Chemical composition of essential oil extracted from Ocimum basilicum L. Growing in south Syria

Essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. leaves were collected using hydro distillation by Clevenger apparatus. Components of the essential oil was analyzed by using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. The analysis showed that the major components of essential oil were Methoxy chavicol (81.15%) and Linalool (15.13%). Which possesses a vital and antioxidant activity, and therefore can be used in pharmaceutical and food applications.