ABSTRACT
Ocimum gratissimum L. is an herbaceous perennial shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, India, and South East Asia. It is introduced and cultivated extensively across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Traditionally, the leaves have been used to treat diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headaches, and as a general tonic. The essential oil 368from the leaves is mixed with alcohol and used against infections; the oil is taken internally to treat bronchitis. The major essential oil components of O. gratissimum reported in various publications include eugenol, thymol, γ-terpinene, cis-ocimene, γ-muurolene p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, etc. Further, O. gratissimum is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. O. gratissimum showed hepatoprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antiobesity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, wound healing, gastroprotective, anticancer, antidiarrheal, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
