Variation in The Vitamin C and Essential Oil Content of Ocimum Sanctum, L. Growing in The Various Regions of Kerala and Maharahtra.

Jethmalani Megha; Palathingal Trisa; Sachin Bhagat

Volume : III, Issue : VIII, August - 2014

Variation in The Vitamin C and Essential Oil Content of Ocimum Sanctum, L. Growing in The Various Regions of Kerala and Maharahtra.

Jethmalani Megha, Palathingal Trisa, Sachin Bhagat

Abstract :

Herbal medicines are currently in demand and their popularity is increasing day by day. The leaves of Ocimum sanctum L. contains essential oils and alkaloids responsible for curing upper respiratory tract infections. Ocimum sanctum L. is the reservoir plant for therapeutic applications. This medicinal plant is highly valued for their medicinal and aromatic properties in the traditional as well as modern pharmacological system. In the present work plants of Ocimum sanctum L. were collected from various regions of Kerala and Maharashtra during summer and winter seasons and they were analyzed for Vitamin C content and essential oils. It was observed that in the plants of Ocimum sanctum L., the vitamin C content and essential oil was found to be maximum in plants collected from Kerala compared to Maharashtra. Both Vitamin C content and essential oil was found to be maximum in the plants of Ocimum sanctum L. collected from both Maharashtra and Kerala during the winter season.