Oil Ocimum Research Articles

Amelioration of gold nanoparticles mediated through Ocimum oil extracts induces reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial instability against MCF-7 breast carcinoma.

Phytomedicines are potential immunity-boosting components with effective anticystic properties, minimal side effects, and biomedical applications, making them valuable for combating various diseases. India is renowned globally for Ayurveda, an ancient treatment methodology known for its holistic approach in identifying the root cause of diseases. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a common household medicine in India. While essential oils from plants like Tulsi have long been recognized for their medicinal properties, there is a gap in understanding their potential in synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their efficacy against breast carcinoma, particularly in the context of immunosuppressive conditions. We investigated the potential application of essential oils isolated from O. sanctum in the synthesis of AuNPs and their efficacy against MCF-7 breast carcinoma. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy identified compounds with potential anticancer effects against breast cancer cells. Synthesised AuNPs displayed high hemocompatibility and antimicrobial activity against nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus subtilis strains. Os-AuNPs induced chromosomal instability and mitotic arrest in the G2/M cell cycle phase. Subsequent fluorescence and cell cytometry studies demonstrated the systemic release of ROS, depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential, and production of apoptotic bodies. DNA damage and comet assays confirmed the anticancer potential of synthesised AuNPs. This study illuminates the potential of O. sanctum-derived AuNPs in breast carcinoma treatment, paving the way for future AuNP-based therapies in biomedicine.

THE EFFECT OF METHYL EUGENOL FROM Ocimum minimum ON THE STICKY TRAP TO THE DIRECTION AND DAILY ACTIVITY OF FRUIT FLIES (Bactrocera spp.)

The fruit fly Bactrocera spp. is a major pest in the horticulture. It caused several important commodities to rot and fall which lead into large loss, or even crop failure. The research objective was to obtain information regarding the activity of fruit fly during night and day and the most attractive direction of sticky trap to trap the fruit flies. The research consisted of 3 activities, namely (1) analysis of active ingredient of Ocimum plant, (2) study on the effect of ocimum sticky traps on the direction of fruit flies, and (3) study on the effect ocimum sticky traps on the daily activity of fruit flies. The study on the effect of time and direction of trap consisted of 4 treatments (North, South, East and West) and 6 replications. A sticky trap contained methyl eugenol as active ingredient, smeared on a yellow plastic surface measuring 10 × 20 cm and attached to 2 m high wooden poles, each facing East and West, as well as North and South (as opposed to one wood). Observations were made every hour starting from 03:00 am to 07:00 pm (until there was no fruit flies get trapped in each treatment). The results showed that sticky trap used contain Ocimum oil containing 76% of methyl eugenol used as an attractant for fruit flies. Fruit flies active during the day where the highest/peak activity of the fruit flies population occured at around 07:00 am. The direction of trap to East and West catched more fruit flies number than to North and South.

Essential Oil Content and Composition of Some Ocimum Species and Subspecies Grown in Sudan

This research was conducted to study the variation among Ocimum species and subspecies grown in Sudan on basis of the essential oil content of their leaves and flowers and oil profiles. Four different plant materials wereused in this experiment. The layout of the experiment was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates; treatments were the four Ocimum species and sub-species. The highest oil content of leaves (3 %) wasobtained from O. americanum L. (Wild), while the lowest oil content of leaves and flowers 1 % and 1.3 % respectively were obtained from O. tenuiflorum L. (Clove). The highest oil content of flowers (2.8 %) was obtained from O. basilicum L. (Baladi). Linalool was the most predominant component in leaves’ and flowers’ oil of Ocimum spp. followed by Eugenol and Eucalyptol (Cineole). Other important components were Methyleugenol,Caryophyllene, Citral, Neral (β-Citral), α-Citral, Acetic acid octyl ester, 1-Octanol, α-Bergamotene, β-Cadinene(-), α-Caryophyllene (Humulene), β-elemene and Germacrene D. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the mostpredominant components in the oils followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and phenylpropanoids

Essential oils of two medicinal plants and protective properties of jack fruits against the spoilage bacteria and fungi

The essential oil (EO) composition of Vetiveria zizanioides and Ocimum basilicum were analysed and its post-harvest protective properties of jack fruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) against the spoilage bacteria and fungi were investigated. Hydrodistillation and GC–MS analysis documented the presence of various components, including, hexamethyl-cycloocta-1,3,6-triene, d-Cadinene, Cedren-8-en-15-ol, 2-Isopropenyl-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, metylchavico and trans-sabinene in V. zizanioides and O. basilicum, respectively. V. zizanioides EO showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis and the zone of inhibition was 32 ± 2, 26 ± 0 mm, respectively. Whereas, O. basilicum oil showed potential activity against Streptococcus mutans (28 ± 3 mm) and Rhizopus microsporus (28 ± 3 mm). EO of V. zizanioides exhibited high activity against S. aureus (MIC = 50 ± 0 μg/ml), followed by P. mirabilis (MIC = 75 ± 5 μg/ml). The EO from O. basilicum displayed high activity against S. mutans (MIC = 50 ± 0 μg/ml). The EOs from these two sources showed synergistic effect on S. mutans (29 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (27 ± 2 mm), Enterobacter aerogenes (13 ± 3 mm), S. aureus (34 ± 3 mm), Penicillium notatum (22 ± 3 mm) and R. microsporus (33 ± 3 mm). In addition, the EO at 100 μg/ml concentration V. zizanioides (79 %) and O. basilicum (83 %) documented significant antioxidant activity. The mixture of Vetiver roots and Ocimum oil suppressed the growth of P. notatum. The colony area was 32 ± 3.5 cm2 after incorporation of 5 μl EO concentration. However, at 25 μl concentration, colony area decreased as 4.2 ± 1 cm2 after 7 days of incubation and spore germination was completely suppressed. R. microsporus growth was decreased at 100 μl concentration. EO significantly reduced the spreading of rot causing P. notatum on the surface of jack fruit is an additional advantage. Overall, the results concluded that the obtained EO counter the severity of P. notatum and R. microsporus on the surface of jack fruit and protect from spoilage and deterioration.

Characterization of fatty acid composition of seed oil of Ocimum species/chemotypes

Ocimum species have been widely used in traditional medicine both as herb as well as seeds. The aim of the present study was to characterize seed oil content and fatty acid composition of five Ocimum species viz; Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum citriodorum Vis., Ocimum gratissimum L., Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum tenuoflorum L. comprising six essential oil chemotypes. Significant variations are observed in the seed oil content and composition among Ocimum species ranging from 10.95% to 21.37% w/w. The physico-chemical properties of the basil oil were assessed by standard methods. Results of fatty acid profiling of methylated oil by GC and GC-MS revealed predominant presence of poly unsaturated fatty acids of αlinolenic acid and linoleic acid similar to linseed oil. Oil composition showed presence of four major fatty acids among all the species; linolenic (55.79-72.95%), linoleic (17.44-26.91%), stearic acid (2.27-7.07%), and palmitic acid (6.43-15.73%). High linolenic acid content was observed among all the Ocimum species and chemotypes with highest content in O. citriodorum (66.69-72.95%) followed by O. americanum (57.96-71.98%). Eugenol rich chemotypes showed slightly lower content of linolenic acid in O. gratissimum (58.05-60.10%) and O. tenuifolium (55.79-62.79%). Basil seed oil may be alternative good source for several industrial applications, especially for applications that require linolenic and linoleic acid. A high linolenic acid oil, could be used in the paint, varnish and ink industries, while oils with lower linolenic acid content can be used by the food industry.

Registration of a new variety of basil- CIM Shishir: A multicut, lodging resistant, cold tolerant, high essential oil yielding, linalool rich inter specific hybrid of Ocimum

The essential oil of Ocimum (Family: Lamiaceae) is used in flavour, fragrance, food, oral health care products and several other traditional medicines. This paper describes the development of an inter-specific hybrid variety of Ocimum that contains a desried ratio of linalool and camphor in its essential oil. The variety also have high herb (600 ql/ha) and essential oil yield (250 kg/ha) with 70-75 % (-) linalool. Intensive breeding techniques like inter-specific hybridization and selection process were applied to develop such a variety of Ocimum. This linalool-rich genotype will be a cheap source of linalool for the perfumery and flavour industry. Therefore, development of this improved variety with higher essential oil, high linalool content, with multiple cutting option without much effect of environment/ temperature would be helpful to overcome low essential oil. The need of winter tolerant high-yielding genotype is of high importance for future as this will add to the income of farmers as well as various industries that are dependent on bioactive constituent linalool.

Productivity and chemical composition of the essential oil of Ocimum x citriodorum Vis. according to ontogenetic and diurnal variation

It is important to know the sources of variation in crucial characteristics of medicinal and aromatic plants for choosing the optimal harvest period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production, contents, and chemical components of the essential oil of lemon basil, as a function of the ontogenetic and diurnal variation. Twelve harvest periods (January to December 2014) and three harvest times (8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:00 pm) were studied. The highest concentrations of essential oil occurred from January to April, when the plants were in full-flowering stage, which is associated with favorable climatic conditions and the presence of young leaves. The analysis of the essential oil identified 28 components. Citral was the major component of the essential oil of lemon basil. It was observed that the citral contents was the highest in the months of January to May during florescence stage and August to December during pre-florescence stage, regardless of harvest time. We conclude that the ontogenetic variation of lemon basil characteristics is stronger than the diurnal variation. As the experiment only spanned one year, it should be repeated to verify these findings. These findings may contribute toward optimizing the harvest period of lemon basil with respect to the amount and quality of the crop.

Chemotypic characterization of diversity in essential oil composition of Ocimum species and varieties from India

ABSTRACTChemical composition of essential oils isolated from four species of Ocimum (Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum × citriodorum Vis., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gurke, Ocimum. viride Willd.) and six botanical varieties of Ocimum basilicum L. (O. basilicum var. difforme, O. basilicum var. purpurascens, O. basilicum var. basilicum, O. basilicum var. pilosum, O. basilicum var. glabratum and O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora) were investigated by GC/FID and GC/MS. Results revealed a total of sixty-four volatile compounds showing both qualitative and quantitative variations among these species/varieties in distribution of compounds, chemical profiles and chemotypes. On the basis of chemical composition and hierarchical clustering, Ocimum species/varieties were classified into seven different chemotypes. Ocimum × citriodorum showed two different chemotypes rich in geranial/neral and methyl chavicol. O. kilimandscharicum showed camphor-rich chemotype (43.21%), while O. viride was found to be eugenol-rich chemotype (77.86%). Among the O. basilicum varieties, linalool-rich chemotype was identified in thyrsiflora, difforme, purpurascens and glabratum, whereas methyl chavicol-rich chemotype was found in pilosum. The most commonly found species of O. basilicum var. basilicum showed four chemotypes: linalool, methyl chavicol, (E)-methyl cinnamate and mixed type having both linalool and methyl chavicol. These essential oils of Ocimum with varying chemical compositions and chemotypes can be utilized in perfumery, pharmaceutical, food preservation and aromatherapy industries.

Compound ocimum oil oral suspension in the treatment of 382 children with acute diarrhea(Piweixure Syndrome)

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of compound ocimum oil oral suspension in the treatment of children with acute diarrhea(Piweixure Syndrome). Methods 382 children with acute diarrhea(Piweixure Syndrome) were selected for the multi center and open clinical trial. All patients was treated by compound ocimum oil oral suspension based on age and weight,6 months below 3m L thrice a day,6-< 12months 5mL thrice a day, 12-<24 months 10m L thrice a day,24 months upper 20- 40 mL thrice a day. The course was three days.The efficacy and safety was observed. Results The total efficiency was 93.98%,there were 274 cases with marked effect and 85 case with effective in analysis on clinical efficacy. There were significant differences between before and after therapy on symptoms and signs as defecation frequency, defecation characters and defecation disesthesia (χ2= 467.43, 524.51,263.03,all P<0.05). Conclusion Compound ocimum oil oral ouspension in the treatment of children with acute diarrhea(Piweixure Syndrome)has definite effect and safety. It would be applied to clinical wildly with advantages as shorten the course, decreased diarrhea times and improved clinical symptoms. Key words: Diarrhea; Compound ocimum oil oral suspension; Children

Changes in aroma profiles of 11 Indian Ocimum taxa during plant ontogeny

The genus Ocimum is an important source of many essential oils and aromatic chemicals used principally in the food and cosmetic industries. The aromas (compositions) of essential oils of genus Ocimum are characterized by a great chemical variability affecting the commercial value of this genus. This study was conducted to evaluate the ontogenic variations in aroma profiles of 11 Indian Ocimum taxa belonging to 5 Ocimum species, viz. O. basilicum L., O. americanum L., O. gratissimum L., O. tenuiflorum L., and O. kilimandscharicum Guerke, grown in foot hills of Uttarakhand, India during rain-autumn cropping season. Essential oil yield was found to vary significantly during different phenophases: from 0.34 to 0.87 % in four landraces of O. basilicum, 0.16 to 0.38 % in ‘Green and Purple’ of O. tenuiflorum, 0.23 to 0.43 % in O. americanum, 0.34 to 0.78 % in O. kilimandscharicum and 0.48 to 0.68 % in O. gratissimum. The variation in composition of the essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Analyses of the essential oils led to the identification of 95 constituents forming 93.8–99.7 % of the total essential oil compositions, with phenyl propanoids (≤0.1–90.0 %) and monoterpenoids (2.8–95.5 %) as the prevalent components. Substantial variations in essential oil yield, and qualitative and quantitative compositions due to different stages of plants growth were noticed. These results indicated that the knowledge of appropriate growth stage is very important to obtain higher essential oil yield and desired active constituents of Ocimum, which were used extensively in food, cosmetics and allied industries.

Biological activities of essential oils and methanol extracts of five Ocimum species against pathogenic bacteria

The essential oils and methanol extracts of Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke, Ocimum gratissimum L, Ocimum canum Sims, and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (green type) were examined for their potential antibacterial activities. The chemical composition of essential oils of Ocimum species was analysed by GC-MS. The inhibitory effects of essential oils and methanol extracts were studied on two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus) and five Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, and Shigella flexneri) bacteria using disc-diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed by micro broth dilution method. The antibacterial test results showed that the essential oils of Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke, and Ocimum gratissimum L. strongly inhibited the growth of all of the microorganisms studied, especially of the Gram-negative strains, whereas other two essential oils showed moderate activities. The result may suggest that the essential oils of Ocimum possess compounds with antibacterial activities, and therefore could be used as natural preservative ingredients in food and/or pharmaceutical industries. &amp;nbsp;

USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST GRAM NEGATIVE PATHOGENS

The emergence of resistance to conventional antimicrobials has remained a serious problem for physicians. Many plants have been used because of their antimicrobial traits, which are due to compounds synthesized in the secondary metabolism of the plants. These products are known by their active substances like essential oils containing phenolic ingredients. The volatile oil of Ocimum contains mostly phenols, particularly thymol, those are probably responsible for its reported antimicrobial action. The antibacterial properties of P. regnellii (black pepper) justify its use in traditional medicine for treatment of wounds contaminated through bacterial infections. Thyme oil is widely used for inhibiting gram negative pathogens, carvacrol to be a predominant compound in thyme oil. Disk diffusion method has been commonly used to test the antimicrobial activity of essential oils. Use of essential oils is suggested to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Longitudinal evaluation of repellent activity of Ocimum gratissimum (Labiatae) volatile oil against Simulium damnosum

To determine the repellent activity of Ocimum gratissimum volatile oil against Simulium damnosum (blackflies), a 12 month (January-December 2003) field study was conducted in three onchocerciasis endemic communities (Idomido, Obio camp, and Ikot Adaha) in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The result revealed that topical application of 20% (v/v) concentration of the oil with liquid paraffin as a base, reduced the biting rate of S. damnosum by 90.2, 81.6, and 79.7%, in Idomido, Obiocamp, and Ikot Adaha respectively. The oil gave protection against the bite of S. damnosum for at least 3 h. A total of 710 adults S. damnosum were caught by individuals treated with Ocimum oil, as against 4296 caught by the control group. When the flies caught by the treated individuals were dissected none of them was infected with microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. Human-vector contact and onchocerciasis transmission could be reduced by the topical application of the volatile oil during the peak biting periods of the vector

The effect of honey and surfactant type on the antibacterial properties of the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. against common wound-infecting organisms

Summary Honey is reported to have wound healing properties. This study aimed at investigating its effect as well as those of surfactants on the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. (ocimum oil). The antibacterial activity of dispersions of ocimum oil (2%) in methanol, honey, a macrogol blend, nonionic and ionic emulsifiers were assessed by cup–plate method using type bacteria and wound isolates. Honey enhanced the antibacterial activity of ocimum oil to a greater extent than the macrogol blend. The activity of ocimum oil emulsion in cetrimide (cationic) was lower than obtained for cetrimide solution. Emulsion of the oil in sodium lauryl sulphate (anionic) exhibited a slightly higher activity than the solution of the surfactant alone. Although Tween® 20 (nonionic) and aqueous methanol had no activity, the emulsion of the oil in Tween® 20 showed lesser activity than the oil solution in methanol. Honey’s inherent antibacterial activity, surfactant charge interaction and the effect of emulsification were adduced to the observed differences in antibacterial activity of the ocimum oil formulations. Our findings indicated honey as a suitable base for ocimum oil especially in the treatment of infected wounds. Caution is, however, desirable in the use of surfactants with ocimum oil.

Vascular permeability-increasing effect of the leaf essential oil of &lt;i&gt;Ocimum gratissimum&lt;/i&gt; Linn as a mechanism for its wound healing property

Persistent microvascular hyperpermeability to plasma proteins is a characteristic feature of normal wound healing. Does the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum heal wounds by promoting this feature? Evan’s blue dye (20mg/kg body weight) in normal saline was administered intravenously through marginal ear vein of experimental rabbits (n=5). Each animal served as its own control. One hour after Evan’s blue dye administration, 0.1ml each of Ocimum oil, histamine dihydrochloride (30µg/ml) and normal saline were randomly administered by intra-dermal injection at the prepared sites on each of the animals. Increase in vascular permeability was assessed by dye effusion test. Analysis of the differences in vascular permeability between treatment groups showed that, Ocimum oil, in intensity and duration, was significantly (p<0.05) more effective in increasing cutaneous capillary permeability over a 24h period after treatment. The ability of Ocimum oil in increasing vascular permeability may be one of

Studies on the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. leaf.

Oral and intra-peritoneal acute toxicity and the sub-chronic intra-peritoneal toxicity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn, Lamiaceae (Ocimum oil), was investigated. The acute toxicity test involved the oral and intra-peritoneal administration of graded doses of Ocimum oil prepared as a 4% v/v emulsion to 2 groups each of 30 rats and mice. LD50 and LD100 were determined for both routes and species. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 test groups (treated with three graded sub-lethal doses of Ocimum oil prepared as a 4% v/v emulsion) and a control. Organs and blood samples were taken for analyses after a 30 day treatment period. A dose-dependent sedative effect of Ocimum oil was observed during the acute toxicity study in mice and rats and in the sub-chronic test in rats. Evidence of treatment, route, and dose-dependent toxicity were detected in both studies. Changes in weight of the testes, hearts, kidneys, intestines and lungs of the rats were statistically insignificant (ANOVA P < 0.05). Data analyses of blood biochemical, haematological and histopathological findings showed significant differences between control and treated groups and revealed that Ocimum oil is capable of invoking an inflammatory response that transits from acute to chronic on persistent administration. While the study revealed that Ocimum oil might be better tolerated when administered orally for systemic delivery, the oil has toxic potentialities that should not be overlooked.

A study on the effect of the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. on cyclophosphamide-induced hair loss

Hair loss is one of the most feared side effects of cancer chemotherapy. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Ocimum oil) in promoting hair growth in cyclophosphamide-induced hair loss. Shaved sites, ⩾4 cm 2 , were created on the flanks of 6 groups each of 7 freshly weaned 4-week old rats. Four groups (groups 2, 4, 5 and 6) were treated with 30 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (Cpd) intra-peritoneally daily to simulate changes seen in human chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Ocimum oil was administered topically alone (group 3) or in combination with Cpd in groups 2, 4 and 5 for 14 days and in group 6 for 8 days. Group 1 received no test substance. Tissue biopsies were obtained from 2 rats selected at random from each group on treatment day 9 for histological examination. Surviving animals were further observed for 7 days after treatment. Histopathology and gross morphologic observations for hair re-growth at shaved sites revealed active follicular proliferation in Ocimum alone and Cpd + Ocimum oil treated groups. Ocimum oil may, therefore, be capable of enhancing normal hair growth and promoting follicular proliferation in cyclophosphamide-induced hair loss.

The effect of aloe vera gel on the anti-acne properties of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn leaf – a preliminary clinical investigation

Aim: This study was designed to investigate possible synergistic effect of aloe vera gel on the anti-acne properties of Ocimum gratissimum oil and to compare the activities of both agents singly and in combinations with the anti-acne agent Dalacin™ – a 1% Clindamycin phosphate solution. Methods: 84 subjects presenting with clinically significant Acne vulgaris (mainly undergraduates of a University) were randomly assigned into seven groups and treated with different test preparations (2% v/v Ocimum oil lotion containing graded concentrations (0–≈100%) of aloe gel, placebo or control preparations). Samples tested were applied to the face after washing morning and evening. The numbers of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) were counted prior to application and daily for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the preparations was rated in terms of product activity (1/ D), which is the reciprocal value of the number of days taken to achieve 50% reduction in lesion count. Results: The efficacy of the Ocimum oil lotion products increased with increasing aloe gel contents. Products formulated with the undiluted or 50% aloe gels were most active and resolved inflammatory lesions faster than the standard product. The aloe gel alone showed minimal activity. Adverse effect was mild and tolerable. Conclusion: Aloe vera gel enhanced the anti-acne properties of Ocimum oil; the oil or its combination with aloe vera gel is more effective than 1% Clindamycin in the treatment of Acne vulgaris.

An investigation into the wound-healing properties of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum linn.

To investigate the effects of Ocimum oil and two antibacterial preparations, Cicatrin (GlaxoWellcome) and Cetavlex (AstraZeneca), on the healing of full-thickness excisional and incisional wounds, created under anaesthesia, on the back of test and control groups of adult albino rabbits. Treatment was by topical application of the test substances onto the wound surface for 15 days. Observation continued for a further six days. Quantitative parameters of wound healing were determined daily. Swabs were taken from wound sites that appeared not to be healing for identification of wound contaminants and sensitivity tests. There was a marked enhancement in the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing in the rabbits treated with Ocimum oil, suggesting that the oil facilitated the healing process to a greater extent than the control and reference products. Wounds treated with Cetavlex showed no sign of healing for eight days but responded to Ocimum oil after a three-day wash-out period. The essential oil Ocimum gratissimum can promote wound healing. However, large studies will need to be carried out using domestic pigs, followed by clinical trials on human wounds. None.

Volatile constituents from leaf, inflorescence and root oils of Ocimum americanum L. grown in north‐eastern Brazil

AbstractChemical composition of essential oils obtained by microwave and steam distillations from several parts of Ocimum americanum L. growing in north‐eastern Brazil were determined by GC–MS and retention time analysis. (E)‐Methyl cinnamate was found to be the major constituent in the leaves (82.7–82.7%) and inflorescence (87.1–97.5%), respectively, while eugenol, which was not traceable in these parts, reaches 88.2% in the root essential oil. In view of these data O. americanum from north‐eastern Brazil today represented a novel chemotype and would appear to be akin to the African, Commodore Island and French Congo plants, as well as to the US and Nigerian plants. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.