Abstract

Ocimum basilicum L (sweet basil) belonging to the Lamiaceae family known as the ‘King of Herbs has been used as traditional medicine for various ailments. This study carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. Anatomy of the Ocimum basilicum L. leaves is characterized by a uniseriate epidermis, sub-epidermal secretory tissue and vascular tissue, while cells contain calcium oxalate crystals. The studied pollen grains were zonocolpate, hexacolpate, and prolate to subprolate. Pollen sculpturing types were recognized perforate, mega reticulate in polar view, with average size 65um. Aperture characterized with stephano-colpate, (hexa-zonocolpate) and margo present. The trichomes were examined, two types of trichomes were recorded, and distinguished non-glandular and glandular trichomes. The non-glandular trichomes appeared valuable data in taxonomy of Lamiaceae while glandular trichomes found short-stalked capitates, small peltate. The peltate trichomes are the most abundant type. The present study demonstrates additional tools for the quality control testing of the medicinal plant sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. Data obtained revealed characteristic elements of pollen and trichomes of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) which can be used as a taxonomic character to assure the test of identification of this plant, also to revealed adulteration in herbal mixtures and taxonomic evidence.

Keywords: Pollen grains ultrastructure; Micromorphology; Sweet basil; Trichomes; Anatomy; Lamiaceae