Anatomical Study of Six Ocimum Species: The Valuable Method Used in Indian Systems of Medicines (ISM)

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the morphological and anatomical traits of six Ocimum species namely Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Syn. O. Sanctum L. (green var. known as Radha Tulasi), O. tenuiflorum L. (purple var. known as Krishna Tulasi), O. basilicum L.( green var. known as Sugandhi Tulasi), O. basilicum var. pupurascens L.( purple var. known as Durlabha Tulasi), O. canum Sims. (Kanaka Tulasi) and O. gratissimum L. (Rama Tulasi). Chlorophyll estimation of young and matured leaves was also estimated. Cholorophyll a, Chl. b and total chlorophyll was maximum in both young and matured leaves of O. gratissimum L. compared to other species. Carotenoid pigments was maximum of 203.94 mg/ml in young leaves of O. gratissimum L. and 244.92 mg/ml in matured leaves of O. sanctum L. Comparative morphological characters and anatomical variation were studied for identification of the desired species in drug manufacturing industries before making formulations. This study will certainly help to ensure the quality of the crude drug as these are collected by untrained workers and supplied in dry condition to the drug manufacturing industries. Therefore, there is a chance of adulteration because of vested interest or ignorance as many plants are known by common names or in vernacular names. It was found that the six species can be identified and authenticated using these experimental findings before preparation of compound Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs in Indian System of Medicines.