Abstract
Ocimum gratissimum (commonly known as Scent leaf) is widely recognized for its medicinal and culinary applications. This study evaluates the antioxidant potential of O. gratissimum leaves using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)-DPPH bioautography analysis. Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts were tested at various concentrations (20–100 mg/mL). Results show that the ethanol extract exhibited the highest percentage inhibition at 96%, surpassing the activity of the standard reference, ascorbic acid (93%). Notably, significant antioxidant activity was observed even at the lowest tested concentration (20 mg/mL). The TLC-DPPH bioautography analysis further confirmed the presence of antioxidant compounds, evidenced by a distinct yellow spot. These findings suggest that O. gratissimum grown in Jos could serve as a valuable natural source of antioxidants, with potential applications in the management of oxidative stress-related diseases.