Abstract:
In Traditional Medicine, different parts of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. (Lamiaceae) have
been recommended for the management of respiratory system related diseases. Phytochemicals from
medicinal plants are a significant source of conventional medical treatments. The goal of the current
study was performed to assess for the occurrence of phytochemical compounds in leaves and flowers
of Ocimum tenuiflorum L., which were collected from Jaffna district. The shade dried plant materials
were ground and extracted with alcohol and water via the cold extraction procedure. These extracts of
each part powder were used to detect the presence of phytochemicals. The total phenolic and tannin
contents were estimated by the colorimetric technique. These assays were conducted in triplicate and
the statistical values were expressed mean with standard deviation. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids,
phenol, coumarins, aromatic amino acids and anthocyanin were found in ethanolic, methanolic and
aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers of this plant. Highest total phenolic contents (μg GAE/g);
methanolic leave, methanolic flower, ethanolic leave and ethanolic flower extracts were found to be
422.12±66.69, 386.06±14.44, 228.48±8.82 and 199.39±61.92 respectively. The total tannin contents
(μg TAE/g) of all extracts were almost similar except for the methanolic extract of leaves which was
higher (1.160±0.14). The present study revealed that the methanolic and ethanolic extract of leaves
and flowers contains basic phytochemicals, and total phenol and tannin contents are higher in the
methanolic extract of leaves and flowers of Ocimum tenuiflorum than in other extracts. Therefore, it
can be used as therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals in the management of respiratory tract diseases
