Rama Holy Basil Leaf, Ocimum sanctum
Rama Holy Basil Leaf has gained significant recognition in the field of culinary applications due to its unique and amazing scents and flavours. The primary objectives of this research project are to conduct an analysis of Rama Holy Basil Leaf hydrosols which were obtained using microwave techniques and subsequently examined through gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)
Rama Holy Basil Leaf, Ocimum sanctum
Rama Holy Basil Leaf, scientifically referred to as Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a plant known for its lengthy history, wide range of uses, and potential health advantages. [1] This fragrant plant, which is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, has gained a special place in both traditional medical practises and culinary customs[2].It enjoys a sacred and cherished status in Hindu culture and is sometimes called to as "Tulsi" there and it is connected to devotion and has spiritual value[4]. Rama Holy Basil stands out among the numerous basil kinds with its bright green leaves and a sweet, slightly floral scent[3].
[1] Malav, Pavan, et al. "Morphological variability in holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) from India."Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution62 (2015): 1245-1256.
[2]Kaushal, Surbhi. "Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil)-A Herb for all Reasons."CORVETTE PRESS: 31.
[3]Kumar, P., Nikhate, S. P., Raole, V. V., & Kumar, S. THE CRITICAL REVIEW ON TULSI (Ocimum sanctum)–A HOLY BASIL MEDICINAL PLANT.
[4]Maimes, Steven. "Maimes report on holy basil."Ocimum sanctum—Tulsi(2004).
Rama Holy basil leaf hydrosols were prepared using the microwave extraction method which enhanced extraction efficiency and preservation of delicate volatile compounds that may be lost during traditional distillation methods [5]. 150g of dried basil leaf were soaked with around 500mL of boiling hot distilled water in the microwave extraction vessel. Following an overnight soaking period, the infused herbaceous material was ready for extraction. To capture the resulting hydrosol droplets, a 300mL beaker was positioned and screwed at the center of the microwave extraction vessel. An ice cone, designed to facilitate optimal condensation, was positioned atop the vessel's lid. The microwave then runs for a duration of 9 minutes. Upon completion of each 9-minute cycle, the extraction vessels were removed from the microwave. The resulting hydrosols collected in the 200mL beaker were then transferred to a clean, dry glass bottle. A new ice cone was then placed and secured on the lid. The extraction process was repeated six times in total, with each cycle lasting 9 minutes, to ensure the comprehensive extraction of all volatile and water-soluble components from the Rana holy basil leaf.
[5]Nazlić, Marija, et al. "Extraction, Composition and Comparisons–Free Volatile Compounds from Hydrosols of Nine Veronica Taxa."Horticulturae9.1 (2023): 16
Rama Holy basil leaf hydrosols were then evaluated using a DB-5 MS column and GC-MS. To eliminate water and big contaminants that can clog the GC column, 1mL, 5mL and 10mL of the hydrosols sample was filtered by solid phase extraction (SPE) prior to the analysis leveraging the GC-MS equipment. During the first test run, which employed 5mL of Rama holy basil leaf hydrosols works best in revealing all the components. Therefore, an additional three test run was carried out using 5mL of hydrosols to calculate the average concentrations of each component within the hydrosols
The utilization of GC-MS analysis to examine Rama Holy basil leaf hydrosols offers significant insights into their chemical makeup, facilitating the detection and characterization of volatile compounds within the hydrosols. The identification and quantification of individual constituents can be accomplished by comparing obtained mass spectra with established reference databases [6]. The chromatogram’s peaks were all recognized by comparing their mass spectra to a database. By contrasting the estimated RI values with the RI values provided for the
compound in the literature, their identities were verified and listed in Table 1.
[6]NIST Chemistry Webbook, SRD 69. Chemical Name Search. (n.d.).https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/name-ser/
It was then found that this plant hasbioactive compounds like eugenol, estragole and isoeugenol have shown that it may play a role in reducing stress, boosting the immune system,and reducinginflammation[7]. As mentioned, it was also named as Tulsi, has a variety of pharmacological effects that help treat different types of stress. This covers defence against physical stress brought on by strain, ischemia, physical restraint, exposure to the cold, and loud noises, as well as defence against chemical stress brought on by pollutants and heavy metals. Tulsi also controls blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, which helps to combat metabolic stress. Additionally, it enhances memory and cognitive function and functions as an anxiolytic and an antidepressant, all of which aid in the management of psychological stress. As a result of its antibacterial characteristics, it may find use as a water purifier, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and in the care of animals, the treatment of wounds, the preservation of food, and traveler's health[10].Rama Holy Basil is also well-liked in the culinary world for its delicious and aromatic leaves[8]. Which the leaves enhance the flavour and aroma of different cuisines with its sweet and faintly flowery undertones, which was used through use in teas, soups, salads, and curries[9]
[7] Srivastava, Arun K., and Vinay K. Singh. "Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A potent adaptogen."Clinical Research Notes2.2 (2021): 01-05.
[8]Malav, Pavan, et al. "Morphological variability in holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) from India."Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution62 (2015): 1245-1256.
[9]Tangpao, Tibet, et al. "Volatile organic compounds from basil essential oils: Plant taxonomy, biological activities, and their applications in tropical fruit productions."Horticulturae8.2 (2022): 144.
[10]Cohen, Marc Maurice. "Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons."Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine5.4 (2014): 251
My name is Rachael Lee, an international student from Malaysia currently in my fourth year of pursuing an Honours bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Ottawa. Having the opportunity to volunteer at John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility not only allows me to develop my practical skills in analytical chemistry but also provides an invaluable platform for me to learn more about mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry. Moreover, with the aid of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry which allows examination of the chemicals contained in the hydrosols of various raw materials, I am thrilled to pursue analyzing additional plant samples using the methods I have acquired from this experience.
