Chemical Composition of Ocimum americanum In Sudan

Abstract

Plants are one of the most important of medicines. Basil (Ocimum americanum) is one such plant which symbolize all that is extraordinary in nature because the entire whole plant has been used traditional medicine for household remedy against various human from antiquity. The genus O.americanum is known to include species accumulating essential oils. In this study the secondary metabolites of both flowers and leaves of O.americanum which occur in the central Sudan. The proximate analysis to samples showed the percentage of moisture content, total ash, crude fiber and fiber protein of the leave and flowers. The elemental analysis used Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and flame emission for Ca, Fe, Na, K, Mg, Pb and Mn plant under study. Preliminary phytochemical screening for carbohydrate, reducing sugars, monosaccharide, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, protein, amino acids and anthraquinones were performed. Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis of n-hexane extracts, 22 nature compounds were recorder, most of the identified compounds in the extracts were terponoids in O.americanum monoterpenes were found to be7.29% and sesquiterpenes (4.80%)whereas alcohols and fatty acids were found to be the major constituents (1-Octanol 39.09% and Octyl acetate 38.87%) respectively. The results obtained showed that O.americanum is a good source of food and therapeutic agents which could be of use food and pharmaceutical industries information about the chemical composition of the oil could then be useful in the classification of this plant.

Proximate and phytochemical constituents of Ocimum sanctum in Sudan

“…The ash content is a reflection of its mineral content. The ash content of the leaves compared to the flowers presents that the minerals are more concentrated in the leaves than in the flowers (Mustafa and El-kamali, 2019).…”

“…It is also been reported to have antifungal properties Tannins are khoum to exhibit antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumor activities. It was also reported that certain tannins are able to inhibit HIV replication (Mustafa and El-kamali, 2019).…”

“…It is specially required for opening of stomata by light; no other physiological ion can substitute for potassium in this crucial role In fact, plant life would not be possible without this element. In medicine, high potassium content in plant samples has diuretic properties (Mustafa and El-kamali, 2019). The result of iron content shows that the has O. sanctum 2.826 mg/100g.…”

Preliminary phytochemical screening of some selected medicinal plants in Sudan

“…From table 1. The Saponin found in all plants except in Hydnora abysinica, Saponins are steroidal glycosides with foaming characteristics and bitter taste that have beneficial effect on the blood cholesterol levels, fight cancer and help in health and the stimulation of immune system [15] . Saponins have hemolytic properties and are used as starting materials for the synthesis of steroidal drugs like corticosteroids, the sex hormone stimulants and contraceptives [16] .…”

“…Many phytochemicals found in plants are either the product of plant metabolism or synthesized for defence purposes. The phytochemicals are either useful or toxic to human body [15] . Key: + = present; _ = Absent…”