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Abstract
Variations in the yield, chemical composition and biological (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, biofilm inhibition and hemolytic) attributes of hydro-distilled and supercritical fluid extracted essential oil (SCFEEO) from common basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were appraised. The yield of hydro-distilled essential oil (HEO) (0.82%) significantly (p<0.05) exceeded than the SCFEEO yield (0.45%). Physical parameters such as color, solubility, density and refractive index of the tested oils revealed insignificant variation. GC-MS analysis established linalool (21.80%, 36.06%) and estragole (17.87%, 12.80%) as the major chemical compounds in the SCFEEO and HEO, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power for the SCFEEO were greater than those of HEO. Meanwhile, SCFEEO exhibited better antibacterial activity against P. multocida whereas HEO displayed effective antifungal action against A. flavusas as well as showed superior biofilm inhibition and hemolytic activities. The significant (p<0.05) variations observed in the biological activities of the tested essential oils can be linked to the varying concentration of bioactive constituents isolated depending upon the technique employed. Based upon the present data, SCFEE basil oil can be considered as a promising candidate for potential antioxidant/antimicrobial applications.