Project Abstract

Abstract
Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as African basil or scent leaf, is a plant with various traditional medicinal uses due to its rich phytochemical composition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum. The plant material was collected, dried, and extracted using methanol as the solvent. The extract was then subjected to phytochemical screening to identify the presence of various classes of compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum. Alkaloids are known for their pharmacological activities, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while saponins have been reported to possess antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Tannins are known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and phenolic compounds also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The identification of these phytochemical constituents in the methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum suggests that the plant has potential medicinal properties that can be attributed to these bioactive compounds. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds indicates that the plant extract may possess various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize the individual compounds present in the extract and to evaluate their specific bioactivities. Overall, the phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum provides valuable information about the bioactive constituents of this plant. The identification of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds suggests that the plant may have potential therapeutic applications. Further research on the isolated compounds and their pharmacological activities could lead to the development of new drugs or natural health products derived from Ocimum gratissimum.

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