Evaluating Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extracts for the presence of phenolic compounds

Ocimum is the genus of aromatic herbs belonging to the family Lamiaceae. They are native to tropical and warm temperate climates of all the inhabited continents. The genus Ocimum includes several species of Basil in India, the most common being the Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil). Both the species are known for their ornamental and therapeutic importance attributed to their various phytochemical constituents. The present study was undertaken to assess the qualitative phytochemistry and to estimate the total phenolic content of the two plant extracts by Spectrophotometry and Thin Layer Chromatography. The results thus obtained suggest that the leaves of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum are potential sources of healthy phytochemicals particularly phenols.