Authors : Prakash Itankar, Mohammad Tauqeer, Jayshree Dalal
Page Nos : 360-370
Description :
The demand for medicinal plants is growing at the rate of about 15 % per annum. Currently a major part of it is contributed by wild sources, however with biodiversity norms 2002 in action; cultivation of medicinal plants has become indispensible to satisfy the requirement of industry. Until now no scientific studies are conducted to ascertain nutrition, phyto-constituents and safety measures of organically grown medicinal plants. In this research, In vivo studies were conducted to assess the morpho-physiological traits of known Holy medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum using organic and non-organic farming techniques. The experiment was performed in Randomized Block Design with twelve replications using (organic & non-organic) fertilizer and pesticides. The aerial parts were harvested; lyophilized and dried coarse powder was screened for nutritional, anti-nutritional, physico-chemical and mineral (by ICP-AES). The water extracts were quantified for the presence of Ursolic acid by using HPTLC. The mean performances of all the traits were higher in organic Tulsi (OOS) except the weight of plant material. Proximate analysis revealed the high caloric value (235.2 Kcal/100g DW) along with protein, lipid and crude fibers in OOS. Similarly, high mineral contents (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, Zn, Cu and Mn 181.94, 45.64, 23.83, 39.35, 159.4, 75.82, 5.3 and 4.61 mg/100 g DW respectively) were found in OOS. Whereas non-organic Tulsi (NOS) contained high content of total ash, extractives, oxalate, phytate and heavy metals (Pd – 1.82 mg/100g DW). The higher amount of Ursolic acid content was found in OOS 0.17 % w/w by HPTLC method. Evidence proved the perception that organically grown foods or medicinal herbs are ‘better for you’ in terms of nutrition, phyto-constituents, better quality and safety measures.
