The Comparative Genomics of Eugenol O-methyltransferase in the Ocimum Genus

Ocimum tenuiflorum L. ('Holy basil' or 'Tulsi') is an important medicinal plant, with particular religious significance to the Hindu community throughout the world. Tulsi plants are characterised by high levels of essential oils such as eugenol, methyl eugenol and estragole (methyl chavicol). Two chemotypes of tulsi have been distinguished, based on high or low methyl eugenol:eugenol ratios [1]. As methyl eugenol and methyl chavicol are classed as genotoxic carcinogens, it is important to ensure that the levels of these compounds in herbal products fall below the regulatory thresholds.