Background: Ocimum gratissimum known as 'scent leaf' is commonly used as spice in food and it is used also in traditional medicine practice for treatment of epilepsy, diarrhoea, mental illness and fever etc. The study was carried out to screen for phytochemicals, determine mineral constituents as well as show in vitro antioxidant potentials of Ocimum gratissimum leaves.

Methods: Phytochemical screening, and mineral determination were carried out using standard procedures. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reducing power activity were evaluated for their antioxidant activities.

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids and the absence of anthraquinones and glycosides while mineral analysis revealed the presence of sodium, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron etc. in various concentrations. The result of reducing power activity and DPPH radical scavenging showed that, the higher the concentration, the better the scavenging activity.

Conclusion: Our findings give credence to the use of Ocimum gratissimum in traditional medicine in the management of microbial infection and free radical induced ailments