Advances in Fusion Research

Chemical characterization of basil (Ocimum spp.) based on volatile oils

“…[2][3][4] Extracted essential oils from basil are used to flavor foods and dental and oral products. 1 Basil volatile oils have also been show to contain biologically active constituents that are insecticidal, nematicidal, fungistatic and have antimicrobial properties. 5 More than 40 types of basil available in North America 6 have been described.…”

“…The Reunion type, from the Reunion and Comoro Islands, Thailand, Madagascar and Vietnam, is characterized by its high concentrations of methylchavicol. 9 Methylcinnamate-rich basil has been commercially produced in Eastern Europe, 1 India, Guatemala and Pakistan. 9 A basil from Java, 1 and Russia and North Africa 9 has been reported to be a eugenol-rich basil.…”

“…9 Methylcinnamate-rich basil has been commercially produced in Eastern Europe, 1 India, Guatemala and Pakistan. 9 A basil from Java, 1 and Russia and North Africa 9 has been reported to be a eugenol-rich basil. The occurrence of interspecific hybridization and polyploidy within this genus 10 of about 30 species 11 has created taxonomic confusion and challenges to understanding the genetic relationship between the multitude of basils.…”

“…1,9 The European type (Italy, French or sweet basil), considered to be the highest quality and producing the finest odor, contains linalool and methylchavicol as the major constituents. 1 Egyptian basil is very similar to the European, but with a higher relative percentage of methylchavicol. The Reunion type, from the Reunion and Comoro Islands, Thailand, Madagascar and Vietnam, is characterized by its high concentrations of methylchavicol.…”

“…1 Basil is also an important ornamental plant, with a variety of leaf and inflorescence shapes, sizes and colors. Besides the commercial basil, many other species of Ocimum are used in traditional ceremonies and medicines, mainly in their country of origin.…”