Abstract
Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites, which are produced by medicinal plant. In Pharmacological studies, Ocimum sanctum is considered as important medicinal plant. It is commonly known as tulsi, belongs to family Lamiaceae. In traditional system of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn. Have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases, insect bites and so on. The major aim of present study was to investigate the phytochemical screening of Aqueous and Methanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum Leaves. Aqueous and Methanolic extracts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening in which the secondary metabolites were confirmed based on tests of coloration and precipitation. The leaves have shown the presence of all the phytoconstituents like carbohydrate, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds tannins, and flavanoids etc. Among the both extracts used, the methanolic extract of Ocimmum sanctum leaves was found to have accountable number of phytoconstituents. The results of the above studies support the use of this plant for human and animal disease therapy and the importance of the ethno-botanical approach as a potential source of bioactive substances.
