Antihelminthic Activity, Phytochemical Profile and Microscopic Features of Ocimum basilicum Collected in DR Congo

Aim: The main aim of the present study is to validate the bioactivity of O. basilicum, a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat helminthiasis in DRC. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Kinshasa, between June 2018 and March 2019. Methodology: Different parts (stems, leaves and flowers) of O. basilicum and specimens of earthworms of Benhamia rosea were collected and identified at University of Kinshasa. Micrographic examination was carried out using Biolux NV microscope and X-ray fluorescence method for mineral content determination. Radical scavenging activity was performed using the ABTS radical test. Results: Microscopic analysis of O. basilicum powder revealed various histological elements like crystalline fibres, sclerotic fibres, fragments of spiral vessels, pluricellular hairs and glandular hairs. Phytochemical screening in solution and by TLC revealed the presence of polyphenols (flavonoids, anthocyanins, saponins), alkaloids, steroids, coumarins, terpenoids, irridoids and anthraquinones. 20 elements including calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, chlorine, aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, strontium, rubidium, bromine, silver, vanadium, neodymium, silicium and lead were determined. The aqueous extract of O. basilicum showed good dose-dependent antihelminthic activity and radical scavenging activity with IC50: 27.04 ± 4.58 µg/mL. Conclusion: This study provides an additional information on the mineral composition and antihelminthic activity of O. basilicum growing in DRC. The antihelminthic activity of this plant could be associated to the presence of flavonoids. To the current knowledge, no study on the histological elements of O. basilicum is available in the literature.