Ocimum Sanctum - A power bunch of antioxidants

Original Research Article

Abstract

Antioxidants are known to prevent cell damage by protecting them from excess oxidation. Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) is known to have many antioxidants, therefore it has a powerful role in prevention of diseases caused by cell damage. Besides this Tulsi is very popular in the Indian community where it is used at the time of auspicious occasions. Therefore pre- sent research work was planned to find out the exact amount of certain types of antioxidant compounds in Tulsi, known as catalase and peroxidases. Both of these compounds are very important in many aspects. Catalase is an important member of the antioxidant system of all living organisms, which protects sensitive cell components from oxidative attack. In the present study level of catalase activity was studied in different parts of the tulsi plant viz; leaves, stem and roots. Highest activity was found in leaf, which corresponds to the higher number of the biochemical activities occurring in leaves and lowest activity was found in roots. The antioxidant profile of Tulsi makes it a promising tool to prevent many diseases as well as it can act as an anti-aging compound as well.