Phytochemical Screening and Mineral Composition of the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf)

Abstract

The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum having some ethno-medicinal applications were investigated. The phytochemicals screening of the leaves using Standard Methods and further analysis with HPLC revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phlobatanins, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The result revealed the presence of Na (0.311±0.049), Ca (0.138 ±0.111), Mg (1.712 ± 0.537), K (0.261± 0.077), Mn (0.457±0.107, Pb (0.005 ± 0.002), Zn (0.200 ±0.06), Cu (0.803±0.818), N (0.286± 0.052), and Fe (0.312 ± 0.067). Cd and Cr were not detected in the samples. This investigation suggested that Ocimum gratissimum leaves are rich in phytochemical constituents which contributed to its medicinal uses. The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum can be said to contain some components of medical value since the chemical components elaborated by it are active principles (alkaloid, steroids and glycosides). Ocimum gratissimum also contain most of the essentials elements indicating its nutritive values and less toxic as Cd and Cr were not detected in the leaf.

Assessment of the Proximate and Elemental Composition of the Leaves, Stem Bark and Roots of <i>Bobgunnia fistuloides</i>

“…The iron content was more abundant in the leaves (102.07 mg/kg) followed by the stem bark (70.44 mg/kg) while the roots had the lowest (6.17 mg/kg). The iron content of the leaves obtained in this study is higher than the 98.2 mg/kg reported for the leaves of Cassia nigricans by Gbekele-Oluwa [25], and the 90.31 mg/kg reported for the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum by Alexander [28]. The recommended daily intake of iron is 8-18 mg per day [23].…”

“…The calcium content (2405.48 mg/kg) of the leaves was the highest followed by the stem bark (1208.64 mg/kg) while the least was the root (977.36 mg/kg). In all the values obtained for calcium content in B. fistuloides parts were significantly higher above the calcium content in Ficus capensis leaves (1.86 mg/kg) and leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) (0.14 mg/kg) as reported by Achi et al, [27] and Alexander [28]. The recommended daily intake of calcium for both children and adults are in the range of 800-1200 mg [25].…”

Effect of Ocimum gratissimum L. on Growth and Egg Size of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica, Temmick)

“…Sodium was present and has an important role in maintaining the water balance within cells and in the function of both nerve impulse and muscles. The sodium also helps in maintenance of normal acid-base balance (59). Calcium (Ca) was present which plays an important role in building and maintaining strong bones.…”

Influence of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) on the Organoleptic Acceptability and Shelf Stability of Yoghurt

“…The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum contain many bioactive compounds including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, and flavonoids [19,20]. These bioactive compounds, also known as phytochemicals, have been implicated with many pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, antithrombic and also antioxidant properties [17,18,19,20,21,22,23].…”