QUANTIFICATION OF TOTAL PHENOLICS AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF OCIMUM SPECIES: OCIMUM BASILICUM AND OCIMUM SANCTUM

The genus Ocimum, a member of the Lamiaceae family. Ocimum species are mostly composed of phenolics, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, etc. We have investigated into the antioxidant activity and total phenolics of the two species of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum since they all have therapeutic characteristics. The results were compared to those of other common antioxidants like ascorbic acid and gallic acid. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and lipid peroxidation can all be scavenged. These two plants’ leaves were extracted using an ethanol solvent. By Soxhlation, the ethanolic extract was obtained. Several concentrations (ranging from 50g to 500g) were employed in this investigation. The maximum percentage activity of DPPH (76.67%), Superoxide radical (60.72%), Hydroxyl radical (57.97%), and Lipid peroxidation (66.61%) were found at the 500 g concentration. Ocimum basilicum demonstrated greater percent inhibitory activity than Ocimum sanctum among these radicals evaluated on the two species. Ocimum basilicum was recommended, however, both Ocimum species had the highest IC₅₀ values.