Improving Nutraceutical Potential of Sweet Basil through Jasmonic Acid-induced Phytochemical Accumulation

Abstract

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is valued not only as a culinary herb but also for its rich profile of bioactive compounds with significant nutraceutical potential. This study investigates the role of jasmonic acid (JA), a naturally occurring plant hormone, as a bio-elicitor to enhance the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of basil leaves at three developmental stages (35, 50, and 65 DAS). Foliar applications of JA at concentrations of 0.3 mM (JA1), 0.6 mM (JA2), and 0.9 mM (JA3) dissolved in 2% ethanol were compared to a control (2% ethanol) to assess their effect on key biochemical traits. The results revealed that JA significantly enhanced all measured parameters compared to the control, with the 0.9 mM JA (JA3) treatment being the most effective. The highest accumulations were recorded under JA3: total phenols (50.72 mg 100 g-1), antioxidant activity (82.43%), ascorbic acid (5.11 mg 100 g-1), flavonoids (30.42 mg 100 g-1), alkaloids (3.67%), anthocyanins (2.23 mg 100 g-1), carotenoids (1.51 mg 100 g-1), free amino acids (2.26 mg 100 g-1), and chlorophyll (1.98 mg g-1). Most parameters peaked at 50 DAS, indicating that both treatment dose and developmental stage critically influenced phytochemical accumulation. The results contribute to the broader field of plant secondary metabolism and support the development of ecological strategies to improve the quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. The study provides a detailed understanding of how phytochemical and antioxidant properties can be optimized in a sustainable and non-genetic way.