Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Introduction: Ocimum Sanctum Linn. is an annual herb commonly known as basil in Indian subcontinent belonging to the family Liliacae. It is widely used in the ailments of respiratory tract. The impact of drying methods on volatile matter of aromatic plants play major role in efficiency of the plant. The present study mainly deals with the effect of classical and lyophilized drying method on pharmacognostical characteristic and the content of volatiles i.e. Eugenol by GC method.
Material and Method: Fresh leaves of Ocimum Sanctum Linn. were collected and equally divided for shade drying and freeze drying method. After complete drying, both the samples were sieved through 85 no. mesh and packed in LDPE container. Then both the samples were analysed separately for organoleptic characters, powder microscopy, physico-chemical parameters, Assay of Eugenol by Gas chromatography, Limit test for heavy metals and microbial limit test. 
Result and Conclusion: Microscopic photographs of transverse section (T.S) of fresh leaf had presentation of epidermal trichomes, calcium collenchymatous, xylem, phloem and stomata. On seeing the values of physicochemical parameters, classical shade dried powder contains more moisture content than lyophilized powder. Considering the obtained quantitative data of Eugenol estimation in both samples, it can be said that classical shade drying method is deliberated as appropriate drying method for Ocimum sanctum L. leaves in comparison to lyophilisation.