PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM (SCENT LEAF)

Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is a common aromatic plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various infections and ailments. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the n-hexane extract of O. gratissimum leaves. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and steroids, while alkaloids, anthraquinones, total glycosides, and saponin glycosides, were absent. The antimicrobial activity of the n-hexane extract was tested against selected bacterial and fungal isolates. Results obtained showed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition, with stronger antibacterial activity compared to antifungal activity. The findings indicate that O. gratissimum contains bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial potential, supporting its traditional use in herbal medicine and suggesting its possible application in the development of plant-based antimicrobial agents.