Proximate and Phytochemical Constituents of Ocimum Gratissimum

The tree basil is an aromatic perennial plant and the leaves were being used for medicinal purposes in south west of Nigeria. The proximate analysis and the phytochemical constituents were carried out using standard reference methods. The moisture content was found to be 10.30%+0.01, ash content 2.45%¬+0.02, fat 2.78%+0.01, protein 16.51%+0.10, crude fibre 9.07%+0.01 and carbohydrate 58.89%. The phytochemical constituents indicated alkaloid11.43%+0.10, phenol 7.50%+0.10, tannin 10.90%+0.01, flavonoid 8.20%+0.01 and saponin 12.87%+0.10. The presence of high secondary metabolites in the leaves are good indication that if the plant is subjected to further research and characterization, bioactive compounds with strong biological activities may be isolated and novel compounds may also be discovered