Morphological and anatomical features of seeds of Ocimum basilicum L. of two varieties «Dollie» and «Rosie»

Abstract

The seeds of Ocimum basilicum L. have a large amount of mucilage, which is commonly known as basil seed gum. It can be regarded as a thickener, stabilizer, fat substitute, gelling agent, surfactant and emulsifying polymer. The most important pharmacological effects of basil seeds are: anti-inflammatory, anticancer, radioprotective, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-stress, antidiabetic, antipyretic, antiarthritic, antioxidant. It is used as a prophylactic agent for cardiovascular diseases. The seeds of O. basilicum have a long history of use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are a good source of minerals, contain a lot of fiber (including pectin), and are rich in flavonoids and other polyphenols.