Antifungal, phytotoxic and hemagglutination activity of methanolic extracts of Ocimum basilicum.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report some of the pharmacological features of the medicinal plant Ocimum basilicum. METHODS: In the current studies, Antifungal activity of crude methanolic fraction of Ocimum basilicum was determined against eight pathogenic fungal strains using tube dilution assay. The methanolic fraction was also investigated for phytotoxic and hemagglutination activity. RESULTS: Of the eight strains investigated only Candida albicans and Curvilaria lunata were found to be least affected by plant extract while the rest were significantly inhibited. Moderate phytotoxic activity was observed against lemna minor. Hemagglutination activity showed absence of phytolectins and hence no agglutination of erythrocytes. CONCLUSION: The crude extract of Ocimum basilicum has significant properties against fungi and phytotoxic substances.