Nitric Oxide Radical Scavenging activity of the Ethanolic and Chloroform extracts of Ocimum basilicum Linn. Leaves-A Comparative Study Kumar P.R.*, Priyadarsini S. Sakthi, Thirumal M Department of Pharmacognosy, SRM College of Pharmacy, Kattankulathur-603203, Tamilnadu, India *Corresponding Author E-mail:
Online published on 26 March, 2018. Abstract The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficiency of ethanolic and chloroform extracts of Ocimum basilicum Linn. leaves belonging to the family Labiatae for its in vitro antioxidant activity. The present study provides pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical details of the leaves of Ocimum basilicum which are useful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeia parameters. In microscopic studies, transverse section (TS) of the leaves and its powder characters were studied and its characteristic features were established. Physicochemical parameters such as total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value were determined. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of alcoholic extract and chloroform extract was carried out. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening were positive for flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, proteins and saponin. The antioxidant potential of the chloroform and ethanol extract was evaluated using nitric oxide scavenging methods. It was found that the ethanolic extract showed better antioxidant effect compared to the chloroform extract. Top Keywords Ocimum basilicum, Pharmacognostic, Microscopy, antioxidant, nitric oxide scavenging. Top |