Abstract

In this study, the secondary metabolites and antioxidant property of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) Plant at various habitats was compared with those of respective callus cultures induced from each explants in in-vitro. The callus cultures were successfully initiated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (1 mg/L) combined with different concentrations (0.1 to 1.0 mg/L) of kinetin as plant growth regulators. The distribution of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the plant extracts were analyzed by using Aluminium (III) chloride colorimetric assay with standards. Flavonoids were found in all callus extracts in comparison with wild plant parts at various habitats. In this study, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in vitroantioxidant-testing systems. The secondary metabolites of flavonoid and phenolic acid contents of the O. sanctum were studied in different habitats and in-vitro callus culture extract. Among these studies hills and wet land habit plants showed maximum secondary metabolites than the other habitats. The antioxidant potential was studied by dot blot assay. Among these results, we concluded that, the environmental stress factors such as dryness, temperature, salt and soil pH is an essential factor for release of secondary metabolites antioxidant potent of O. sanctum L.

Key words: Ocimum sanctum, callus culture, secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity.