Determination of Nutrient and Phytochemical Profile of Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) Leaves and Seeds

Abstract

The sustainable use of plant parts such as basil (Ocimum gratissimum) leaves and seeds is beneficial as they are believed to possess various nutritional and therapeutic values. The study investigated the nutrient and phytochemical profile of basil leaves and seeds. Specifically, the study analysed the proximate omposition (moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate); vitamin content (pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E) and phytochemical content (flavonoid and phenol) of basil leaves and seeds. Samples were processed into flour using different methods. The proximate, vitamin and phytochemical compositions of the samples were analysed in triplicates using standard methods. All data were presented as means ± standard deviations. Proximate analysis results showed that the protein content of basil seeds ranged from 14.90 - 14.93%. The Ash content of the samples varies from 4.28 - 10.45%. The concentration of crude fibre in basil leaves and seeds ranged etween 14.20 - 15.77%. The vitamin analysis result showed that the pro-vitamin A content of the samples ranged from 11.28- 170.70μg/100g. Analysis of phytochemical content showed that the value of flavonoids in the samples varied from 16.67 -22.78mg/100g. The phenol content of the samples ranged between 21.71 and 23.74mg/100g. Results showed that basil leaves and seeds contain significant quantities of nutrients and phytochemicals. The findings of the study indicated that basil leaves and seeds could be used as raw materials in food and pharmaceutical industries to manufacture spices, beverages and nutraceuticals.