Comparative Quantitative estimation of total tannin content of leaves of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), Mentha (pudina) and Camellia sinensis (tea leaves)

Abstract

Ocimum sanctum or Tulasi is a perennial plant belonging to the family of Lamiaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant all over the Southeast Asian tropics. Mentha or mint, is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae, distribution across Europe, Africa (Southern Africa), Asia, Australia Oceania, North America and South America. Camellia sinensis (tea) belonging to the Theaceae family is a plant that generally cultivates in tropical and subtropical climates. Present study was to estimate total tannin content of leaves of Tulsi, mint and tea. Tannic acid was used as a standard and the total tannin content were expressed as tannic acid equivalents (TAE). Absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer at 720nm. The study shows that the tannin contents of pudina and tulsi leaves is comparable whereas the tannin content of tea leaves is much more as compare to above pudina and tulsi leaves. The research will be continue to determine the other phytochemical constituent like flavonoid, Bitter, Alkaloids and Saponin etc.