article · Food Chemistry Advances
Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as scent leaf or African basil, contains several notable bioactive compounds with therapeutic relevance. These constituents include eugenol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, the plant has served in herbal medicine for treating inflammation, microbial infections, and fertility regulation. An examination of these pharmacological compounds points to potential therapeutic roles in managing conditions such as respiratory tract infections, skin ailments, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, comprehensive investigations remain necessary to fully characterise the pharmacology of these bioactive agents and determine their precise clinical utility. As a botanical resource, scent leaf represents a prospective foundation for developing natural treatments across multiple disease categories, provided future studies validate its active mechanisms and medicinal actions.
Medicinal plants offer essential starting points for developing accessible and natural therapeutics. Understanding the specific bioactive constituents in African basil clarifies how traditional remedies function at a chemical level. This knowledge helps direct future medical investigations into plant-derived treatments for common ailments, including persistent microbial infections, skin disorders, and digestive complications.
The identified compounds could support the development of natural therapeutic treatments for respiratory infections, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders by pharmaceutical or healthcare product formulators. Because the evidence is derived from a review of existing pharmacological literature, the findings remain at an early exploratory stage, and extensive laboratory testing and clinical development are needed before commercial products can emerge.
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This article explores the phytochemistry and pharmacology of scent leaf, also known as African basil or Ocimum gratissimum. Scent leaf has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifertility properties, among others. The article reviews the various bioactive compounds found in scent leaf, including eugenol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. The pharmacological effects of these compounds are discussed in detail, including their potential use in the treatment of various health conditions, such as respiratory infections, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of further research to fully understand the pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of scent leaf and its bioactive compounds. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of scent leaf, highlighting its potential as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.focha.2023.100300
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