD+basil). Treatment was carried out for 16 weeks. Hippocampus Aβ(1-42) level was determined. Spatial and passive avoidance tests were used to examine cognitive functions. Hippocampal FA composition was assessed by gas chromatography. Basil aqueous extract was analyzed by GC-double mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS) and expression of LXR-α, LXR-β, and ABCA1 genes was assessed by qRT-PCR. Results: Dill tablets and basil extract remarkably ameliorated serum cholesterol (p

The article presents aspects regarding the anatomy and composition of volatile oil in the species Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae), cultivar 'Aromat de Buzău'. Anatomical observations were made on cross-sections in the stems and lamina of the leaf. The epidermis of the leaf is unilayered, with the outer walls covered by a thin cuticle. Glandular and nonglandular hairs are present on both epidermis, especially on the lower epidermis. There are short glandular hairs, capitate or peltate and the non-glandular ones are unicellular or multicellular, sharp or with a curved tip. The stomata are present in both epidermis but more numerous in the lower epidermis, being of the diacytic type. The leaf mesophylle is bifacial with palisade tissue under the upper epidermis consisting of a single row of elongated cells, rich in chloroplasts and spongy tissue, below the lower epidermis, consisting of 3-4 rows of ovoid cells and with intercellular spaces. The oil has been extracted during the flowering period, by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main chemical compounds present in the volatile oil were: methyl chavicol (63.56 %), linalool (17.10 %), 1,8-cineole (4.01%) and α-epi-cadinol (2.64 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Ocimum of Labiatae is well known in all traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The pharmaceutical activities of different species of Ocimum attributed to all plant parts. Roots are the most significant vital organ of the plant, as they absorb water and nutrients from soil and transport to aerial parts of the plants. Roots of Ocimum were found helpful with free-radical scavenging activity to improve physical and mental strength as well as to treat diabetes, malaria, and liver problems. Antibacterial activity of Ocimum roots and its main component, rosmarinic acid, is very beneficial to protect against several human pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Being so important in every way, roots of Ocimum need healthy rhizosphere. Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, types of soil, fungicide, pesticides, salt, radioactive elements, as well as heavy metal contaminations, affect roots and overall growth of Ocimum in positive or negative ways. Each component of rhizosphere (natural, treatment or contamination) affects the roots, which highlights current ecological scenario to discover biosafe and more productive approaches. For such prestigious organ of Ocimum , development of in vitro root cultures and hairy root cultures assists to reduce the efforts and timing of the traditional cultivation process along with elimination of negative factors in rhizosphere. Different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes , various media compositions, as well as discrete treatments, like elicitors, on nonidentical species or cultivars of Ocimum boost the root induction, biomass, and accumulation of phytoceuticals differently. Hairy roots and in vitro roots of Ocimum accumulate higher quantity of therapeutic metabolites. These metabolites include several phenolics (like rosmarinic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, m-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, chicoric acid, and lithospermic acid), triterpenes (such as betulinic acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, alphitolic acid, euscaphic acids, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid) as well as flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, and dihydroflavonols). This review highlights pharmaceutical applications of Ocimum roots, a great deal of rhizosphere components and in vitro culturing techniques to enhance biomass as well as chief phytoceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large body of literature suggests that the extracts of Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) play protective roles against various inflammatory disorders. However, the possible mechanism of action with reference to the interactions of their respective phytochemical compositions with pro-inflammatory mediators as the indication of their therapeutic effects is less clear. Therefore, the immunomodulatory properties of O. gratissimum and T. vulgaris were investigated in this study. Methods: The in vitro lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials of methanolic extracts of the selected plants were assessed through colorimetric analysis. The pharmacokinetics of some identified compounds in the botanicals were investigated via the Swiss ADME server while the molecular interactions of the compounds with lipoxygenase, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and CCL-2 were performed through molecular docking. Results: The assessment of the lipoxygenase inhibition revealed the extracts could possess anti-inflammatory agents. The pharmacokinetic results of some selected compounds identified in the botanicals showed moderate toxic effects compared to indomethacin. The molecular docking study substantiated the report of the in vitro analysis as indicated in the binding score of all the selected compounds compared to indomethacin. Conclusion: The phytochemical components of the extracts of O. gratissimum and T. vulgaris could be effective as anti-inflammatory agents that could be explored in preventing disorders associated with excessive activities of pro-inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the antimicrobial potential of phenolic extracts of Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum sanctum on some selected pathogens microbial. Agar-well diffusion method has been utilized to investigate the antimicrobial activity. Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) are inhibited at all doses of phenolic extracts for two plants and also Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Paeruginosa pseudomonas and Proteus mirabilis). Gram-negative P. mirabilis more sensitive to attack by phenolic extracts in all concentrations of O. basilicum and O. sanctum, while, Gram-positive S. aureus more resistance. Highest inhibition zone of fungi at 3000 concentration (Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporium canis, Microsporium gypseum, Microsporium audouinii, Epidermophyton floccosum. T. soudanense more sensitive to attack by phenolic extracts at (P £ 0.05) of plants and E. floccosum more resistance. The results indicated higher concentration yield of phenolic compounds of O. basilicum was (11067.577 μg/ml), than O. sanctum (1254.717 μg/ml). Can be concluded from that phenolic extracts of O. basilicum have significant antibacterial and antifungal activity at (P £ 0.05) than O. sanctum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clove and lemon basil are widely used in Indonesian culinary and known for their antimicrobial properties. This study was designed to identify the chemical constituents of single clove and lemon basil Essential Oils (EOs) as well as determine the potential of the combinations of both EO for preserving chicken meats. Methods: The compositions of clove and lemon basil EOs were evaluated with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer. Three different concentration ratios of the combination of clove and lemon basil EOs (2:0.2, 1:1, and 0.1:2% v/v) were prepared along with single clove and lemon basil EOs in a concentration of 1% v/v. Their potential preservation effect was evaluated by observing the reduction of the microbial growth on the meats by evaluating Optical Density (OD) of cultured bacterial suspensions during 15 days of refrigerated storage. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS Statistics v. 20. Results: The major constituents of clove EO were eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene, while those of lemon basil were estragol, linalool, E-citral, and Z-citral. Both treatment groups and storage time affected significantly on ODs of the samples. Combination of these two EOs, particularly at the optimum ratio of 1:1%, showed the best microbial inhibitory activity, and delayed the sensorial changes of the meats for 12 days. Conclusion: The combinations of cloves and lemon basil EOs showed a better microbial growth inhibitory activity and preservation potential than those of the single use. This meat preservation effects might be related to the presence of high fractions of oxygenated compounds, mainly eugenol, Z-citral, and E-citral in both clove and lemon basil EOs. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.7.2.2888

The work aimed to determine the potential of selenium incorporation into seeds of selected species of Ocimum spp. after fortification with a foliar solution of sodium selenate at a concentration of 50 g Se · ha−1. In a 2-year trial, the selenium content was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption method with Zeeman background correction. Modified spectrophotometric method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] assays) was used to rate the potential of oxidation– reduction components of basil seeds (AA). The total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid (GA) as the standard solution. The results of experiments showed that the selenium biofortification significantly (p < 0.05) increased the content of selenium in basil seeds (17-fold increase in comparison with controlled variant in case of Tulsi, 12-fold in ‘Cinamonette’ and 12-fold in ‘Dark Green’ when compared with control). The basil seeds represented a valuable source of polyphenols (1414.61–1681.75 μg GA · g−1 dried weight [d.w.]) with multiple times higher antioxidant activity (23.50–28.97 mmol Trolox · kg−1) in comparison with common tested horticultural crops (e.g. peas, tomato and pumpkin). Significant influence of fortification was not found in AA and TPC values. Fortification was not significantly reflected in AA and TPC values. In addition to its very strong reproductive function, healing and religious purposes, the basil seed is used as a functional food due to its high content of bioactive compounds.

In this work, the Ocimum basilicum L. extract (OCE) was encapsulated in a cellulose nanofiber/chitosan composite system (CNF/CH) and examined for phenolic release, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The prepared OCE loaded composite had a smooth and porous surface with a high swelling index (60 mL g−1). The zeta potential of the CNF/CH was 18.7±0.8 mV. The fabricated CNF/CH exhibited excellent total antioxidant activity (598 µgAAeq mg−1), total phenolic content (62.4 µgGAeq mg−1) and DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl) (83%) scavenging activity. In vitro release experiment demonstrated the prolonged-release (up to 50% after 6 hours) of phenolic from CNF/CH due to a concentration gradient between CNF/CH and the solution. The release of phenolic occurs through both fickian and non-fickian diffusion. The CNF/CH exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium) bacterial strains with the inhibition percentage 97% and 99%, respectively. Results suggest that CNF/CH is a promising biomaterial for the development of the phenolic rich material and maintain the antioxidant activities of OCE.

Eugenol( 1 ), a terpenoid found in Ocimum, has various biological activities. The present study aims at extraction, isolation of the plant secondary metabolite eugenol ( 1 ), it's derivatisation and structure identification as bioactive molecules. Synthesis and antiplasmodial activity ( in-vitro and in-vivo ), of a series of fourteen novel eugenol-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives was done in the present study. Derivatives 5a - 5n showed good antimalarial activity against the strain Plasmodium falciparum NF 54 . Derivative 5 m , IC 50 at 2.85 µM was found to be several times better than its precursor 1 (106.82 µM) whereas the derivative 5n showed three fold better activity than compound 1 , in vitro . The structure-activity relationship of the synthesised compounds indicated that the presence of triazole ring in eugenol analogues is responsible for their good activity. Compound 5m , was further evaluated for in-vivo antimalarial activity which showed about 79% parasitemia suppression. It is the first report on antimalarial activity of triazole eugenol derivatives.

This study investigated the functional properties of freeze-dried encapsulated Oliveria decumbens Vent. (OEO) and basil (BEO) essential oils (EOs) in maltodextrin/gum arabic coating solution (1:1). Nanoencapsulated EOs were evaluated in terms of size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities (AOA and ABA), and sensory characteristics in vitro compared to the control. The TPC (30.43 to 32.41 mg GAE/g DW) and AOA (25.97 to 26.42 %) were determined in free and encapsulated OEO, and ABA was observed, which were higher than BEO. Both free and encapsulated OEO and BEO demonstrated significant ABA against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 mg/mL and MBC values ranging from 1.00 to 3.00 mg/mL. In minced meat, both free and encapsulated oils effectively reduced bacterial counts during refrigerated storage, with log reductions ranging from 1.00 to 6.48 CFU/g. Additionally, the pH and thiobarbituric acid values in meat samples were better maintained with the addition of oils. Sensory analysis showed that the encapsulated oils effectively masked their natural flavor and aroma, making them suitable for incorporation into food. Finally, OEO and BEO nanocapsules can improve the standard and safety of meat products due to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Greenhouse and aquaponic productions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are well established, but the comparison between these two methods is not studied in detail. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of basil in both aquaponic and soil systems under greenhouse conditions. The plants were raised in aquaponic beds with ornamental fish and a set of plants was raised in soil pots under a greenhouse setup. The studied parameters were morphological, biochemical and antioxidant levels. In order to analyze the stress effects of an aquaponic system on plant defense mechanism, two different antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) were analyzed. Water quality parameters were monitored during the entire study period. Based on the results, there was a significant increase in growth parameters in the aquaponic system when compared to the conventional greenhouse cultivation of basil plants. The photosynthetic parameters showed a decline in the aquaponic system, but the biochemical parameters showed an enhancement in the aquaponic system of growing basil plants. The antioxidants exhibited a significant increase in the aquaponic system, which suggests a water stress effect on the plants induced by the aquaponic growing system. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the aquaponic system is the best suitable method for basil production in the UAE condition.

Tulsi (Holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Lamiaceae), native to Asia, has become globalised as the cultural, cosmetic, and medicinal uses of the herb have been popularised. DNA barcoding, a molecular technique used to identify species based on short regions of DNA, can discriminate between different species and identify contaminants and adulterants. This study aimed to explore the values associated with Tulsi in the United Kingdom (UK) and authenticate samples using DNA barcoding. A mixed methods approach was used, incorporating social research (i.e., structured interviews) and DNA barcoding of Ocimum samples using the ITS and trnH-psbA barcode regions. Interviews revealed the cultural significance of Tulsi: including origins, knowledge exchange, religious connotations, and medicinal uses. With migration, sharing of plants and seeds has been seen as Tulsi plants are widely grown in South Asian (SA) households across the UK. Vouchered Ocimum specimens (n = 33) were obtained to create reference DNA barcodes which were not available in databases. A potential species substitution of O. gratissimum instead of O. tenuiflorum amongst SA participants was uncovered. Commercial samples (n = 47) were difficult to authenticate, potentially due to DNA degradation during manufacturing processes. This study highlights the cultural significance of Tulsi, despite a potential species substitution, the plant holds a prestigious place amongst SA families in the UK. DNA barcoding was a reliable way to authenticate Ocimum species.

The incorporation of phytoactive compounds in the management of malarial vectors holds promise for the development of innovative and efficient alternatives. Nevertheless, the molecular and physiological responses that these bioactive substances induce remain underexplored. This present study investigated the toxicity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum against larvae of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) and unraveled the possible underlying molecular pathways responsible for the observed physiological effects. FTIR and GCMS analyses of phytoactive compounds in aqueous and methanol crude extracts of O. tenuiflorum showed the presence of OH stretching vibration, C = C stretching modes of aromatics and methylene rocking vibration; ring deformation mode with high levels of trans-β-ocimene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene in aqueous extract and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane and o-cymene in methanol extract. The percentage mortality upon exposure to methanol and aqueous extracts of O. tenuiflorum were 21.1% and 26.1% at 24 h, 27.8% and 36.1% at 48 h and 36.1% and 45% at 72 h respectively. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), down-regulation of ABC transporter, overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, and α-esterase, coupled with significantly increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, were observed in An. gambiae (s.s.) exposed to aqueous and methanol extracts of O. tenuiflorum as compared to the control. Findings from this study have significant implications for our understanding of how An. gambiae (s.s.) larvae detoxify phytoactive compounds., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Aremu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)