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Onion is a vegetable produced in practically all regions of Burkina Faso. Many efforts are being made to increase national production, but in storage, the loss due to black rot limits the disponibility of local bulbs during the year. The essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum basilicum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon Gigantes, and Lippia multiflora, known to have antifungal properties, were added to a PDA medium and assessed in vitro at 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm concentrations on mycelial growth of isolates of Aspergillus niger. After the 4- and 7-day incubation, there was a highly significant difference between the essential oils at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm (pOcimum gratissimum is considered the best essential oil with an inhibition percentage varying between 47.3 and 89.5%. However, all essential oils showed 100% total inhibition at 1500 ppm and the essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon giganteus demonstrated fungicidal effects at concentrations of 1500 and 2000 ppm, respectively. The intense antifungal activity of Ocimum gratissimum oil is related to the presence of thymol, a potent antioxidant responsible for the fungal activity. The activity of Ocimum gratissimum oil must also be tested in vivo to develop biopesticide formulations for the control of onion spoilage fungi.

The effects of Cissampelos pareira (Linn), Lantana camara (Linn) and Ocimum gratissimum (African basil) leaf extracts on pain have not been biologically determined despite their frequent traditional use in pain management. The present study evaluated the effects of methanol leaf extracts of these three plants on formalin-induced pain in Swiss albino mice. Leaves of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum were harvested, cleaned, shade dried, crushed, extracted in absolute methanol and concentrated to dryness. The quantitative phytochemical screening of the three plant extracts was first carried out. Then, the pain assay tests constituted eight groups of five mice each: normal control group, positive control group, negative control group and experimental groups of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250mg/kg bw extracts. The animals were administered with various treatments thirty minutes before induction of pain through injection of 0.01ml of 2.5% formalin solution into the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw. Paracetamol at the dose of 50mg/kg bw and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide were used as the positive and negative controls respectively. The plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally and orally. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and unpaired t-test. Phytochemical screening on separate extracts of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum revealed fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids. The different dosages of methanol leave extracts of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum reduced pain significantly (p˃0.05) in mice. The significant reduction of pain was associated with fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids revealed in the plant extracts. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2021; 4(3.000): 349-364]

The study was designed to investigate the bioactive constituents in the dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol (ETOH) extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Lasianthera africana which are commonly used in the treatment of diverse kinds of ailments especially in the southern part of Nigeria. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out on the extracts of the plants following documented procedures and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was also conducted comparing the mass spectra of the identified compounds with those of the National Institute of Standards and Technology database library. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids in the extracts of both plants. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons as well as the terpenes and fatty acids in the DCM and ETOH extracts of O. gratissimum and L. africana. Some of these compounds are phenol; phytol and phytol acetate; squalene; caryophyllene; carmigrene; vitamin E; hexanedecanoic acid; 9,Octadecanoic acid (Z)-2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester; 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid; 1-heptatriacotanol; tert-butylhydroquinone ; methyl (Z)-5,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid; benzene; decahydro-4a-methyl-1 methyl-7-(1-methyl ethenenyl)-naphthalene. The presence of these multifunctional bioactive compounds in O. gratissimum and L. africana explains the diverse usage of these plants in ethnomedicine.

Tchoukoutou are the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in Africa. However, several constraints undermine this sector of activity. The overall objective of this study is to improve the quality and stability of “Tchoukoutou” by adding leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina. Two methods of evaluating the alcoholic degree: densimetry and refractometry were used to find the physic and chemical characteristics. From the results obtained, it appears that the red sorghum (Kadag) gives the best organoleptic quality of beers. The addition of the leaves of O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina followed by anaerobic fermentation allowed the preservation and stability of « Tchoukoutou » for at least 10 days at room temperature with a bitterness similar to hops; an alcohol content of 8.87% vol, a pH of 4.37 and a Brix degree of 14° Brix. In conclusion, the anaerobic fermentation of the must and the addition of the leaves of O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina contribute to the improvement of the conservation quality and stability of the Chukutu.

Aims: To establish the shelf -life of mango fruits coated with unmodified and modified M. esculenta edible coating at low (4 ± 2°C) and room temperature (23 ± 2°C) conditions. Place and Duration of Study: The study was done at Moi University, School of Sciences and Aerospace studies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry between January 2021 and June 2021. Methodology: Ocimum gratissimum leaves essential oils was obtained by hydro-distillation method using Clevenger apparatus. Preparation and modification of the coating were homogenized at 70 ± 2 °C. Physico-chemical parameters including weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), Vitamin C concentration, total soluble solids (TSS), and pH were used to establish the fruits’ shelf-life. Results: The modified M. esculenta (cassava) starch coating (1.5%) treatment, their interactions and storage duration significantly affected the physico-chemical parameters of mango fruits. The modified coating-maintained TA 0.66%, 0.87%, reduced weight loss by 27.81%,14.62%, delayed the increase of TSS 7.50%, and pH 5.20, 4.93 while retaining the vitamins C 8.13 mg/100g, 15.09mg/100g concentration up to eighteen days and twenty-seven day of storage at 23 ± 2°C and 4 ± 2°C respectively. The distilled water treatment (control) reduced TA to 0.11%, 0.23%, increased weight loss to 47.12%, 24.21%, TSS 20.22%, 17.41%, and pH 8.21, 5.20 while retaining the vitamin C 3.74 mg/100 g, 8.13 mg/100 g concentration at 23 ± 2°C and 4 ± 2°C respectively. Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that M. esculenta edible coating incorporated with O. gratissimum essential oil extended the shelf life of mangoes up to eighteen and twenty-seven days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) and low temperature (4 ± 2°C), respectively. This treatment might be an effective farm-based post-harvest treatment in prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce while maintaining their physico-chemical parameters.

Ocimum gratissimum L. leaf oil exhibited many pharmacological properties. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the physical and chemical stability of O.gratissimum leaf oil nanoemulsion. O.gratissimum leaf oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. The major component of the essential oil eugenol, was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Nanoemulsions of O.gratissimum leaf oil were formulated using polysorbate 80, hyaluronic acid, poloxamer 188, and deionized water by phase inversion composition method. The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential value of O.gratissimum leaf oil nanoemulsion was evaluated by a dynamic light scattering technique. The %remaining of eugenol in the nanoemulsion was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The essential oil extracted from of O. gratissimum leaf oil was a clear, pale yellow color. The %yield of the essential oil was 0.15 ± 0.03% v/w. The size of the nanoemulsion was less than 106 nm. The polydispersity index of the nanoemulsion was ranging from 0.303 - 0.586 and the zeta potential value of the nanoemulsion was closely to zero, depending on the formulation component. O. gratissimum leaf oil at concentrations ranging from 0.002 - 0.012% v/v contained 35 - 41% of eugenol. The size of nanoemulsion was significantly decreased after storage at 4 °C, while significantly increased upon storage at 45 °C. The size of nanoemulsion stored at 30 °C did not significantly change. The %remaining of eugenol in the nanoemulsion was more than 90% after storage at 4 °C and 30 °C for 28 days. The percentage of eugenol remaining in the nanoemulsion stored at 45 °C was more than 85 - 90%, suggesting that the temperature affected the stability of eugenol in the nanoemulsion.

Yam, Dioscorea spp. (L) is an important foodstuff that plays a key role in the agricultural system in Côte d'Ivoire. This plant is however subject to several diseases during its cultivation and conservation. The losses caused by rots of tubers in storage constitute a major risk for economic profitability and for the food safety of consumers. The development of an effective and environmental friendly control method has been initiated. The objective of this work is to improve the conservation of Discorea alata tubers through the use of aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Chromolaena odorata. To do this, three different doses (33 g/l; 39 g/l and 50 g/l) of aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Chromolaena odorata were applied to yam slices before inoculation with Colletotrichum sp. Results showed that applying different doses of aqueous plant extract to yam slices before inoculation of the fungal strain caused less rot. The aqueous extracts of the two plants showed antifungal activity against Colletotrichum sp. This antifungal activity was more effective with the 50 g/l dose of Ocimum gratissimum compared to the extract of Chromolaena odorata.

Previous work stated that Khaya senegalensis, Anacardium ouest L., Pterocarpus erinaceus, Diospyros mespiliformis, Ocimum gratissimum, Manihot esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina Delile, and Daniellia oliveri have a great potential for the fight against infectious diarrhea. However, data on their antibacterial activity on strains of bacteria responsible for infectious diarrhea are not available. This study is aimed at elucidating the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of these plants on some bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections. The design of the study included first evaluating the degree of sensitivity of Salmonella typhimurium 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. strains to aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of each plant, followed by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiotic power (Pa). This screening was completed with the evaluation of the possible mode of action of the extracts by testing the membrane permeability of these bacterial strains. The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested were sensitive to the extracts to varying degrees, except Cassia sieberiana DC and Pseudocedrela kotschyi extracts. For the active extracts, inhibition diameters ranged from 18.33 mm to 7 mm. With the exception of Escherichia coli, all strains were sensitive to the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale. MICs vary between 3.37 and 25 mg/ml. Membrane permeability test data show that all active extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. For all active extracts, the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly ( p < 0.05 ) better than that of cefixime used as a reference. Thus, it appears that these extracts can destroy Gram-negative bacteria and increase the fluidity and permeability of their cytoplasmic membrane. The knowledge of the mechanism of action of these extracts is an interesting contribution to the fundamental knowledge on the alternative that medicinal plants represent to antibiotics. These extracts can be used in the management of infectious diarrhea.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Ocimum gratissimum as a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on growth performance, carcass, and blood profile of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty day old broiler chickens were used for the study. Four diets were formulated to incorporate Ocimum gratissimum at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g per 100 kg of feed to form T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The birds were divided into four groups of forty birds and each group was assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design. Each group was further divided into four replicates of 10 birds each. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and data collected were statistically analyzed. The result obtained showed significant (p0.05) at both the starter and the finisher phases. Significant (p0.05) by the treatments. It can be concluded that Ocimum gratissimum could be added to broiler diet at 150 g/100kg as feed additive without any deleterious effect on the growth performance, carcass, and blood profiles of the birds.

Background: Streams are known sources of drinking water for most communities in the rural areas. It importance to human and other forms of life cannot be overemphasize, hence the need to evaluate it portability Methodology: Microbiological quality of different streams in Inua Akpa of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State was determined using standard bacteriological technique. The two (Psidium guajava and Ocimum gratissimum) plant materials were extracted using 70% ethanol and distilled water. Susceptibility testing was carried out using agar diffusion methods. SPSS version 20 was used for descriptive statistics, student Unpaired T-test compared the means of bacterial isolates and their distribution in different streams. Results: E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Enterococcus Spp were isolated with percentage occurrence based on streams as: 43.0, 27.0, and 30.0%, 71.0, 27.0, 00, 83.0, 00, 18.0 and 63.0%, 38.0, 00 in Ndom Nyam, Usung Esuk and Usung Odot streams respectively. Klebsiella was the most frequent isolate (83.0%) followed by Salmonella Spp in Ndom Nyam. Salmonella and Enterococcus spp were absent in Usung Odot while Klebsiella Spp was undetected in Usung Esuk. E.coli was isolated in all the experimented streams with total occurrence of 93.0%. There was a significant difference at P = 0.005 in the occurrence of E. coli in all the streams compared to other isolates. The isolated organisms were susceptible to P. guajava at all concentrations (50, 30, 20, 10, 5mg/mL) with highest inhibition of (24mm) observed at 50mg/mL against Klebsiella Spp. Ocimum gratissimum was effective against E.coli at all concentrations, Enterococcus was only inhibited at 50 and 30mg/mL, Klebsiella showed resistant at the lowest concentration (5mg/mL) while Salmonella resisted the extract at all concentrations. The aqueous extract of both plants showed no antimicrobial activity against any isolated organisms as well as negative controls. Conclusion: This study suggest a regular monitoring of local streams to stop human activities that encourages the introduction of microorganisms into sources of drinking water. The expressed inhibitory zones of diameter by these two plants justify their used as alternative treatment for water related illnesses in rural communities.

Background: Respiratory disorders are known to affect the airways including the nasal passages, bronchi and lungs causing blockages. The advent of COVID-19 has further aggravated the complications of the respiratory systems where conventional medicine is not reachable or affordable by the majority poor in Africa. Hence, the over 80% of the African population who turn to traditional medicine for their primary health care. Objective: This review is aimed to identify plants directed against respiratory diseases which can be useful in the fight against COVID-19. Methodology: Scientific articles selected in this study span the last ten years (2011-2021). Keywords such as “ethnobotany in Africa”, “ethnobotany and respiratory diseases” “medicinal plants and respiratory diseases”, “traditional medicine and COVID-19” were searched in open access search engines such as: Science Direct, Research Gate, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus. The ethnobotanical indices were then calculated using Microsoft excel to determine the plants with the most therapeutic potential to be considered for the local management of COVID-19. Results: Data obtained were classified according to country of origin of the author of the publication, the botanical family and the respiratory pathology being treated. Thirteen (13) references were finally selected with the represented country being Benin Republic. One hundred and forty-three plant species belonging to 60 families were registered. The most recurrent families were the Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (18 citations each). The plants in these families were used for the management of fifteen diseases and / or symptoms relating to the respiratory system. The most cited plants were: Ocimum gratissimum L. (4 citations), Entandrophragma cylindrium (Sprague), Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb., Rubia cordifolia and Allium sativum L. (3 citations each). Conclusion: Based on the data obtained in this review Ocimum gratissimum stands out as the most used plant for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Keywords: Respiratory diseases, Medicinal plants, COVID-19

Aims: Ocimum gratissimum is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in the management of many diseases including diabetes mellitus. The aim of this research was to evaluate hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts on diabetic rats. Study Design: Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Between february 2021 and June 2021. Methodology: The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. The extract was administered orally (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, for 21 days) to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Hypoglycemic effects, change in body weight, lipid profile and antioxidant activities of diabetic rats treated with the extract were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated rats. Histological examination of the pancreas during 21 days of treatment was also carried out. Results: The extract produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Significant differences were also observed in body weights, serum lipid profile and levels of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes of Ocimum gratissimum methanol extract treated diabetic rats, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated rats. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by alloxan. Methanol leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum exhibit significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. The extract could be further processed towards the management of diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Ocimum gratissimum extract showed a promising good hypoglycemic effect, the extracts also exhibit hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities on diabetic rats. There was regeneration of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Therefore at acute dose the extracts can serve as an alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate and characterise the Momordica charantia and Ocimum gratissimum leaf powder. Methodology: The quantitative analyses for proximate, phytochemicals, minerals, and antioxidant activities of Momordica charantia and Ocimum gratissimum leaf powder were carried out using standard procedures. Results: The result of the proximate analysis showed that both plants contain an appreciable amount of moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein and nitrogen-free extract content, with M. charantia leaf powder having higher moisture (5.49 ± 0.03%) content than O. gratissimum leaf powder (5.02 ± 0.01%) (P < 0.05). Ocimum gratissimum had higher crude fibre content (25.03 ± 0.25%) than M. charantia leaf powder (20.86 ± 0.12%) (P < 0.05). The protein, ash, crude fat and nitrogen-free extract contents were not significantly different (p> 0.05) between the two leaf powders. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannin, flavonoid, phenol, alkaloids, saponin and phytate. Except for alkaloid content, M. charantia leaf powder had higher tannins (1.20±0.02 mg/g), flavonoids (225.64±14.61 mg/g), phenol (21.04±0.57 mg/g), saponins (57.36±0.08 mg/g) and phytate (7.79±0.25 mg/g) content compared to O. gratissimum leaf powder. The antioxidant activity of the plants showed that M. charantia leaf powder possessed higher DPPH scavenging free radical activity than that of O. gratissimum leaf powder. The mineral constituents revealed that both plants contain a significant amount of zinc, calcium, iron and phosphorus, with M. charantia leaf powder having higher zinc and calcium concentration than O. gratissimum leaf powder (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that the leaf of M. charantia and O. gratissimum plants are rich sources of nutrients and phytochemicals and can be used as natural feed additives in animal nutrition.

Endophytes have continued to gain fame due to their ability to produce an array of secondary metabolites within the host system with huge untapped pharmacological potentials. This study was carried out to further identify and isolate novel therapeutic compounds fromFusarium equiseti,an Endophytic fungus isolated from leaves ofOcimum gratissimum. Endophytic fungal isolation, fungal fermentation, and extraction of secondary metabolites were carried out using standard laboratory methods. The crude extracts ofFusarium equisetiwere subjected to further chromatographic techniques using vacuum liquid chromatography, Sephadex LH 20 and semipreparative HPLC for isolation of bioactive compounds. The fractions and the isolated compounds obtained were further subjected to high performance liquid chromatography-Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD). The analytical HPLC led to the further detection of many bioactive compounds namely: Enniatin A, Aureonitol, Serasinoside H1, Altenusin, Aplysinamisin, benzylnitril, ruspolinone and Orientin. Semipreparative HPLC led to the isolation of 6 pure compounds of which two were identified as benzylnitril, and ruspolinone. The remaining four were not identified due to lack of library hits. The detected and the isolated compounds have been previously shown to exhibit a wide array of biological activities including antiviral, antifungal, hepatoprotection, antibacterial, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties. The unidentified compounds may hold enormous potential as new bioactive lead compounds for development into novel therapeutic agents. Therefore, the Endophytic fungus,Fusarium equisetishould be harnessed for its potential pharmacological, pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications.

Dental plaque and calculus are two of the most common diseases in small animal veterinary practice. They promote de accumulation of bacteria on the surface of canine teeth, which is also the main cause of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease destroys the tissue that supports the teeth and when left untreated can have systemic repercussions. Daily brushing of the dog´s teeth is the most effective method of preventing these afflictions, but that is still not a reality for most owners and many of the products available on the market for that purpose have negative long term effects for the pacient´s health. With that being said, this project sought to test the efficiency of Ocimum gratissimum oil and ferulic acid, main component of brown propolis extract, in combatting the bacteria that produces dental plaque and calculus, introducing a less aggressive option for the treatment of these diseases. In order to do so, 14 samples of plaque and calculus were collected from dogs of different ages, sex and breeds; the microrganisms present in those samples were identified and agar diffusion tests and evaluation of inhibition halo diameters were performed for each treatment of interest. The study showed that the most efficient treatments were the Ocimum gratissimum oil as well as its association with ferulic acid and an existent commercial propolis based gel, both having had equivalent results. La placa y el calculo dental son dos de las afecciones más predominantes en la clínica de pequeños animales. La acumulación de bactérias promovida por ellas és, también, la principal etiología de la enfermedad periodontal, que damnifica los tecidos de apoyo de los dientes y, si no tratada, puede generar enfermedades sistémicas. Cepillar los dientes de los perros diariamente és la mejor manera de prevenir estas enfermedades, pero la gran mayoria de los dueños no lo hacen y los productos existentes actualmente en el mercado pueden tener efectos secundarios a largo plazo. Así, este trabajo avaló la eficiencia del aceite de Ocimum gratissimum y ácido ferúlico, principal componente del extracto de propóleo marrón en el control de crecimiento de las bacterias de la placa y calculo dental, introduciendo una nueva opción de tratamiento, menos agresivo, para estas enfermedades. Para eso, fueron recogidas 14 muestras de placa y calculo dental de perros de diferentes edades, sexo y razas, fueron identificados los microrganismos en ellas y hecha la prueba de difusión en agar y evaluación de los diámetros de halo producidos por cada tratamiento de interés. El trabajo mostro que los tratamientos más eficientes fueron el aceite de Ocimum gratissimum y su asociación con el ácido ferúlico e con un producto comercial que tiene como base el propóleo. A placa e o cálculo dentário em cães são duas das afecções mais prevalentes na clínica de pequenos animais. O acúmulo de bactérias promovido por eles é, também, a principal etiologia da doença periodontal, que danifica os tecidos de sustentação dentária e, quando não tratada, pode gerar repercussões sistêmicas. A escovação dentária diária é a melhor forma de prevenção contra essas moléstias, porém, a grande maioria dos tutores não possui esse costume e os produtos existentes no mercado para esse fim podem gerar efeitos colaterais quando usados a longo prazo. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho buscou avaliar a eficácia do óleo de Ocimum gratissimum e do ácido ferúlico, principal componente do extrato de própolis marrom no combate das bactérias formadoras de placa e cálculo, introduzindo uma opção fitoterápica, menos agressiva, aos possíveis tratamentos dessas doenças. Para isso, foram coletadas 14 amostras de placa e cálculo dentário de cães de diferentes idades, sexo e raças, identificados os microrganismos presentes em tais amostras e realizado o teste de difusão em ágar e avaliação de diâmetros de halo formados por cada tratamento de interesse. O estudo demonstrou que os dois tratamentos mais eficazes dentre os estudados, foram o óleo de Ocimum gratissimum e sua associação ao ácido ferúlico e um gel comercial à base de própolis, ambos tendo demonstrado resultados equivalentes.

Ocimum gratissimum L. var. gratissimum Syn.: Ocimum viride Willd. Subshrub, occurs mainly near settlements and in cropland, fallow and disturbed sites. C.N.: kimbuma, kamuelele-da-mata, mubemé, mubumé (kb). Uses: food, medicinal. F.Monteiro 661 (LUAI, LISC), Published as part of Monteiro, Francisca, Costa, Esperança Da, Kissanga, Raquel, Costa, José Carlos & Catarino, Luís, 2022, An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola, pp. 1-67 in Phytotaxa 557 (1) on page 38, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.557.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6985699

RESUMO Introdução. As parasitoses representam um grave problema de saúde pública, nas comunidades mais carentes. Rotineiramente a comida acaba sendo veículo de disseminação de microrganismos como, Entamoeba sp e Giardia sp, também tem destaque a não acessibilidade a tratamentos medicamentosos. Buscou-se analisar a atividade antiparasitária e toxicidade dos extratos: Bidens pilosa, Cucurbita sp , Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita L., Ocimum gratissimum, Petroselinum crispum, Allium sativum, Coriadrum sativum, Dysphania ambrosioide, Punica granatum. frente aos cistos da Giardia sp e Entamoeba sp, como potenciais antiprotozoários. Métodos Foram produzidos extratos brutos secos, hidro alcoólicos, por método maceração e posterior secagem. Os cistos de Ameba sp. e Giárdia sp., foram expostos em soluções dos extratos nas concentrações de 100%, 50%, 25% e 12,5%, com uma proporção de amostra/extrato (1:10). Foi utilizado a técnica de Artemia salina para observação da toxicidade dos mesmos. Resultados Os extratos de Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha crispa, Allium sativum, Coriadrum sativum e Punica granatum, demonstraram maior espectro de ação frente aos microrganismos. As principais alterações, evidenciadas nos cistos, foram retração da membrana e lise celular com extravasamento do citosol. Observou-se que a maioria dos extratos demonstraram-se praticamente atóxicos. Conclusão As plantas medicinais devem ser estudadas adotando ensaios in vitro e in vivo, para observar a ação antiprotozoária em ambas as situações. O estudo revelou um potencial para a produção de produtos com fins terapêuticos antiparasitários. ABSTRACT Introduction. Parasitosis represent a serious public health problem in poor communities. Routinely, food ends up being a vehicle for the dissemination of microorganisms such as Entamoeba sp and Giardia sp. We sought to analyze the antiparasitic activity and toxicity of the extracts: Bidens pilosa, Cucurbita sp, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita L., Ocimum gratissimum, Petroselinum crispum, Allium sativum, Coriadrum sativum, Dysphania ambrosioide, Punica granatum. against Giardia sp and Entamoeba sp cysts, as potential antiprotozoal agents. Methods Dry, hydroalcoholic crude extracts were produced by maceration method and subsequent drying. Ameba sp. and Giardia sp. cysts were exposed in solutions of the extracts at concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%, with a sample/extract ratio (1:10). The Artemia salina technique was used to observe their toxicity. Results The extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha crispa, Allium sativum, Coriadrum sativum and Punica granatum, demonstrated a greater spectrum of action against microorganisms. The main alterations, evidenced in the cysts, were membrane retraction and cell lysis with cytosol extravasation. It was observed that most of the extracts were practically non-toxic. Conclusion Medicinal plants should be studied adopting in vitro and in vivo assays, to observe the antiprotozoal action in both situations. The study revealed a potential for the production of products with antiparasitic therapeutic purposes.

Plant-derived essential oils and extracts are known to be effective against many microorganisms. The essential oil obtained from fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum possessed promising antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum. The antifungal potential of O. gratissimum essential oil can be markedly improved with the use of nanotechnology. O. gratissimum essential oil based nanoformulations were prepared using non-ionic surfactant and water by ultrasonication. The process was optimized for parameters such as surfactant concentration and sonication time to achieve minimum droplet diameter with high physical stability. Stable O. gratissimum essential oil nanoemulsions were obtained for 1:1 ratio (v/v) of essential oil and surfactant with mean droplet diameter of 259.4 nm for 10 min sonication time. Essential oil and all nanoemulsions were evaluated for their antifungal activity against P. digitatum of kinnow fruit by poisoned food technique. The nanoemulsion (1:1, 10 min) showed the highest growth inhibition (1 × 104 CFU ml−1, 96%) against P. digitatum followed by pure oil (13 × 104 CFU ml−1, 85%) on 15th day of incubation. Scanning electron and optical microscopy results further revealed stronger suppressive activity of O. gratissimum essential oil nanoemulsions for spore germination and hyphal elongation of P. digitatum than pure oil.

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts on antibiotic resistant bacteria from stool samples of diarrhea patient attending specialist hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria. O. gratissimum leaf extracted with acetone, methanol and hot water solvents were assayed for qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals. Bioactive extracts were partially purified using standard chromatographic techniques. The crude and purified acetone extract had inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli (13.00±0.58 and 26.67±0.33 mm) according to CLSI, 2014 standard. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of purified acetone extract were 12.5 and 25 mg/ml respectively. Saponin had the highest quantity (42.50±0.32 mg/ml) on acetone extract while tannin had the lowest (1.29±0.01 mg/ml). O. gratissimum leaf acetone extract could be promising candidate in the treatment of diarrhea infection which is a major concern in paediatric medicine. Keywords: Diarrhea, Ocimum gratissimum L., Antibacterial

Poultry wastes contain metals which have permissible limits in crops for safe consumption by man and animals. Seasonal contents of heavy metals in soil and edible portions of five broadly eaten vegetables in Nigeria [Amaranthus (Amaranthus viridis), Gruty-stalked jatropha (jatropha podagrica), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Water leaf (Talinum triangulare)] were evaluated in poultry farms within the state of Osun, Nigeria. Heavy metals contents in the digested samples were determined with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Quality assurance techniques included blank determination, recovery analysis and calibration of standards. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data interpretations. Analytical results of poultry farm soils revealed that dry and wet seasons values for Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were within the acceptable range, but As values for dry and wet seasons (323.10 and 351.41 µg/g respectively) were higher than acceptable values of a typical agricultural soil. Highest contents of As (42.042 µg/g), Cd (0.550 µg/g) and Pb (0.618 µg/g) were recorded for Amaranthus viridis; the highest Cu level (0.998 µg/g) was present in Ocimum gratissimum; Fe had its highest content (148.031 µg/g) in Vernonia amygdalina; while Talinum triangulare had the highest Zn level (62.073 µg/g). Levels of heavy metals in vegetables were higher in the dry season than the wet season but this variation was not statistically different at p < 0.05. Similarly, the levels of As and Fe were above the safe values in plants in both seasons, while Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were below the safe value. Enrichment factor values implied that the poultry farm soils were significantly enriched with Cu, Pb and Zn, but heavily enriched with As, Cd and Fe as a result of anthropogenic inputs. Specifically, the soils were heavily contaminated with the duo of very toxic elements, As and Cd.

The plant tissues produce many chemical compounds with potential biological activities. The present study has been carried out to identify the chemical constituents present in the leaves, stems and seeds of Ocimum gratissimum plant using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy along with its functional group analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC−MS) study showed the presence of Eugenol, Flavone, Caryophyllene, Oleoc acid, Phytol, Octadecanoic acid, Clohexene-1-methanol4-[1-methylethenyl]-acetate, Artemisinin, Phenol,3,5-bis [1,1-dimethylethyl]- and Methyl-α-ionone as major compounds. These compounds were already proved to possess anti-oxidative, anti-mycotic, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, anti-insect, anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-tumour, analgesic, antibacterial, fungicide, cytotoxicity and anti-fungal activities. The functional groups such as C=O, O–H, C–N and C=C were identified using FTIR method.

Use of synthetic chemicals in addressing livestock attacks by ticks has negative effects on animals, handlers and the environment. These problems necessitate search for potent alternatives in bioacaricides particularly volatile oils. Acaricidal effects of hydro-distilled volatile oils from the fresh leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora, Ocimum gratissimum (OG) and Callistemon citrinus were evaluated on ticks obtained from infested cattle using topical method at varying concentrations in acetone. For each concentration, ten ticks of similar species were placed in Petri dishes and administered 20μL of the mixture of volatile oil and acetone. Acetone (20μL) was used as control and the effects were observed for 24 h. Out of three tick species identified, Rhipicephalus microplus was most abundant and most sensitive to the oils. Others are Amblyomma hebraeum and Hyalomma rufipes (most resistant). The volatile oil of OG was the most potent with LC50 of < 2 % (< 0.4 μL), < 2 % and 7.97% (1.59 μL) on the organisms respectively. The 5% of OG produced 100% mortality on R. microplus in 10-25 min while 20% concentration produced 100% mortality on H. rufipes in 24 h. Volatile oils of these plants particularly OG can serve as potent alternative bio-acaricidal agents to chemicals.

Ocimum gratissimum L. — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMDF; up to 2 600 m. Distribution: I. Voucher: Near Ontulili Forest Station, Alt. 2 198 m, 5 Aug. 2015, SAJIT 003126 (HIB). References: Fries & Fries (1930b), Bussmann (1993, 1994), Bussmann & Beck (1995a, 1998)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 87, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1930 b) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. XIV. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 11 (101): 20 - 47. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994695","Bussmann, R. W. (1993) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): A phytosociological approach with special reference to ecological problems. Ph. D. Thesis, Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, Tubingen, 119 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1995 a) The forests of Mt. Kenya (Kenya), a phytosociological synopsis. Phytocoenologia 25 (4): 467 - 560. https: // doi. org / 10.1127 / phyto / 25 / 1995 / 467","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1998) The plant communities of the forests of Mount Kenya - First phytosociological and ecological data. In: Ojany, F. F. (Ed.) African mountains and highlands - planning for sustainable use of mountain resources. United Nations University, Tokyo, pp. 96 - 107."]}

The present study determined the effect of Ocimum gratissimun Linn. leaves aqueous extract on lead-acetate alterations in the hippocampus and serum biochemical concentration of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions in animal models. Twenty male and female albino rats weighing around 155 g were randomly distributed to four groups, (n=5 each). Group A served as control, B received 500 mg/kg body weight of O. gratissimum leaf extract, C was administered 150 mg/kg of lead acetate, and group D was given both lead acetate and the named leaf extract at doses of 150 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. Treatments were given once daily via gavage and lasted 15 days while the animals had access to feed and water ad libitum. The rats were euthanized on the 16th day by cervical dislocation; the cranial cavity was carefully exposed and the brain dissected to excise tissue specimens from the hippocampus for histological studies. Blood samples were also collected through cardiac puncture and then centrifuged to obtain serum used for the biochemical parameter. The one-way Analysis of Variance was the statistical tool used to evaluate the differences in concentration of the electrolytes, and data was expressed as means ± SD, while P< 0.05 was taken as a significant value. The results showed the extract to have a mitigating effect by alleviating lead-acetate induced histopathological distortions of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons and by counteracting the neurochemical alterations in brain electrolyte ion. The findings of this research therefore indicate that the leaf aqueous extract of O. gratissimum has anti-toxic properties and may therefore be explored by pharmaceuticals in search of alternative treatment for lead poisoning.