ArticlePDF Available

Abstract and Figures

Plants are excellent source of active components which act as a natural antimicrobial agent and used for treatment of various diseases in whole world from ancient time. As a result the main focus of researchers is on the plants, especially herbs and spices. Tulsi is most sacred plant of the India. It is cultivated for medicinal and religious purposes. Ocimum sanctum has many beneficial properties namely antioxidative, antimicrobial, antistress, antidiabetic, antiviral and many others that’s why this plant is also given the term “Queen of Herbs”. Tulsi is one of the most important aromatic herb, which is widely used in Pharmaceutical Industry. O. sanctum is mostly used in the form of extract and oil. The main secondary metabolites of Tulsi extract is Eugenol, Linalool, β-Caryophyllene, Carvacrol, Apigenin, Rosmarinic Acid, Urosolic Acid, these are derivatives of alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and quinone isolated from Ocimum sanctum and other medicinal plants. Tulsi leaves extract also inhibit the growth of pathogens which is responsible for spoilage of fresh produce. Tulsi extract shows inhibitory effects against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonellatyphae, Shigella dysentriae, Bacillus pumilus, Aspergillus spp., Candida albican and Penicellium spp. Essential oil and extract of Tulsi leaves have antiviral properties that’s why it is used extensively in medical practices. It is an excellent antimicrobial agent so it is used in food products as an ingredient as well as medicine.
Content may be subject to copyright.
E-ISSN: 2278-3229
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
International Journal of Green and
Herbal Chemistry
An International Peer Review E-3 Journal of Sciences
Available online at www.ijghc.com
Section B: Herbal Chemistry
Research Article CODEN (USA): IJGHAY
20
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
Antimicrobial Properties of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) in
Relation to Shelf Life Enhancement of Fruits &
Vegetables
Pramod K. Raghav & Mitu Saini*
Department of Food & Biotechnology, Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University, Jaipur, India.
Received: 07 December 2017; Revised: 30 December 2017; Accepted: 06 January 2018
Abstract: Plants are excellent source of active components which act as a natural
antimicrobial agent and used for treatment of various diseases in whole world from
ancient time. As a result the main focus of researchers is on the plants, especially
herbs and spices. Tulsi is most sacred plant of the India. It is cultivated for medicinal
and religious purposes. Ocimum sanctum has many beneficial properties namely anti-
oxidative, antimicrobial, antistress, antidiabetic, antiviral and many others that’s why
this plant is also given the term “Queen of Herbs”. Tulsi is one of the most important
aromatic herb, which is widely used in Pharmaceutical Industry. O. sanctum is mostly
used in the form of extract and oil. The main secondary metabolites of Tulsi extract is
Eugenol, Linalool, β-Caryophyllene, Carvacrol, Apigenin, Rosmarinic Acid, Urosolic
Acid, these are derivatives of alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins,
saponins, terpenoids, steroids and quinone isolated from Ocimum sanctum and other
medicinal plants. Tulsi leaves extract also inhibit the growth of pathogens which is
responsible for spoilage of fresh produce. Tulsi extract shows inhibitory effects
against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli,
Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
21
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
typhae, Shigella dysentriae, Bacillus pumilus, Aspergillus spp., Candida albican and
Penicellium spp. Essential oil and extract of Tulsi leaves have antiviral properties
that’s why it is used extensively in medical practices. It is an excellent antimicrobial
agent so it is used in food products as an ingredient as well as medicine.
Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial Properties, Health
Benefits and Fruits & Vegetables.
INTRODUCTION
The Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the most valued and holistic medicinal plant which is having
medicinal importance and is used for the preparation of traditional medicines from many years in
India. Tulsi has been described as ‘Queen of Herbs’ and ‘Mother of Medicine of Nature’ because of
many useful medicinal properties1. This plant is widely growing in India and many other countries of
South-East Asia. O. sanctum is commonly known as Tulsi in India. It is traditionally important
medicinal herb containing many useful compounds2.
About 85% population of the whole world partially or wholly is dependent on herbal medicines for
the treatment of primary health related issues. According to traditional medical system, herbal
medicines are the major remedies.
Tulsi has been used in medical practices from thousands of years and it has a great contribution to
maintaining human health3. The whole plant of Tulsi is used in medicines and has been found to
possess various therapeutic properties and many useful phytochemicals which act as antimicrobial
agents against pathogenic microbes. Tulsi has therapeutic application in cardiovascular disorders
according to the ancient system of medicines including Greek, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Roman4.
Tulsi is used in different forms such as extract and essential oil in medicines from ancient in India.
Tulsi extract is commonly used for various medicines for therapeutic uses to treat many diseases such
as fever, headache, malaria, heart diseases and inflammation2. Tulsi leaves and inflorescence are
mostly used in the extraction of oil, this Tulsi oil have numerous properties such as hepatoprotective,
immune-modulatory, hypotensive, stress reducer, inflammation reliever and anti-asthmatic5.
According to Indian “Padmottara Purana”, a home where a garden of Tulsi plant exists is itself a
centre of pilgrimage; neither servants of “Yama” nor disease can enter there and wherever Tulsi plant
fragrance goes, the air get purified6. The Tulsi plant having many active constituents and essential oil
which produces the specific fragrance, because of its volatile nature and it can kill many types of
microorganism such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The extract and essential oil of O. sanctum is found to possess insecticidal and antibacterial
properties4. In recent years, Tulsi is used in different forms in Indian medicines such as the aqueous
extract from leaves (fresh and dried powder) or oil of extract.
Tulsi extract is commonly used for various medicines for therapeutic uses for treatments of many
diseases such as fever, headache, malaria, heart diseases and inflammation. Aqueous Tulsi extract and
essential oil of Tulsi seed has been used as an antimicrobial ingredient in ‘Food Preservation’ to
inhibit the bacterial and fungal infestation7,8.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
22
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
Table 1: Nutritional composition of Tulsi extract (1a).
1. The active constituents of Ocimum sanctum extract: The Tulsi leaves extract has some quantity
of volatile oil which contain phytochemicals such as aldehyde, terpenes (sesquiterpenes,
monoterpenes) and phenols and it also contains some quantity of saponins, tannins, glycosides,
quinone, phlobatanin, Flavonoids (orientin & vicenin), steroids, coumarin and alkaloids9.
Kelm et al.10 investigated that O. sanctum leaves contain anthocyans. The aqueous extract of Tulsi
leaves having primary active constituents which are eugenol, urosolic acid, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid,
α & β- caryophyllene, linalool, euginal (Also known as eugenic acid), β-elemene, geraneol and oc-
imene11. The other active constituents of tulsi extract is α-thujene, isothymusin, octane, α-pinene,
oleanolic acid, cirsimaritin, toluene, apigenin, nonane, β-pinene, isoborneol, camphene, α- guaiene,
sabsinene, ethyl benzene, borneol, germacrene D, α-amorphene, dimethyl benzene, lactate limocene,
myrecene, p-cymene,
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of
RDA
Energy
23 Kcal
1%
Carbohydrates
2.65 g
2%
Protein
3.15 g
6%
Total Fat
0.64 g
2%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fibre
1.60 g
4%
Vitamins
Folates
68 µg
17%
Niacin
0.902 mg
6%
Pantothenic acid
0.209 mg
4%
Pyridoxine
0.155 mg
12%
Riboflavin
0.076 mg
6%
Thiamin
0.034 mg
2.5%
Vitamin A
5275 IU
175%
Vitamin C
18 mg
30%
Vitamin E
0.80 mg
5%
Vitamin K
414.8 µg
345%
Electrolytes
Sodium
4 mg
0%
Potassium
295 mg
6%
Minerals
Calcium
177 mg
18%
Copper
385 mg
43%
Iron
3.17 mg
40%
Magnesium
64 mg
16%
Manganese
1.15 mg
57 %
Zinc
0.81 mg
7 %
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-β
3142 µg
--
Crypto-xanthin- β
46 µg
--
Lutein-zeaxanthin
5650 µg
--
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
23
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
Table 2: Primary active constituents of Ocimum sanctum2,12-15
S.
No.
Chemical
Formula
Structure of active
constituents
Properties
1.
C10H12O2
Antimicrobial, Anti-cancer
agent, Antiinflamatory,
Antidiabetic,
Cardioprotective,
Hypolipidimic &
Hepatoprotective agent
2.
C30H48O3
Antitumor, Antimicrobial,
Anti-viral activities,
Hepatoprotective, Anti-
inflammatory (oral &
topical), Anti-ulcer & Anti-
hyperlipidemic
3.
C10H14O
Anti-cancer agent,
Antioxidant, Antibacterial,
Anti-insecticidal.
4.
C10 H8 O
Antibacterial, Antiviral,
Antifungal, Anti-cancer
agent.
5.
C15H24
Anti-cancer agent,
Antioxidant, Antimalarial,
Antiviral.
6.
C10H12O
Antidiabetic, Antistress.
7.
C18H16O8
Immunomodulatory,
Antimicrobial, Anticancer,
Anti-inflammatory
8.
C15H10O5
Antiviral, Antibacterial,
Antioxidant, Anti-
inflammatory.
9.
C17H14O6
Cardio protective, Anti-ulcer,
Antistress.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
24
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
iso-eugenol, butyl-benzene, ocimumoside A & B, γ-humulene, α-cubebene, α-terpeneol (1.7-7%),
terpiniolene, α-selinene, β-selinene, α- humulene, borneol, elemol, nerolidol2,10,16,17.
While the alcoholic extract of aerial parts (leaves, stem & flower) of O. sanctum have been reported to
contain apigenin, methyl eugenol, urosolic acid, linalool, β-caryophyllene, stigmesterol, orientin,
luteolin, isorienentin, molludistin, vitexin, triacontanol ferulate, aesculetin, chlorogenic acid,
circineol, caffiec acid, isovitexin, aesculin, gallic acid, procatechuic acid3,10,18-20. These constituents
are FDA approved food additive which are naturally present in Tulsi13.
1.2. Antimicrobial properties of aqueous extract of O. sanctum: Holy Basil or Ocimum sanctum
has been investigated to possess various pharmacological properties like anti-toxic, antioxidant, anti-
cancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant analgesic and anti-thyroid
18,21. The Phenolic constituents of O. sanctum leaf extract like isothymusin, apigenin, rosmarinic acid,
cirsineol and eugenol16. The aqueous extracts of O. sanctum leaves are more effective against
pathogens as compared to methanolic extract22-26. The leaf extract of O. sanctum shows potent
antioxidant activity and it inhibits the growth of E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and
Proteus25.
1.3. Antimicrobial Properties of O. sanctum: Tulsi (O. sanctum) plant has the property to inhibit the
growth of pathogenic microbes such as bacteria, fungus and viruses. Antimicrobial properties of O.
sanctum (Shyam Tulsi) have been found to be higher as compared to commonly available other
species i.e. O. gratissimum, O. canum and O. basilicum etc. in India 27. The aqueous extract, seed oil
and alcoholic extract of O. sanctum exhibited antimicrobial properties against enteric pathogens25,28.
The Tulsi extract and essential oil is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria29.
Tulsi extract has also shown significant antimicrobial properties against some of the multi-drug
resistant and clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae30.
Antibacterial properties
O. sanctum fixed oil contains higher content of Linolenic acid which contributed towards its
antibacterial activity. Fresh leaves extract of O. sanctum and oil are more effective against bacterial
strains as compared to dried leaves extract. Mahmood et al.31 was investigated the O. sanctum is also
containing active constituents which have active effect against strain of S. aureus. O. sanctum extract
also found the antibacterial effect against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and Bacillus pumilus. These
microbes are responsible for spoilage of food products, fruits and vegetables; these causes food
poisoning and other serious diseases in human being 31. The extract and oil of Ocimum sanctum has
shown inhibitory effects on the growth of Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Essential oil of Tulsi has 1/10th anti-tubercular potency of streptomycin and 1/4th that of
isoniazid32. Tulsi (O. sanctum) leaves extract has shown growth inhibition for various species of
bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus and Klebsiella; the O. sanctum extract inhibited the growth of
Vibrio cholera.
Devi et al. 14 investigated that the O. sanctum leaves extract is excellent antimicrobial agent; it is
highly effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebsiella pnuemoniae, P. putida, B. subtilis and E. coli. Agarwal et al.33 investigated in his research
Tulsi leaves extract had been found maximum antibacterial potential against Streptococcus mutans.
Some other researchers have proved that it has its good antibacterial properties against
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and E. faecalis34.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
25
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
Table 3: Antimicrobial properties of Tulsi (Ocimum. sanctum) extract.
S. No.
Types of Extract
Microbial strain
Results
References
1.
Tulsi (Aqueous extract)
E. coli, Malassezia furfur, Proteus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella
aerogens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium,
Shigella dysentriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus cohni,
Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhimurium.
Fungi: Candida albicans, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
repens.
Virus: Rhinotracheitis virus (IBR), White spot syndrome virus (WSSV),
Buffalo pox virus (GTPV).
Positive
Chandra et al.43, Ali & Dixit44, Kumar et
al.28, Singh et al.45, Geeta et al.25, Pasha et
al.22, Joshi et al.23, Kaya et al.46, Sharma26,
Williamson24, Joseph et al.47,
Balasubramanian et al. 48, Bhanuprakash et
al.49,50,
2.
Tulsi leaves (Aq,
Methanolic & Acetone
extract)
Gram-positive & Gram-negative Bacteria.
Positive
Devi et al.14.
3.
Tulsi leaves extract
(Aqueous, Chloroform,
Alcoholic extract and oil)
Gram positive Bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes) & Gram negative Bacteria
(Salmonella enteritica, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and E. coli).
Positive
Rathnayaka14.
4.
Tulsi Extract
Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus fumigates Candida albican.
Positive
Dharmagadda et al.52, Sharma26.
5.
Tulsi leaves (Methanolic
extract)
Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris,
Klebsiella pnuemoniae, S. aureus and S. saprophytica. Fungi: Candida crusei,
Fusarium solani.
Positive
Tantry et al.38, Kumar et al.53, Kaya et
al.46.
6.
Tulsi leaves (Alcoholic
extract
Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa & Salmonella
typhi. Vibrio cholera. Fungi: Candida albicans.
Positive
Joshi et al. 23, Geeta et al.25.
7.
Tulsi leaves (Essential
oil)
Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli & Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Positive
Sharma et al.54, Yamani et al.55.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
26
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
According to Singh et al.17 Tulsi leaves extract having higher content of linoleic acid in fixed oil of
Tulsi extract which shows very good antibacterial properties against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus,
Bacillus pumius and S. aureus is most sensitive micro-organism. In another research, the investigators
found that the aqueous extract of Tulsi leaves shows antifungal and antibacterial activity against
Candida albicans, E. coli, Proteus, S. Aureus, Shigella, P. aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila,
Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella. Alcoholic extract of Tulsi leaves possess inhibitory effect
against Vibrio cholera 25,35-3. Tantry et al.38 and Kumar et al.39 found that the ether extract of Tulsi
leaves contain good antibacterial properties against M. tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus and E.
coli.
Antifungal Properties
Aqueous and Acetone extract of Tulsi (O. sanctum) has been found to be antifungal activity against
many fungi such as Curvularia penniseli, Alternaria tenuis and Helminthosporium spp.40,41. Rao &
Nigam42 concluded in his research that the Tulsi leaves extract & essential oil were effective against
pathogenic fungi such as Candida guillermondii, Colletotricum capsici, Alterneria solani, Fusarium
solani, Curvularia spp. and Helminthosporium oryzae, which is responsible for spoilage of fresh
produce. Dried leaves extract or oil of O. sanctum is more effective against fungal strains as compared
to fresh leaves extract of Tulsi.
Antiviral Properties
The different types of Holy Basil extract (O. sanctum) contain many useful secondary metabolites
(such as Eugenol, Urosolic acid, Apigenin, Linalool etc.) which act as antiviral agents against various
viruses. The aqueous extract and essential oil of Tulsi (O. sanctum) were evaluated for patients
suffering from viral encephalitis56. The essential oil and extract of O. sanctum possess inhibitory
effect against the growth of viruses such as polio virus type-357, Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus
(IPNV)58 white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in shrimp, hepatitis B virus and RNA viruses viz.
coxsackie virus B1 (CVB1), herpes viruses (HSV), adenoviruses (ADV) and enterovirus 71
(EV71)48,59.
Antioxidative Properties
Tulsi extract and essential oil are natural antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of O. sanctum extract
and essential oil has been found by many researchers60,61. Tulsi extract contain flavonoids (vicenin &
orientin) and phenols (isothymucin, apigenin, cirsimaritin, cirsilineol. The scientists reported in his
research that the aqueous extract of O. sanctum considerably increases the antioxidant activity62. The
aqueous extract of O. sanctum prevents the hypercholesterolemia-induced erythrocyte lipid
peroxidation activity in a dose dependent manner in male albino rabbits. Oral feeding also gives
significant aortic and liver protection from hypercholesterolemia induced peroxidative damage62. In
another research the antioxidant activity of O. sanctum has been evaluated using a HPLC technique
based DPPH & hypoxanthine xanthine oxidase asays. In these assays, excellent antioxidant capacity
was found from Tulsi extract, IC50= 0.46 μL/ml 62.
2. CONCLUSION
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is most sacred and valuable medicinal plant which is used for treatment of
bacterial, viral, fungal and insecticidal diseases from long time in the whole world. O. sanctum has
many beneficial properties which are useful for human health without showing any side-effect. Thus,
these beneficial properties made to this plant unique from others. Tulsi leaves extract contain active
components which act as an antimicrobial agent. The best characteristic feature of O. sanctum plant is
easily available and non-toxic in nature because of these qualities; scientists have shown their interest
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
27
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
in this plant. Many Scientists have reported that the Tulsi (O. sanctum) leaves extract and essential oil
both are good antimicrobial agent. Essential oil and extract of O. sanctum leaves are alternate sources
at the place of synthetic preservatives used in food industries. Tulsi extract are also used as a coating
material applied on fruits and vegetables which control bacterial and fungal spoilage. It acts as herbal
edible coating material for fruits and vegetables as well as nutraceutical.
REFERENCES
1. K. Anbarasu and G. Vijaylakshami, Improved shelf life of protein-rich tofu using Ocimum
sanctum (Tulsi) extracts to benefit Indian rural population, J. Food Sc., 2007, 72: M300-
M305.
2. P. Pattanayak, P. Behera and D. Das, Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for
therapeutic applications: An overview, Phcog. Rev., 2010, 4: 95-105.
3. S. Rahman, R. Islam, M. Kamruzzaman, K. Alam and A. H. M. Jamal, Ocimum sanctum L.:
A review of Phytochemical and pharmacological profile, Am J Drug Disc Develop, 2011, 6:
1-15.
4. J. Sethi, S. Sood, S. Seth and A. Talwar, Protective effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) on
lipid peroxidation in stress induced by anaemic hypoxia in rabbits, Indian J. Physiol.
Pharmacol., 2003, 47: 115-119.
5. P. Shokeen, M. Bala, M. Singh and V. Tandon, In vitro activity of eugenol, an active
component from Ocimum sanctum, against multiresistant and susceptible strains of Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, Int J Antimicrob Agents., 2008, 32: 174179.
6. G. R. Ghosh, Tulasi (N.O. Labiatae, Genus- Ocimum), New Approaches to Medicine and
Health (NAMAH), 1995, 3: 2329.
7. P. K. Raghav, N. Agarwal and M. Saini, Herbal Edible Coatings of Fruits & Vegetables: A
Newer Concept, International Journal of Advanced Research, 2016, 4(6): 1452-1458.
8. P. Prakash and N. Gupta, Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi) with a note on
eugenol and its pharmacological action: A short review, Indian J. Physio. Pharmacol, 2005,
49: 125-131.
9. S. Mondal, B. R. Mirdha and S. C. Mahapatra, The science behind sacredness of tulsi
(Ocimum sanctum linn), Ind J Physiol Pharmacol., 2009, 53: 291-306.
10. M. A. Kelm, M. G. Nair, G. M. Strasburg and D. L. DeWitt, Antioxidant and cyclo-
oxygenase inhibitory phenolic compounds from Ocimum sanctum Linn., Phytomedicine,
2000, 7(1): 7-13.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
28
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
11. M. Ahmed, R. N. Ahamed, R. H. Aladakatti and M. G. Ghosesawar, Reversible anti-fertility
effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on sperm parameters and fructose
content in rats, J Basic Clin. Physiol. Pharmacol., 2002, 13(1): 51-9.
12. L. C. Chiang, L. T. Ng, P. W. Cheng, W. Chiang and C. C. Lin, Antiviral activities of
extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicum, Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol.,
2005, 32(10): 811-816.
13. M. Douglas, J. Heys and B. Smallfield, Herb spice and essential oil: post-harvest operation in
developing country, 2005, pp-45-55.
14. Ch. V. R. Devi, L. S. Naik, P. Shyam, K. P. Marx and S. Baskari, Antimicrobial Activity and
Phytochemical Analysis of Ocimum tenuiflorum Leaf Extract, IJPRIF, 2015, 8(1): 88-95.
15. R. M. U. S. K. Rathnayaka, Antibacterial Activity of Ocimum sanctum extracts against Four
Food-Borne Microbial Pathogens, Sch. J. App. Med. Sci., 2013, 1(6): 774-777.
16. N. Singh, P. Verma, B. R. Pandey and M. Bhalla, Therapeutic Potential of Ocimum sanctum
in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer and Exposure to Radiation: An Overview, Int J
Pharm Sci Drug Res., 2012, 4: 97-104.
17. E. Singh, S. Sharma, J. Dwivedi and S. Sharma, Diversified potentials of Ocimum Sanctum
Linn (Tulsi): An exhaustive survey, J Nat Prod Plant Resour., 2012, 2: 39-48.
18. H. Skaltsa, S. Philians and M. Singh, Phytochemical study of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum,
Fitoterapia, 1987, 8: 286.
19. G. Pandey and S. Madhuri, Pharmacological Activities of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): A
Review, Int J of Pharmaceutical Sci Rev Res., 2010, 5: 61-66.
20. S. K. Kothari, A. K. Bhattacharya and S. Ramesh, Essential oil yield and quality of methyl
eugenol rich Ocimum tenuiflorum L. f. (syn. O. sanctum L.) grown in south India as
influenced by method of harvest, J. Chromatogr. A., 2004, 1054 (1-2): 67-72.
21. N. Dev, A. K. Das, M. A. Hossain and S. M. M. Rahman, Chemical Compositions of
Different Extracts of Ocimum basilicum Leaves, J Sci Res., 2011, 3: 197- 206.
22. P. Bhattacharyya and Bishayee, An Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi): an ethno medicinal plant
for the prevention and treatment of cancer, Anticancer Drugs, 2013, 24: 659-666.
23. C. Pasha, S. Sayeed, S. Al Md, and Md. Z. Khan, Anti-salmonella Activity of Selected
Medicinal Plants, Turk. J. Biol., 2009, 33: 59-64.
24. B. Joshi, G. P. Sah, B. B. Basnet, M. R. Bhatt, D. Sharma, K. Subedi, J. Pandey and R.
Malla, Phytochemical extraction and antimicrobial properties of different medicinal plants:
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
29
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove), Achyranthes bidentata (Datiwan)
and Azadirachta indica (Neem), J. Microbiol. Antimicrob., 2011, 3(1): 1-7.
25. E. M. Williamson, Major herbs of Ayurveda, Londen: Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
26. V. D. M. Geeta, R. Kedlaya, S. Deepa and M. Ballal, Activity of Ocimum sanctum (the
traditional meditional plant) against the enteric pathogens, Ind. J. Med. Sci., 2001, 55: 434-
438.
27. A. Sharma, MVSc., Thesis. Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology,
DUVASU, Mathura, UP, India, 2010.
28. G. K. Sinha and B. C. Gulati, Antimicrobial and anti- fungal study of some essential oils and
their constituents, Indian Perfumer, 1990, 34: 126129.
29. U. P. Devi, A. Gonasoundari, B. Vrinda, K. K. Srinivasan and M. K. Unnikrishanan,
Radiation protection by the Ocimum sanctum flavonoids orientin and vicenin: Mechanism of
action, Radiat Res, 2000, 154(4): 455- 460.
30. G. Prasad, A. Kumar, A. K. Singh, A. K. Bhattacharya, K. Singh and V. D. Sharma,
Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of some Ocimum spp. and clove oil, Fitoterapia, 1986,
LVII: 429432.
31. S. A. Phadke and S. D. Kulkurni, Screening of in-vitro antibacterial activity of Teminalia
chebula, Eclapta alba and Ocimum sanctum, Indian J Med Sci., 1989, 43: 113117.
32. K. Mahmood, U. Yaqoob and R. Bajwa, Antibacterial activity of essential oil of Ocimum
sanctum L., Mycopath., 2008, 6: 63-65.
33. Anonymous, Wealth of India, Publication and Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi,
1991, 7: 7989.
34. P. Agarwal, L. Nagesh and Murlikrishnan, Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of various
concentrations of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro
study, Ind. J Dent Res., 2010, 21: 357-359.
35. K. S. Mistry, Z. Sanghvi, G. Parmar and S. Shah, The antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta
indica, Mimusop selengi, Tinospora cardifolia, Ocimum sanctum and 2% chlorhexidine-
gluconate on common endodontic pathogens: An in vitro study, Eur J Dent., 2014, 8: 172-7.
36. S. E. V. Rivera, M. A. Escobar-Saucedo, D. Morales, C. N. Aguilar, R. Rodríguez-Herrera,
Synergistic effects of ethanolic plant extract mixtures against food-borne pathogen bacteria,
Afr J Biotechnol., 2014, 13(5): 699-704.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
30
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
37. A. Gaber, M. M. Hassan, E. S. Dessoky, O. A. Attia, In vitro antimicrobial comparison of
Taif and Egyptian pomegranate peels and seeds extracts, Journal of Applied Biology &
Biotechnology, 2015, 3(02): 012-017.
38. S. I. Vidhani, V. G. Vyas, H. J. Parmar, V. M. Bhalani, M. M. Hassan, A. Gaber, B. A.
Golakiya, Evaluation of Some Chemical Composition, Minerals Fatty Acid Profiles,
antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) from India, Am J Food
Sci Technol., 2016, 4(2): 52-57.
39. B. A. Tantry, A. Kumar, S. Rahiman and M. N. Tantry, Antibacterial evaluation and
Phytochemical screening of Methanolic Extract of Ocimum sanctum against some common
microbial pathogens, Glo. Adv. Res. J. Microbiol., 2016, 5(1): 010-015.
40. A. Kumar, A. Rahal and A. K. Verma, In−vitro antibacterial activity of hot aqueous extract
(HAE) of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) leaves, Ind. J. Vety. Medicine, 2011a, 31(2): 96-97.
41. P. S. Sekhawat and R. Prasada, Antifungal properties of some plant extracts: II growth
inhibition studies, Sci Cult., 1971, 37: 4041.
42. S. P. Gupta, K. S. Rana, K. Sharma and B. S. Chhabra, Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Leaf
Extract of Ocimum sanctum on Dominant Fungal Species of Monuments, Eur. Chem. Bull.,
2014, 2(6): 609-611.
43. B. G. Rao and S. S. Nigam, The in vitro antimicrobial efficiency of essential oils, Indian J
Med Res., 1970, 58: 627633.
44. R. Chandra, V. Dwivedi, S. Kumar and A. K. Jha, Detection of Antimicrobial Activity of
Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) & Trigonella foenumgraecum (Methi) against some selected
bacterial & fungal strains, RJPBCS, 2011, 2(4): 809-813.
45. H. Ali and S. Dixit, In vitro antimicrobial activity of flavonoids of Ocimum sanctum with
synergistic effect of their combined form, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2012,
pp: 396-398.
46. S. Singh, M. Malhotra and D. K. Majumdar, Antibacterial activity of Ocimum sanctum L.
fixed oil, Indian J Exp Biol., 2005, 43: 835837.
47. I. Kaya, N. Yitgit and M. Benli, Antimicrobial Activity of Various Extracts of Ocimum
basilicum L. and Observation of the Inhibition Effect on Bacterial Cells by Use of Scanning
Electron Microscopy, Afr. J. Trad. CAM, 2008, 5(4): 363-369.
48. B. Joseph, M. A. Dar and V. Kumar, Bioefficacy of Plant Extracts to Control Fusarium
solani, F. Sp., Melongenae Incitant of Brinjal Wilt, Global J. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2008,
3(2): 56-59.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
31
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
49. G. Balasubramanian, M. Sarathi, S. R. Kumar and A. S. S. Hameed, Screening the antiviral
activity of Indian medicinal plants against white spot syndrome virus in shrimp, Aquaculture,
2007, 263: 1519.
50. V. Bhanuprakash, M. Hosamani, V. Balamurugan, P. Gandhale, R. Naresh, D. Swarup and
R. K. Singh, In vitro antiviral activity of Plant extracts on goat pox virus replication, Ind. J.
Experimental Biol., 2008a, 46: 120- 127.
51. V. Bhanuprakash, M. Hosamani, V. Balamurugan, R. K. Singh and D. Swarup, In vitro
antiviral activity of Eugenia jambolana Plant Extract on Buffalopox virus: Conventional and
PCR Methods, Int. J. Trop. Med., 2008b, 2(1): 3-9.
52. V. S. S. Dharmagadda, M. Tandon and P. Vasudevan, Biocidal activity of the essential oils
of Lantana camara, Ocimum sanctum and Tagete spatula, J Sci. Ind. Res., 2005, 64: 53- 56.
53. A. Kumar, B. A. Tantry, S. Rahiman and S. Kumar, Antibacterial evaluation and
phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum against some common
microbial pathogens, Aus J Bas Appl Sci., 2011, (In press).
54. V. Sharma, R. C. Gupta, B. Singh, H. S. Dhaliwal and D. K. Srivastava, Volatile oil
composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of two varieties of Ocimum sanctum
(L.) from Dhameta (Kangra) A North Indian region, IJRSR, 2014, 5(1): 142-147.
55. H. A. Yamani, E. C. Pang, N. Mantri and M. A. Deighton, Antimicrobial Activity of Tulsi
(Ocimum tenuiflorum) Essential Oil and Their Major Constituents against Three Species of
Bacteria, Front. Microbiol., 2016, 7(681): 1-10.
56. S. Rajeshwari, Ocimum sanctum: The Indian home remedy, In: Current Medical Scene, Cipla
Ltd., Bombay Central, Bombay, 1992.
57. M. M. Parida, G. Pandya, R. Bhargava and A. M. Jana, Assessment of in vitro antiviral
activity of certain indigenous plants against polio virus type-3, Ind. J. Virol., 1997, 13(2):
101-5.
58. S. Direkbusarakom, A. Herunsalee, M. Yoshimizu and Y. Ezura, Antiviral Activity of
Several Thai Traditional Herb Extracts against Fish Pathogenic Viruses, Fish Pathol., 1996,
31(4): 209-213.
59. A. K. Jayati Bhatia, A. Gupta, A. Goel, A. Kumar and S. K. Yadav, Antiviral activity of hot
aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves against New Castle Disease Virus, Xith Indian
Vety. Congress and XIIth Ann. Conf. Of IAAVR and National Symp. On Vety. Sciences and
education on move: critical gaps and needs. Held at Jaipur on 11-12th Feb, 2011, pp-163.
Antimicrobial Pramod and Mitu.
32
IJGHC, December 2017 February 2018; Sec. B; Vol.7, No.1, 020-032.
DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/7/1/02032.
60. P. Govind, An overview on certain anticancer natural products, J. Pharm. Res., 2009, 2(12):
1799-1803.
61. R. K. Geetha and D. M. Vasudevan, Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by botanical extracts of
Ocimum sanctum: In vivo and in vitro studies, Life Sci., 2004, 76: 2128.
62. M. T. Trevisan, M. G. Vasconcelos Silva, B. Pfundstein, B. Spiegelhalder and R. W. Owen,
Characterization of the volatile pattern and antioxidant capacity of essential oils from
different species of the genus Ocimum, J. Agric. Food Chem., 2006, 54: 437882.
63. B. B. Dey and M. A. Choudhury, Essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. and its antimicrobial
activity, Indian Perfumer., 1984, 28: 8287.
Websites:
[1a] http://studies-in-botany.blogspot.in/2013/12/details-about-ocimum-tenuiflorumtulasi.html
Corresponding author: Mitu Saini
Department of Food & Biotechnology, Mitu Saini (Ph. D. Research Scholar),
Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University, Jaipur, India.
Online Publication Date: 06.01.2018
... One of the most valued and comprehensive medicinal plants, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), has long been utilized in India to prepare traditional medicines due to its medicinal significance [108]. The Tulsi leaf extract contains eugenol, urosolic acid, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, α & βcaryophyllene, linalool, euginal, β-elemene, geraneol and oc-imene as its main active ingredients [109]. ...
... The Tulsi leaf extract contains eugenol, urosolic acid, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, α & βcaryophyllene, linalool, euginal, β-elemene, geraneol and oc-imene as its main active ingredients [109]. Other than these active ingredients, it also has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties [108]. Tulsi leaf extract can stimulate immunity and make L. rohita more resistant to bacterial infection of A. hydrophila [110]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Food security is a critical concern for nations like India, where poverty affects access to nutritious food for a significant portion of the population. While India has made strides in addressing this issue through agricultural revolutions, evolving demands necessitate a reformation in aquaculture practices. With a global surge in demand for fish and fisheries products due to their nutritional benefits, aquaculture has become pivotal. However, the intensification of aquaculture brings risks such as disease outbreaks and rising costs of essential feed ingredients like fish meal, particularly impacting the shrimp industry. To mitigate these challenges, exploring alternatives like bioactive feed additives sourced from marine and agricultural origins emerges as a promising solution. Marine derivatives such as algae offer nutritional benefits and bioactive compounds, while agri-industrial wastes provide versatile applications, including medicinal plant extracts and plant-based ingredients. Additionally, complex bioactive feed ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, metabiotics, and phytobiotics show promise for enhancing the health and productivity of cultivated aquatic organisms. Integration of these alternatives into aquaculture practices presents a sustainable approach to improving food security, feeding efficiency, animal health and economic sustainability in India and beyond.
... Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is known for its pharmacological activities due to the properties of phytocompounds like citral, citronellal, iso geranial, geranial, isoneral, neral, geraniol, citronellol, germacrene-D, geranyl acetate, and elemol. The extract of lemongrass reportedly inhibits the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella spp., and Candida albicans [86,87]. The use of citrus fruit-based products like orange peel powder (Citrus sinensis), is associated with antibacterial and antifungal activities in addition to their pleasing fragrance [88]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Hygiene practices are crucial for the production of fermented products, as they affect both product quality and safety. Fermented products, including dairy-based such as kefir, kombucha, and traditional ethnic drinks, rely on beneficial microbes. However, poor cleanliness might introduce dangerous microorganisms, jeopardizing customer health and product stability. This study aims to discuss the key hygiene measures required for safe and high-quality drinkable dairy-based and plant-based fermented product production and to avoid cross-contamination, fermentation vessels, utensils, and storage containers should be cleaned and sterilized regularly. Personal hygiene for workers is also critical, including adequate handwashing, the use of protective equipment, and hygiene protocol training. Another key part of industrial facility management is environmental control and furthermore, adopting Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems allows for the systematic identification and mitigation of production-related risks. Regular microbiological examination of items and surfaces helps to ensure that hygiene methods are effective and that the products fulfill safety requirements. Therefore, strict hygiene measures must be followed when creating fermented drinks to provide safe, high-quality products. Such procedures not only protect consumer health, but also improve product shelf life and sensory properties, increasing consumer trust and satisfaction.
... It is non-toxic to human tissues. The antimicrobial activity of neem leaves extract against Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., E. coli, and some fungal strains have been extensively studied and reported by J Jerobin et al (2015) 9 Turmeric or Curcuma longa is known to be inhibit both gram positive and gram negative micro-organisms. Although it has been assessed against methicillin resistant organisms in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration, results are unclear whether it is effective against these organisms according to Y Hussain et al (2022). ...
... One study on patients with acute viral encephalitis reported increased survival after 4 weeks in the tulsi group compared to a group given dexamethasone and a study on viral hepatitis reported symptomatic improvement after 2 weeks. [18,19] Yamani Yamini is commonly known as Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi). Yamani is an herb known for its cooling and soothing effects. ...
Article
The pursuit of optimal eye health and the management of common eye conditions have led to a growing interest in exploring alternative therapeutic approaches. Natural ingredients derived from plants, herbs, and other natural sources have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems and are known to possess bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This comprehensive review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of natural ingredients for promoting eye health and managing various eye conditions. It offers a thorough overview of the possible advantages of using natural substances by analyzing the scientific evidence supporting their usage, including their mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy. We have discussed various ingredients in detail with their function on the eye, such as turmeric, honey, neem, and rose water for their anti-inflammatory activity and anti-irritation activity of red sandalwood, phitkari, and bibhitaki. Other than these, there is a lot of ingredients that reduce redness and dryness of the eye, act as antibacterial agent, and so on, which includes pudina, white sandalwood, tulsi patra, amla, yamana, elaichi, and bhringraj. The results of this review add to the body of currently available knowledge, direct clinical practice, stimulate additional study, and offer insights into the creation of natural-based therapies for preserving and increasing eye health.
... [39] The studies have shown the increase in natural killer cell and also increase in the percentage of T-helper cells after 4 weeks of intervention on healthy volunteers. [40] The aqueous extract of Tulasi has inhibitory effect on polio virus type 3, entero virus, viral encephalitis, herpes virus. [41] In mild to moderate asthmatic patients, bronchodilator activity of Tulasi has also been reported. ...
Article
Full-text available
Communicable diseases are illness caused by infectious agent or its toxins that spread from an infected person to normal person through the direct or indirect transmission. In Ayurved, communicable diseases are clearly mentioned under a broad term Janpadodhwansa and Aupasargik Roga according to Charak and Sushrut respectively. Most of the concepts of Janpadodhwansa are like etiology, mode of transmission and principles of prevention of outbreak etc. Are more likely corresponding to current theories about epidemic and pandemic. Immunity of an individual plays a major role in action of the infectious agent and development of further disease. “Rasayan Chikitsa” is therapy which produces the best quality of Rasaadi Sapta-Dhatus by increased Agni producing further the good quality of Ojas. Due to which the optimum Vyadhikshmatva is achieved, it further helps in controlling the disease condition. Rasayan also increases the longevity, mental, physical communicable diseases strength and improve quality of life. Activities of Rasayan botanicals on immune mechanisms and its antiviral activity provide a sound logic to use of these botanicals as a preventive major in the communicable diseases. Rasayan acts on both main manifestation of any diseases that is Manasika (psychosomatic) by Aachar Rasayan and Sharirik (body) by drug therapy. This review focuses on how communicable diseases can be prevent and control by Rasayan and how Rasayan help to improve public health. It also focuses on complications of communicable diseases which is major current challenge (in terms of Post COVID-19 syndrome) for Global Health system.
... Quercetin and ß-sitosterol, are polyphenolic flavonoids purified from neem fresh leaves which responsible for antibacterial and antifungal properties and nimonol also shows anti-fungal activity. [38] Its different components like leaves, seeds and barks are utilized for many medicinal and beauty remedies for troubled skin. [12] Its antifungal properties make it a dandruff reliever as it helps to reduce inflammation, irritation and itchiness on the scalp. ...
Article
The most common problem in teenage and adult is of dandruff which is scientifically known as ‘Malassezia’ which if ignore can further continue with secondary symptoms like Acne, itching, discomfort etc. The present review highlighted the mechanism of ‘Malassezia’ along with the available treatment for it. Though the number of synthetic formulations available, the present review focuses on alterative and safe way to treat dandruff i.e. use of herbs with their biological source and constituents responsible for effectivity to solve the problem in broad population. Due to wide range of activity phytoconstituents like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal, these synergistic effect may increase the applicability of herbs in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals as well. Hence the considering the need of herbal formulation development an attempt has been made to discuss about formulation commonly used to treat dandruff i.e. shampoo, different parameters of evaluation and invitro method evaluation of Antidandruff activity.
... Ocimum sanctum is considered as queen of herbs as it shows antiviral, antioxidative and antimicrobial properties [17]. ...
Experiment Findings
Full-text available
Water samples were collected from the chemistry laboratory. Daily lab discharge water was collected for one week. Water sample was treated by biosortion technique using Ocimum sanctum, Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass) and Aloe barbadensis miller. The water analysis was carried out before and after treatment. 35 physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid and total hardness were reduced to permissible limits. Percentage of reduction was high in sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and chloride. The decrease in carbonates, bicarbonates, nitrates, chloride, sulphate and phosphate were high. Even though the concentration of trace metals was low, the biosorption had reduced the concentration further. It was evident from this work that Ocimum sanctum, Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass) and Aloe barbadensis miller could be efficiently used for treating laboratory waste water.
Chapter
Skin is the largest multifunctional organ of the human body; it consists of three major layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Skin acts as the first line of the body’s defence mechanism. Skin infection occurs due to exposure to the environment; it profoundly affects human health and places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi can lead to skin infection. Medicinal plants are nature’s gift to mankind to live disease-free healthy lives. Nowadays, there is growing interest in using ethnomedicinal plants as they represent a valuable alternative to treat skin infections because of their low cost, high effectiveness, well-tolerated, fewer side effects, and can treat chronic skin infections. The treatment of skin infections using medicinal plants and metabolites is derived from ancient times. Compounds with potential therapeutic advantages against microorganisms causing skin infections can be efficiently identified and optimized by researchers by using computational techniques such as molecular docking, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), molecular dynamics simulations, virtual screening, pharmacophore modelling, and network pharmacology. These methods help us for better understanding the antimicrobial activity on molecular basis and speed up the process of discovery a new drug and helps in the development of novel plant-based drug.
Article
Full-text available
There is a surge in antibiotic consumption because of the emergence of resistance among microbial pathogens. In the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance in microbial pathogens, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-mediated therapy has proven to be the most effective and alternative therapeutic strategy for bacterial infections and cancer treatment. This study aims to explore the potential of OsAgNPs derived from Ocimum sanctum's aqueous leaf extract as antimicrobial agents and anticancer drug delivery modalities. This study utilized a plant extract derived from Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) leaves to synthesize silver nanoparticles (OsAgNPs), that were characterized by FTIR, TEM, SEM, and EDX. OsAgNPs were assessed for their antibacterial and anticancer potential. TEM analysis unveiled predominantly spherical or oval-shaped OsAgNPs, ranging in size from 4 to 98 nm. The (MICs) of OsAgNPs demonstrated a range from 0.350 to 19.53 μg/ml against clinical, multidrug-resistant (MDR), and standard bacterial isolates. Dual labelling with ethidium bromide and acridine orange demonstrated that OsAgNPs induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. The OsAgNPs-treated cells showed yellow-green fluorescence in early-stage apoptotic cells and orange fluorescence in late-stage cells. Furthermore, OsAgNPs exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in HeLa cancer cell viability, with an IC50 value of 90 μg/ml noted. The study highlights the remarkable antibacterial efficacy of OsAgNPs against clinically significant bacterial isolates, including antibiotic-resistant strains. These results position the OsAgNPs as prospective therapeutic agents with the potential to address the growing challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and cervical cancer.
Article
Full-text available
Tulsi or Ocimum sanctum Linn. is a popular healing herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Its antimicrobial properties are widely used to treat several systemic diseases. In this review, we have given an up-to-date overview of the anti-infective properties of the Tulsi plant, with a particular focus on its antibacterial and antifungal activity. Published articles relevant to the research questions were searched in their database (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). 27 out of 350 articles were selected through online and snowballing literature searches. Of these 27 articles, 20 were original research articles, and 7 were systematic reviews. The included articles were assessed on quality reporting, and results were presented using descriptive analysis. In the existing scenario of the high prevalence of bacterial diseases in developing countries like India, the emergence of multi-drug resistance amongst the prevalent pathogens has made it imperative to explore alternate preventive and treatment strategies to combat this problem. This study highlights the hidden antimicrobial potential of the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds derived from traditional medicinal plants like Tulsi as a good alternative.
Article
Full-text available
Four plants having known medicinal properties were screened for inhibition of goatpox virus (GTPV) replication in vitro. Of the 4 plants, extract of Acacia arabica (Babul) and Eugenia jambolana (Jamun) leaves had inhibition (%) 99.70 and 99.92 at their maximum non toxic concentrations, 99.93 +/- 0.38 and 1999.73 +/- 0.50 microg/ml, respectively in all cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assays. Inhibition of GTPV virus replication was further confirmed by PCR and SYBR Green based quantitative real-time QPCR assays specific for GTPV. Results indicated that the extract of Acacia arabica and Eugenia jambolana leaves inhibited GTPV replication in vitro.
Article
Full-text available
The chemical compositions of essential oil of Oscimum basilicum extracted by hydrodistillation and different solvent extractions were analyzed by GC-MS. Qualitative analysis of the essential oil as well as other extracts showed that majority of these are mono and sesquiterpenes. Most of the identified compounds are biologically important. Further the Oscimum basilicum leaf possesses certain characteristics that can be ascribed to cultivation on a domestic plantation. Keywords: Ocimum basilicum; Essential oil; Hydrodistillation; Different extracts; GC-MS. © 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i1.5409 J. Sci. Res. 3 (1), 197-206 (2011)
Article
Full-text available
Aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous extract, oil extract, chloroform extract and alcohol extract obtained form leaves of Ocimum sanctum against four food borne microbial pathogens, Salmonella enteritica, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. In general, extracts obtained by all extraction methods showed antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. Lowest and highest antibacterial activity was shown by aqueous extraction and chloroform extraction of residue obtained after aqueous extraction. Highest antibacterial activity was shown by chloroform extraction of residue obtained after aqueous extraction against Salmonella enteritica. Listeria monocytogenes was found to be the most resistant organism to all types of extracts. Higher antibacterial activity was shown against gram negative bacteria compared to gram positive bacteria tested. Acording to the results of the study, chloroform extraction was found to be the best extraction method to extract phytochemicals from Ocimum leaves. In conclusion, Ocimum extracts found to be containing chemical compounds useful in food preservation and development of drugs against food borne microbial pathogens.
Article
Full-text available
In the present research the corn starch and mint (Mentha viridis L.) extract herbal edible coating was applied on fresh cucumbers for enhancement of their shelf life and quality stored at room temperature and low temperature i.e. 25°C and 10°C. The corn starch has good moisture and gases barrier properties while mint extract acted as an antimicrobial agent in this herbal edible coating therefore herbal edible coated cucumbers have long shelf life as compared to uncoated cucumbers. The weight loss of coated cucumbers was significantly (p<0.05) less as compared to uncoated cucumbers. The other quality parameters such as appearance, firmness, pH and titratable acidity were also analysed and it was found that herbal edible coated cucumbers were better as compared to uncoated cucumbers. Sensory evaluation of herbal edible coated cucumbers such as taste, color, appearance, texture, flavor and overall acceptability was better at low temperature (10°C) and room temperature (25°C) stored at 12 days as compared to uncoated same days.
Article
Full-text available
In recent years scientists worldwide have realized that the effective life span of any antimicrobial agent is limited, due to increasing development of resistance by microorganisms. Consequently, numerous studies have been conducted to find new alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, especially from plants. The aims of this project were to examine the antimicrobial properties of essential oils distilled from Australian-grown Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), to quantify the volatile components present in flower spikes, leaves and the essential oil, and to investigate the compounds responsible for any activity. Broth micro-dilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tulsi essential oil against selected microbial pathogens. The oils, at concentrations of 4.5 and 2.25% completely inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and Escherichia coli, while the same concentrations only partly inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of 54 compounds identified in Tulsi leaves, flower spikes, or essential oil, three are proposed to be responsible for this activity; camphor, eucalyptol and eugenol. Since S. aureus (including MRSA), P. aeruginosa and E. coli are major pathogens causing skin and soft tissue infections, Tulsi essential oil could be a valuable topical antimicrobial agent for management of skin infections caused by these organisms.
Article
Full-text available
Whole plant methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum was studied for their phytochemical and antibacterial activities. Antimicrobial activity of extract was detected against some common microbial pathogens. Methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum exhibited antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for all tested strains were at concentrations ranging from 10.19±0.08mg/ml to 32.02±1.98 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis of active extracts demonstrated the presence of common phytoconstituents like tannins, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. These phytochemical established a good support to the use of this plant in herbal medicine and as a base for the development of new drugs ,phytomedicine and might be aid in the treatment of UTI.
Article
Full-text available
The holy Tulsi, also known as the “queen of herbs” is the most sacred of all the herbs found in India. This sacred plant was found in almost every Indian household. The proximate, minerals and preliminary phytochemical analysis of Ocimum sanctum leaves were studied. The nutritional analysis of Ocimum sanctum shown high level of ascorbic acid and total carbohydrate i.e., 65.41 mg/100g and 39.58% in their leaves, Whereas the total phenol was found to be maximum (1.88 mg/g) in leaves. Leaves in present investigation, contains major nutrient like N (3.30 %), P (1.10%), K (6.62 %), S (1.55 %) and Na (0.74%). Dry weight basis contains 20.64% total protein and 3.60% total fat. The oil of leaves also contains comparable amount of antioxidant as ascorbic acid, flavonoid and total phenol as well as linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid which was very good for health. According to our results, most of the identified compounds were biologically important. Further the Oscimum sanctum leaf possesses certain characteristics that can be ascribed to cultivation on a domestic plantation . Antimicrobial activity of Tulsi leaves extract was evaluated and the results shown that E. coli , E. faecalis were mostly susceptible to methanol extract than S. aureus and A. hydrophila . It can be suggested that S. aureus was the most resistant organisms to the concentrations of 20 and 40 mg/ml of the methanol extract of Ocimum. The results of this study indicated the possibility of using the leave extract of Tulsi ( Ocimum sanctum ) as a source of antibacterial compounds for treatment of infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens.