Articles
Quantification of medicinally important volatile organic compounds in common basil cultivars
Article number
1329_14
Pages
113 – 122
Language
English
Abstract
Basil is a globally cultivated herb with considerable demand because of its wide range of culinary and medicinal uses.
Basil has high levels of aromatic terpenoids, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many of these volatiles are known for their positive health benefits in addition to being primary drivers of flavor and aroma.
Inhalation and dietary consumption of terpenes have been shown to induce several medically significant effects such as reducing inflammation, preventing heart disease/cancer, managing pain, curing fungal/bacterial infections, and decreasing anxiety/depression symptoms.
To date, there are very few studies that evaluate the VOC profiles of basil cultivars in relation to key flavor volatiles and human health benefits.
The objective of this study was to quantify VOCs with known medicinal benefits in common cultivars of basil.
Seven basil cultivars were used: Genovese, Siam Queen, Spicy Globe, Dark Opal (Ocimum basilicum), Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora), Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum × citriodora), and Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Plants were grown under standard greenhouse conditions and harvested 45 d after seeding.
Volatile profiles were analyzed using an Agilent headspace sampler and GC-MS. Terpinene was 2× higher in Lemon and Spicy Globe basil, while terpinolene was 2-5x higher in Thai Basil than other cultivars. (R+/S-)-Limonene concentrations were 3-25× greater in Genovese, Thai, and Holy basil. Dark Opal had significantly more methyl eugenol than other cultivars.
Linalool concentrations were 3-10× higher in Genovese, Siam Queen, and Holy Basil. Total concentrations of α/β-pinene were highly variable across cultivars, but α/β ratio was consistent (4:1). Knowing relative concentrations of these key volatiles will allow growers and processers to optimize essential oil extractions based on crop, with the potential to produce high potential natural supplements as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.
It also establishes a reference point for consumers and medical professionals wishing to improve overall general health, prevent disease, and even treat specific conditions using slight dietary modifications.
Basil has high levels of aromatic terpenoids, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many of these volatiles are known for their positive health benefits in addition to being primary drivers of flavor and aroma.
Inhalation and dietary consumption of terpenes have been shown to induce several medically significant effects such as reducing inflammation, preventing heart disease/cancer, managing pain, curing fungal/bacterial infections, and decreasing anxiety/depression symptoms.
To date, there are very few studies that evaluate the VOC profiles of basil cultivars in relation to key flavor volatiles and human health benefits.
The objective of this study was to quantify VOCs with known medicinal benefits in common cultivars of basil.
Seven basil cultivars were used: Genovese, Siam Queen, Spicy Globe, Dark Opal (Ocimum basilicum), Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora), Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum × citriodora), and Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Plants were grown under standard greenhouse conditions and harvested 45 d after seeding.
Volatile profiles were analyzed using an Agilent headspace sampler and GC-MS. Terpinene was 2× higher in Lemon and Spicy Globe basil, while terpinolene was 2-5x higher in Thai Basil than other cultivars. (R+/S-)-Limonene concentrations were 3-25× greater in Genovese, Thai, and Holy basil. Dark Opal had significantly more methyl eugenol than other cultivars.
Linalool concentrations were 3-10× higher in Genovese, Siam Queen, and Holy Basil. Total concentrations of α/β-pinene were highly variable across cultivars, but α/β ratio was consistent (4:1). Knowing relative concentrations of these key volatiles will allow growers and processers to optimize essential oil extractions based on crop, with the potential to produce high potential natural supplements as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.
It also establishes a reference point for consumers and medical professionals wishing to improve overall general health, prevent disease, and even treat specific conditions using slight dietary modifications.
Publication
Authors
H.A. Hammock, C.E. Sams
Keywords
bioactive compounds, controlled environment, flavor volatiles, Ocimum basilicum, secondary metabolism, terpenoids, VOCs
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