LAUSR

Abstract Seeds of Ocimum species find use in soft drinks, as beverages, and in control blood sugar and cholesterol. The effect of solvent extraction on the chemistry and biological potential of seeds from Ocimum sanctum and O. basilicum growing in the North-Western Himalaya was compared in this study. Seed extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum were prepared using four solvent systems (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) based on increasing polarity and analyzed for phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The two most active extracts were further subjected to GC–MS analysis for chemicals profiling. The results demonstrated that seed extracts from both Ocimum species have different chemical profiles and biological activity. Tannins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides were abundant in seeds of both species. Among all seeds extracts of both Ocimum species, maximum phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity were found in the methanolic extract (ME) and chloroform extract (CE). In the chloroform seed extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 19 and 11 phytocompounds, respectively. On the other hand, 11 and 4 phytocompounds were found in the methanol extracts of O. sanctum and O. basilicum, respectively. Seeds of O. basilicum revealed a higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as compared with O. sanctum. Because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial action, the seeds of O. basilicum as well as their bioactive compounds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a source of novel antibiotics or alternative natural preservatives in food matrices.