The essential oil was extracted from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum using a modified steam distillation method. The chemical composition and free radical inhibition property of the plant essential oil were investigated. Results from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 39 different compounds in the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum. The major components, Terpinen-4-ol (21.31%), Eucalyptol (18.97%), α-Terpineol (14.41%), γ-Terpinene (12.61%), Caryophyllene (11.90%), α-Pinene (6.11%), and β-Myrcene (5.54%), were found in high percentages. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assays, with Ascorbic acid as a standard drug. The results showed that the essential oil extracted from Ocimum basilicum leaves exhibited positive effects at different concentrations when tested using both methods. At a concentration of 2.5 μL/mL, the Ocimum basilicum essential oil significantly scavenged 60.89% of hydrogen peroxide radicals, while the standard Ascorbic acid scavenged 79.13%. Similarly, at a concentration of 10 μL/mL, the plant’s volatile oil inhibits 87.12% of DPPH radicals, while the standard Ascorbic acid inhibits 90.40%. This study highlights the potential of the essential oil derived from Ocimum basilicum leaves as a valuable source of compounds with free radical scavenging properties, consistent with its traditional medicinal applications. Graphical Abstract showing the entire experimental process:
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