Mineral composition of different basil (Ocimum spp.) genotypes

This experiment investigated mineral composition of 13 basil genotypes (Ocimum spp.) in order to find varieties supporting human dietary intake of essential minerals and to evaluate basil genotypes which could serve for herbal production as raw material in pharmaceutical or food processing industry. In addition, this study tested a potential risk of the accumulation of heavy metals during the commercial production of basil on agricultural soil. Mineral composition of basil genotypes was found to be in association with its genetic potential, where some of them can be used in human nutrition as an additional source of several minerals, particularly micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn), which generally improve human immune system. Iron-rich basil genotypes were identified in this experiment, like Compact (3576.0 mg/kg), with Lattuga (1585.6 mg/kg) and Blue spice (1167.9 mg/kg) genotypes, containing more than 1000 mg/kg of Fe in herbal part on dry basil (d.m.). This attract a special attention as a source of iron, especially for humans with low Fe intake, and consequently, for people with low level of hemoglobin. Basil grown on agricultural soil was tested on the accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Co, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb), which were not found to be excessive in herbal parts of the plants. Cluster analysis (CA) distinguished Ocmium spp. genotypes in two separate groups. Despite of significant differences among the genotypes, content of Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb made a clear distinction between the clusters. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46001]