Comparative Analysis of Secondary Metabolites and Anxiolytic Effects in Hydroponic and Soil-Grown Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Background: This study compares two different agricultural systems in order to identify the most effective basil crop that meets present and future demand at lower expenses and resource use. The major types of basil plants that are grown are basil grown in soil and basil grown in hydroponic system. Materials and Methods: In the Soxhlet extraction of basil leaves, basil leaves organic solvent (ethanol) was used. Phytochemical content, total phenolic and flavonoid content and thin layer chromatography of ethanolic extract were tested. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of the two basil extracts was done. The anxiolytic effects of Ocimum basilicum Leaf Extract (OBLE) were examined in Wistar rats on Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test. The reference medication diazepam was compared with the results. Results: Basil grown hydroponically gave 26.46% w/w output compared to 8.20% w/w output from basil grown in soil. Findings indicate the presence of several phytochemicals, including carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides and phenols, in both basil leaf extracts. The quantitative analysis revealed a total phenolic content of 1.198 mg/g in soil basil, 0.652 mg/g in hydroponic basil and 299.9 mg/g in total flavonoid content in soil basil, and 54.9 mg/g in hydroponic basil. The soil-grown TPC and TFC basil were higher in quantity than hydroponic basil. The HPTLC analysis of the ethanolic extract identified eugenol as a major secondary metabolite. Both extracts showed similar effects in terms of anxiolytic activity. Conclusion: The study concludes that the hydroponic growth offers a viable approach for generating high-quality basil that possesses comparable anti-anxiety qualities to soil-grown basil, while potentially alleviating issues related to contamination from soil-borne pesticides and toxins.