Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) belongs to Lamiaceae and is a relatively sensitive plant to salinity. Salinity is one of the most important factors limiting crop production. Ascorbic acid (ASA) as a water-soluble small molecules with high antioxidant properties, has improving effects on stress. This survay was performed to determine the effect of ascorbic acid on some non-enzymatic antioxidants such as protein, proline and sugar contents of basil under salinity stress. Sterilized seeds soaked in ascorbic acid solutin (0, 50 and 100 mM) was transferred to pots containing perlite and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution containing different NaCl levels (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) in duration of 30 days and then samples were used to measure biochemical parameters. The results showed that salinity led to a significant increase in proline and sugar content and a significant reduction in protein content in all salinity levels. However, ascorbic acid treatment decreased proline and carbohydrate levels and increased total protein at all the levels of salinity. Based on our data, Ocimum basilicum showed proper resistance to salinity and exogenous of ascorbic acid did not reduce the harmful effects of salinity.

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