Vana Holy Basil Leaf, Ocimum gratissimum.
Vana 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 Vana Holy Basil Leaf hydrosols which were obtained using microwave techniques and subsequently examined through gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).
Vana Holy Basil Leaf, Ocimum gratissimum.
Vana Holy Basil Leaf, scientifically referred to as Ocimum gratissimum. This is a fascinating herb revered for its long history and multiple health advantages. This perennial plant, which is indigenous to areas of Southeast Asia and India, has long been used in conventional medical practises including Ayurveda and traditional Thai medicine[1]. Due to its special qualities, it is regarded as a sacred and beloved herb in many different civilizations, especially by the Hindus [10]. Vana Holy Basil also stands out for its vivid green leaves, which when crushed provide a pleasant aroma that fills the air with a sweet and spicy scent [2]. The plant is a popular choice for culinary, medical, and spiritual uses because of its distinctive perfume and its many uses.
[1] Sharma, Prerna, and Kumud Upadhyaya. "Characteristic features and comparative analysis of essential oil composition of selected genus of Ocimum sanctum L. through GC-MS."Journal of Vector Borne Diseases60.1 (2023): 94-100.[2] Farooq, Sumaya, and Amit Sehgal. "Synergistic antioxidant interactions between green tea and Ocimum gratissimum."Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine9.8 (2019).
[3]Shasany, Ajit Kumar, and Chittaranjan Kole, eds.The Ocimum Genome. Springer, 2018.
[10]Sharma, Vinit. "Comparative pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of different species of Ocimum."International Journal of Phytopharmacy1.2 (2011): 43-49
Vana 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 [4].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 Vana holy basil leaf.
[4]Nazlić, Marija, et al. "Extraction, Composition and Comparisons–Free Volatile Compounds from Hydrosols of Nine Veronica Taxa."Horticulturae9.1 (2023): 16
Vana 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 Vana holy basil leaf hydrosolsworks best inrevealingall the components. Therefore, an additional threetest runwas 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 Vana 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
[8]. [8]NIST Chemistry Webbook, SRD 69. Chemical Name Search. (n.d.).https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/name-ser/
It was then found that this plant haspotential in industries like agriculture and health. Vana Holy Basil has attracted interest in the field of medicine because to its potential as a homoeopathic treatment for a variety of medical conditions of bioactive compounds within the plant like linalool and estragole [9]. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics may help with the treatment of disorders like stress, anxiety, diabetes, and several respiratory illnesses[5].Furthermore, Vana Holy Basil has also demonstrated promise in receding pest bites and relieving flatulence[6]. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly option for sustainable agricultural methods because of its capacity to ward against some pests like wasps, hornets, ants, cockroaches but also enhance soil health without the use of synthetic pesticides[7].
[9] Rodrigues, Lindaiane Bezerra, et al. "Anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its main compound estragole: in vivo mouse models."Chemico-biological interactions257 (2016): 14-25.
[5]Maimes, Steven. "Maimes report on holy basil."Ocimum sanctum—Tulsi(2004).
[6]Kaur, Simranjeet, et al. "An overview of Tulsi (Holy basil)."European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine7.7 (2020): 2833-2839.
[7] Gaddamwar, Amrut G., P. R. Rajput, and V. J. Parsodkar. "Extraction of basil, padina, ajwain and development of oxygen garden in the school yard as a preventive measure for covid-19."International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology8.4 (2020): 1408-1411.
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.
