Genus Ocimum Research Articles

Efficiency and reliability of random DNA markers (RDMs) for evaluation of genetic variability and relationship in Ocimum accessions

The genus Ocimum is characterized by a great variability in both morphological features and chemical composition because the cross-pollination appears leads to various species, subspecies, varieties and forms. In addition, the taxonomy of Ocimum is complicated by the existence of numerous botanical varieties, cultivar names, and chemotypes within the species that may not differ significantly in morphology. In the present study, genetic diversity and relationships within and among 24 Ocimum accessions from five different agro-climatic regions of West Bengal were developed using PCR-based Random Amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. The RAPD primers developed 191 robust loci, which revealed 69.42% polymorphism and 83 ISSR markers generated 67.46% polymorphism. Genetic diversity parameters [average and effective number of alleles, percent polymorphism, average heterozygosity, intralocus gene diversity, polymorphic information content (PIC)] for RAPD, ISSR, and RAPD+ISSR along with UPGMA clustering based on Jaccard's coefficient were estimated with a view to assess efficiency of the marker system in Ocimum. The UPGMA dendrogram generated using cumulative data revealed significant relationships among the genotypes. All 24 genotypes studied grouped into three clusters irrespective of their geographical affiliations with 100% bootstrap value except few genotypes, suggesting considerable diversity among the genotypes. Further the results demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of RAPD and ISSR markers in determining the genetic diversity and relationships among the Ocimum germplasm. RAPD and ISSR profiling have identified diverse Ocimum genotypes, which could be further utilized in various genetic improvement programmes including conventional as well as marker assisted breeding towards development of new and desirable Ocimum genotypes.

Diversity, phytochemical and medicinal potential of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Ocimum, commonly known as Tulsi, is a huge genus within family Lamiaceae, comprising about 64 species of annual to perennial aromatic medicinal herbs with a long history of traditional uses. The aromatic plants of the genus Ocimum have long been used as flavouring agents, as well as diverse medicinal applications. Our comprehensive review covers the published literature through the period from 1961 to April 2019 and provides a complete survey of nearly all the studied species up to date. Additionally, all related taxonomic data, geographical distribution as well as different traditional uses are discussed here in details. The major chemical classes within the genus Ocimum include flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes. The bioactivities of various extracts or individual compounds, both in vitro and in vivo, include antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant. This comprehensive review will serve as a database for future research and drug development from the genus Ocimum.

Chemical, biological and in silico assessment of Ocimum viride essential oil

AimsOcimum viride Willd. (family: Lamiaceae) is a member of the genus Ocimum, an aromatic annual and perennial herb with numerous culinary, horticultural and ethno-medicinal benefits. This study aims to explore the chemical properties of leaf essential oil (EO) from Ocimum viride and to evaluate its antimicrobial and anticancer potential. Main methodsCharacterization of essential oil was done by GCMS, antimicrobial by agar well diffusion methods, in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation by MTT assay, cell death analysis was done by DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis, nuclear morphology analysis and molecular docking studies were also conducted. Key findingsEssential oil from aerial parts (leaf) of Ocimum viride revealed high content of oxygenated monoterpenes, notably thymol (~50%) and γ-terpinene (~18%). Further, antibacterial analysis showed that among all the evaluated bacterial species EO showed highest sensitivity against the Bacillus subtilis and was also found most effective against HT-29 colon cancer cell line with IC50 value of ~0.034 ± 0.001μL/mL. Mechanistic studies revealed that EO inhibits the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells probably through induction of irreparable DNA damage leading to subsequent cell death in apoptotic manner. Molecular docking analysis also supports the in vitro studies conducted by indicating the interaction of thymol with Sec A protein of Bacillus subtilis cell wall as well as with Beclin protein responsible for apoptotic corpse clearance. SignificanceTaken together, our results indicate that EO possesses potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties, and may find applications as effective antibacterial and in cancer therapeutics.

Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactive Properties of Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. 'Cinnamon') and Lemon Basil (Ocimum × citriodorum).

The aim of this work was to contribute to the knowledge on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of two species of the Ocimum genus, namely O. basilicum cultivar ’Cinammon’ and O. × citriodorum. For this purpose, samples of these plants grown in Portugal were evaluated for their composition in phenolic and volatile compounds, and the infusion and hydroethanolic extracts were assessed for their in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In total, the two basil samples showed the presence of seven caffeic acid and derivatives (dimers, trimers, and tetramers) and five flavonoids, mainly glycoside derivatives of quercetin. Despite some qualitative and quantitative differences, in both samples rosmarinic acid was the major phenolic compound, and linalool the predominant volatile compound. In general, the tested extracts provided relevant bioactive properties since both basil species showed higher antioxidant activity in Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARs) and Oxidative Hemolysis Inhibition (OxHLIA) assays when compared with the positive control Trolox. Despite O. × citriodorum extracts showing slightly better activity against some strains, both types of extracts evidenced similar antimicrobial activity, being more active against Gram-positive bacteria. The extracts also revealed interesting cytotoxicity, particularly the O. × citriodorum hydroethanolic extract which was also the only one exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity.

Phylogenetic analyses of some Egyptian genus of Lamiaceae family using rbcL sequences

Six local Egyptian commercial cultivars of family Lamiaceae, two cultivars of genus Ocimum L. (Basil), two cultivars of genus Menthe L. (Mint), and two cultivars of genus Thymus L. (Thyme) were analyzed for ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase Large (rbcL) gene at the level of DNA sequences. All samples successfully amplified the ± 630 bp fragment. Additionally, the results of alignment analysis using BLASTN tools divulged that the sequence of DNA rbcL for the two local basil cultivars (Basil1 & Basil2) has similarities with (Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum kilimandscharicum and Ocimum gratissimum) 100, 99.69, 99.37 and 99.06 respectively. In addition, two local mint cultivars (Mint 1 and Mint 2) has similarities with Mentha spicata, Mentha_pulegium, Mentha canadensis and Mentha menthaefolia, 99.85, 99.84, 99.69 and 99.53 respectively. For thyme local cultivars (Thyme1 and Thyme2), Thym1 cultivar sample genotype is genetic closely with species, (Thymus alsinoides and Thymus sibthorpii) with 99.69 and 99.84 respectively and they located nearest from the cluster (Thymus genus) members in phylogenetic trees while, Thym2 is located after the cluster with Artemisia genus belonging to family Asteraceae. The reason of this result may be occurring due to that a Thym2 genotype comes from local marketing, which some of them are selling it as a thymus genus however, it is belongs to Artemisia genus and has similarities with with seven species of Artemisia genus (Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia gmelinii, Artemisia selengensis, Artemisia scoparia, Artemisia maritima, Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia fukudo). Using of rbcL DNA barcode proves to be effective in identifying the plants from the family level up to the genus level. This study demonstrates the efficiency of using rbcL barcoding primer to classify family Lamiaceae phylogenetically. It is also concluded that the rbcL gene showed genuine potentials to distinguish the plant Egypt species under investigation into the proper family and genus. s to distinguish the plant Egypt species under investigation into the proper family and genus.

Meticulous approach towards pharmacognosy and socio-economic impact of ethnomedicinal plant: Ocimum kilimandscharicum

The genus Ocimum has been of great therapeutic potential. It comprises of more than 150 species and subspecies across the globe. One of the species is being named as Ocimum kilimandscharicum due to its native geographical distribution, Kilimandscharo hills of Africa. It is a small, bushy perennial plant, bearing an elongate inflorescence of whorled, bracted small flowers. Traditionally, leaves of the plant are used against pests and to repel insects. The plant is also useful in various ailments like cough, bronchitis, catarrh, bacterial infections, viral infections, foul ulcers, stomachache, wounds and anorexia. It is also known as ‘Camphor Basil’ due to the presence of camphor as the major ingredient in the essential oil. Apart from camphor, the essential oil also contains 1,8-cineol, linalool, camphene, eugenol, ocimene and α-terpineol. Various pharmacological properties of the plant have been reported. In the present article, the economic and social benefits, development of marketed formulation and patents had expressed significant potential but further studies on pharmacological activities and commercialization in different industries are required in exploring the utilities of the plant for the beneficial of the mankind.

Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum).

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular herb with high economic value and is currently threatened by a severe oomycete disease. An efficient transformation method is a prerequisite for gene functional analysis to accelerate molecular breeding and deploy effective disease management strategies, and breeding through genetic engineering. Here we present a detailed protocol for a highly efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method for sweet basil, which was established based on a previously reported method by other researchers, with modifications on several aspects, including growth of sweet basil, age of plants used for explants, preparation and concentration of Agrobacteria. This protocol allows researchers in academia and agroindustry to generate transgenic sweet basil plants in an easy, quick and highly reproducible manner. In addition, this protocol may be applicable to transform other species within the genus Ocimum.

Chemical constituents of Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke acclimatized in Kakamega Forest, Kenya

The genus Ocimum belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is made of almost 200 species of herbs and shrubs which have potential medicinal properties. The species are native to the tropical and temperate climate zones around the globe. Two new compounds with damarane skeleton namely 2α-hydroxy-3-oxodammara-20,24-diene (1) and 2α,3β-dihydroxy dammara-20, 24-diene (2) together with apeginin7-O-neohespeiridoside (3), quercetin (4), turkesterone (5), fesitin (6), apeginin (7), chrysin (8), lupeol (9), stigmasterol (10), friedelin (11), α-amyrin acetate (12) and n-octacosonoic acid (13) are reported here from the leaves of Ocimum kilimandscharicum. Their structures were established on the basis of physical and spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the literature data. Crude extracts and isolated compounds were investigated for contact toxicity and anti-feedant activity against Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus. KEY WORDS: Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Lamiaceae, Contact toxicity, Anti-feedant activity, Acclimatized Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2019, 33(3), 527-539. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v33i3.13

A Magical Relationship of Genus Ocimum and the Cancer

A Magical Relationship of Genus Ocimum and the Cancer

Amino acids composition of herb of Lamiaceae family representatives

Researching of the amino acids contents in medicinal plant raw materials is an important task of pharmaceutical science and practice, because complexes of amino acids used for the corrections of hepatobiliary disorders, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
 The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of amіno acids composition of these representatives.
 The article presents the results of the amino acid composition investigation of the above-ground parts of 10 species belonging to Lamiaceae Juss. Family (Ocimum, Hyssopus, Dracocephalum, Lophanthus, Monarda and Satureja genera). By paper chromatography it was identified several amino acids. HPLC analyzes revealed the content and composition of more than 20 amino acids. The highest total amino acid composition was found in the herb of the genus Ocimum. It was identified 10 essential and non-essential 9 amino acids in each herb, and 3 nonproteinogenic amino acids also. It was established that in all plant materials dominate quantitatively nonessential amino acids (asparagine, proline, glutamic and aspartic acid). Among the essential amino acids arginine and threonine predominate.

A review on: Holy basil and mediterranean basil (Genus Ocimum): The unique medicinal plant

In the present review on Tulsi, an effort has been done to Medicinal properties of Tulsi. The therapeutic uses of plant are considered as safe, inexpensive & efficient as their ease of availability. The basil plant consumed herbs, Ocimum genus in plant family Lamiaceae. Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, The Rama Tulsi is the effective remedy for the severe acute Respiratory Syndrome. Juice of its leaves gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough. Tulsi oil is also used as the ear drop. Tulsi helps in curing malaria. It is very effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. The fresh leaves of Tulsi are taken by the millions of people every day. Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar. Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It is good source of vitamin A and C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Chlorophyll and it possess antibacterial, insecticidal properties. In different parts of the world, several types of basil are cultivated, some of the widely used varieties can be categorized in two groups – holy basil and Mediterranean basil.

A Comprehensive Review on Ocimum basilicum

The genus Ocimum has a number of species that are used to treat different types of disorders and diseases from ancient times. In this genus, O. basilicum plays a vital role due to its various medicinal properties. It is universally cultivated as herbaceous, perennial plant but originated from Asian continent. O. basilicum is used as a culinary herb and also has a number of pharmacological activities to prevent or treat cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, menstrual cramps, digestive disorders, neuro-degenerated disorders and cancer. In addition to that, it has been reported for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and larvicidal activities. Chemical constituents such as linalool; eugenol; 1, 8-cineone; methyl eugenol and anthocyanins are mostly responsible for the above mentioned activities. Some traditional uses of this plant coincidences with experimental results. However, the studies conducted based on its traditional use are negligible. This review is an attempt to provide a pharmaceutical perspective of Ocimum basilicum.

Conocimientos y aplicaciones etnobotánicas del género Ocimum ("albahaca") en los municipios de Alto Solimones. Amazona. Brasil

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo comparar las utilidades etnobotánicas y farmacológicas de la planta del género Ocimum en la comunidad ribereña del municipio de Tabatinga y en la comunidad urbana del municipio de Benjamin Constant. Se caracterizaron aspectos como el cultivo y la presencia o no de la misma en estas zonas geográficas de la amazonia. En la investigación, se recolectaron informaciones de 60 habitantes, seleccionados aleatoriamente por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas. En las entrevistas fueron identificadas la presencia de dos representantes de la planta del género, que son conocidas popularmente como "alfavaca" (97%) ambas presentan diferencias morfológicas y aplicaciones de usos diferentes. Los resultados AFIRMAN que la población de estas zonas que dependen DE ESTA PLANTA, las utilizan para asistencia médica primaria y culinaria desde un conocimiento transmitido de generación a generación y no desde un conocimiento científico, asi como su importancia para la vida del hombre.

Comparaison du potentiel insecticide des huiles essentielles de Ocimum gratissimum L. et de Ocimum canum Sims sur Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae), insecte ravageur du cotonnier en Côte d’Ivoire

The abusive use of synthetic pesticides in the phytosanitary protection of cotton in Côte d'Ivoire threatens the viability of the production system. The search for alternative control methods is therefore necessary. Phytosanitary strategies involving plant-based biopesticides have been explored. The insecticidal activity of essential oils of plant species of the genus Ocimum has been the subject of numerous investigations. The objective of this study is to compare the insecticidal potential of two species of the same genus Ocimum gratissimum and O. canum on a major cotton pest, the pink worm Pectinophora gossypiella. Adults of the insect were exposed in the laboratory to the toxic effect of different concentrations of these oils by topical application using a micro applicator. The lethal concentrations causing respectively 50 % (LC50) and 90% (LC90) death in the populations tested were determined for each of the essential oils. The oil extracted from O. gratissimum was the most toxic with LC50 and LC90 respective values of 1.01 % and 5.05 % as compared to O. canum (LC50 = 11.33 % and LC90= 30.04 %). The high toxicity of O. gratissimum may be explained by the presence of 24.57 % thymol and 37.79 % p-cimene in its chemical composition. The extract of O. gratissimum has shown in laboratory the highest potentiel insecticidal activity, it‘s field use can therefore be suggested for the control of this cotton pest.

Population structure, genetic diversity and downy mildew resistance among Ocimum species germplasm

BackgroundThe basil (Ocimum spp.) genus maintains a rich diversity of phenotypes and aromatic volatiles through natural and artificial outcrossing. Characterization of population structure and genetic diversity among a representative sample of this genus is severely lacking. Absence of such information has slowed breeding efforts and the development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with resistance to the worldwide downy mildew epidemic, caused by the obligate oomycete Peronospora belbahrii. In an effort to improve classification of relationships 20 EST-SSR markers with species-level transferability were developed and used to resolve relationships among a diverse panel of 180 Ocimum spp. accessions with varying response to downy mildew.ResultsResults obtained from nested Bayesian model-based clustering, analysis of molecular variance and unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) analyses were synergized to provide an updated phylogeny of the Ocimum genus. Three (major) and seven (sub) population (cluster) models were identified and well-supported (P < 0.001) by PhiPT (ΦPT) values of 0.433 and 0.344, respectively. Allelic frequency among clusters supported previously developed hypotheses of allopolyploid genome structure. Evidence of cryptic population structure was demonstrated for the k1 O. basilicum cluster suggesting prevalence of gene flow. UPGMA analysis provided best resolution for the 36-accession, DM resistant k3 cluster with consistently strong bootstrap support. Although the k3 cluster is a rich source of DM resistance introgression of resistance into the commercially important k1 accessions is impeded by reproductive barriers as demonstrated by multiple sterile F1 hybrids. The k2 cluster located between k1 and k3, represents a source of transferrable tolerance evidenced by fertile backcross progeny. The 90-accession k1 cluster was largely susceptible to downy mildew with accession ‘MRI’ representing the only source of DM resistance.ConclusionsHigh levels of genetic diversity support the observed phenotypic diversity among Ocimum spp. accessions. EST-SSRs provided a robust evaluation of molecular diversity and can be used for additional studies to increase resolution of genetic relationships in the Ocimum genus. Elucidation of population structure and genetic relationships among Ocimum spp. germplasm provide the foundation for improved DM resistance breeding strategies and more rapid response to future disease outbreaks.

Basil: A Brief Summary of Potential Health Benefits

Basil is an aromatic plant that encompasses scores of species of herb and shrub species belonging to the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae). The name basil comes from the Greek basileus or “king.” Common basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves have had culinary importance for centuries. Several Ocimum species, collectively known as Tulsi in India and Nepal, are used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems. Purported uses for Tulsi and other Ocimum species include relief of stress and treatment of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and kidney ailments, as well as blood disorders and skin and eye diseases, to name a few. The present report is intended to provide a brief summary based on human studies from the scientific literature of the potential health benefits of basil relating to alleviating metabolic disorders, cognitive enhancement, strengthening the immune system, and oral and skin health.

Genetic diversity and chemotype selection in genus Ocimum

The present study was conducted to examin the genetic diversity and clustring pattern among twenty five accessions of basil. The highly significant ANOVA results indicated the presence of high amount of genetic variability which was also confirmed by the wide range of D2-values (0.074-212.97). The all accessions, grouped into seven divers clusters (I–VII). The intra-cluster divergence was maximum within cluster-VII (D2 = 43.32), the inter-cluster divergence was highest between clusters-II and VI (D2 = 155.59). The high genetic divergences among the accession were also confirmed by spatial distribution analysis. The contribution of the character towords the genetic diversity was highest for oil content 56.09% followed by plant height 18.94% and the lowest rank was recorded for the number of branches 7.55%. The highly divergent accessions namely, G-4, G-7, G-9, G-11, G-18 and G-25 may be exploited for further crop improvement for the development of high essential oil yielding Ocimum cultivars of better quality.

Estimation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Essential Oil Yield and Related Traits in Genus Ocimum

Assessing variability is fundamental to identify the most important traits in Ocimum improvement program. The objective of the present study was to estimate variability, heritability and genetic advance based on twelve morphological characters of Ocimum. The experiment was conducted in 2015/16 main cropping season at one location by using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed highly significant differences (P<0.01) among genotypes for all characters considered. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all character was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The estimation of broad sense heritability ĥ2(BS)% was observed to be lower than those of broad sense heritability ĥ2(BS)% for all characters. Genetics advance was recorded as maximum for eugenol content (96.65). Highest heritability in broad sense ĥ2(BS)% recorded for days to maturity (99.46). On the basis of study accessions G-4, G-7, G-9, G-11, G-18 and G-25 were identified high oil of better quality. These accessions may be exploited for commercial cultivation.

Ocimum herb species: a potential treatment strategy for diabetic kidney disease

Ocimum genus most commonly termed as Tulsi, an aromatic plants belongs to family Lamiaceae. In addition to anti bacterial activity, anti-oxidant, anti diabetic, cardio protective, neuroprotective, radio-protective, anti-cancer, and free radical scavenging properties, quite a few studies have reported that this traditionally grown medicinal herb may become a potential therapy for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This paper will significantly review Tulsi plants role in treatment of DKD to provide reference for future research.

Registration of variety: CIM-Surabhi: A linalool rich, high essential oil yielding variety of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The essential oil of sweet basil (family: Lamiaceae) is used in falvour, fragrance, food, oral health preparations and traditional house hold medicines. 189 genetic stocks of Genus Ocimum are available at CSIR-CIMAP for research and exploitation. The essential oil of sweet basil with linalool, linalool acetate in desired combinations are in high demand for making various innovative cosmetic and perfumery products. Applying half sib selection technique on an Ocimum basilicum population, a new improved cultivar (namely OBC-1) has been developed. This cultivar has been released for its commercial cultivation in the name of variety CIM-Surabhi. Besides being a high linalool containing genotype, this variety will also provide additional income to farmers as it yield higher herb (221. 30ql/ha) and essential oil (166 kg/ha) recovery. The oil of this variety is rich in 70-75 %(-) linalool. The (-) linalool in this variety is of 99.14 % purity and is superior to that obtained from lavender. The new cultivar also fits in crop rotation / intercropping between wheat and paddy and with other vegetables crops.