Changes in contents of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, chlorophyll and carotenoid in the leaf of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in relation to plant growth
2003
Saga, K. (Hirosaki Univ., Aomori (Japan). Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science) | Sato, T.
This investigation was conducted to analyze the changes in contents of some components in a leaf of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in relation to the plant growth and the change in the content of ascorbic acid in the leaf under a room temperature after harvest. Results obtained are summarized as follows. 1. Content of ascorbic acid in the leaf at flowering stage was different in the leaf position on the stem, and was the highest in the upper position. 2. Contents of ascorbic acid and total phenolics in the leaf increased with the plant growth until around the emergence of flower bud, and then decreased. Chlorophyll content in the leaf decreased with the plant growth. On the other hand, carotenoid content was extremely low. 3. Content of ascorbic acid in the leaf decreased to about 20% of the content during the harvesting time on the fourth day after the harvest under room temperature. 4. These results shows that a young leaf of sweet basil is a good source of ascorbic acid in the aspect of nutritional value, and the harvest time is suitable just around the emergence of flower bud. Also, some content of ascorbic acid is kept after the harvest.
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