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Abstract

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an important plant due to its chemical constituents, medicinal properties and commercial use. The present study was carried out to determine the change in concentration of chemicals in salt stressed R. officinalis. Plants were treated with 50, 100 and 150mM NaCl to determine the change in moisture content level and concentrations of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols. Results revealed that moisture content and carbohydrates decreased with increased salinity. Maximum values of moisture content (60.39%), insoluble carbohydrates (2.25 g) and soluble carbohydrates (24.5 ml), found in control treatment, while the minimum values of moisture content (48%) and 1.47 g and 21 ml for insoluble and soluble carbohydrates respectively were recorded for 150 mM NaCl treatment. Maximum values for alkaloids 0.9 g and flavonoids 0.82 g were recorded for 50 mM NaCl treatment while minimum values, alkaloids 0.76 g and flavonoids 0.32 g were recorded for 150 mM NaCl treatment. Quantitative analysis of phenols expressed that phenols increased with increased salinity i.e for control lowest 3.02% and for 150 mM NaCl highest value 4.24% obtained. It concluded that phenols might release the oxidative stress caused by NaCl applications but their increase is also beneficial because they are natural antioxidants.
Keywords: Rosemary; Salt Stress; Concentration; NaCl; Quantitative analysis
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2016.50046