Basil

Basil/Drug Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: Fixed oil of basil had antiulcerogenic effects against alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Antibacterial effects of essential oil of basil, as well as basil extracts, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been shown in vitro by other authors (6; 8; 10; 162; 12; 35; 36; 13; 15). In vitro, Ocimum basilicum (aerial parts and essential oil) showed promising antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli O157, Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens (163; 4).
  • Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: In in vitro and animal research, basil oils inhibited platelet aggregation (51; 52; 53).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, basil was only mildly effective on insulin activity (65).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, the essential oil of basil, as well as the constituent linalool, had antifungal effects (17; 16; 164; 148; 22; 25).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In animal research, a basil extract reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures (74).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In animal research, a tincture of basil reduced the total leukocyte count, monocyte percentage, and activation of circulating phagocytes, and had a slight inhibitory effect on nitric oxide synthesis (29). Also in animal study, the fixed oil of basil had anti-inflammatory activity against experimentally induced paw edema in rats (30).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal research in a hyperlipidemic model, an aqueous extract of basil reduced total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels, while HDL cholesterol was increased (50). In vitro, an ethanolic extract of basil reduced LDL oxidation and macrophage accumulation of lipid droplets (165).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In a cell line study, sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) oil showed some antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 0.0362mg/mL in P388 cell lines (57).
  • AntiparasiticsAntiparasitics: In animal research, basil essential oils and their constituents had antiparasitic effects against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote and bloodstream trypomastigote forms (38). Basil essential oil, and its constituents such as linalool, also showed antigiardial activity (37).
  • Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: Fixed oil of basil had antiulcerogenic effects against alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Several laboratory studies have been conducted investigating sweet basil's antiviral activity; however, each study posited different compounds responsible for its antiviral effects, including water-soluble polar substances, apigenin, linalool, and ursolic acid (54; 73). No activity was noted for carvone, cineole, beta-caryophyllene, farnesol, fenchone, geraniol, beta-myrcene, or alpha-thujone.
  • AspirinAspirin: Basil powder and extracts had antiulcerogenic effects against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • Cholinesterase inhibitorsCholinesterase inhibitors: In vitro, basil and its major constituents had inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (166).
  • CNS stimulantsCNS stimulants: In preliminary clinical research, sweet basil essential oil combined with peppermint and helichrysum alleviated mental burnout and mental exhaustion (127).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsCytochrome P450-metabolized agents: Based on a review, estragole found in basil may stimulate CYP3A4 (167). A basil extract inhibited CYP 1A2 activity (168). In vitro, basil leaves increased levels of cytochrome P450 (isoenzyme not specified) (169).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In in vitro research of human spermatozoa, sweet basil had potent spermicidal action (93). In one study, it was found that oil of cinnamon showed the highest activity, followed by eugenol, clove oil, oil of basil, oil of ajowan, oil of peppermint, and dill.
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In animal research, fixed oil of basil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea (30). Basil powder, fixed oil, and extracts had antiulcerogenic effects against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-, histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin-, and stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • HepatotoxinsHepatotoxins: According to laboratory study, estragole (4-allyl-1-methoxybenzene) and its metabolite, 1'-hydroxyestragole (1'-HE), are hepatocarcinogens in rodent models (146). In theory, drugs and dietary components that are UGT2B7 and/or UGT1A9 substrates may interfere with estragole metabolism.
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: The role of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the immunomodulatory effects of basil has been discussed in a review (75). Based on in vitro research, basil inhibited the phagocytosis of opsonized sheep erythrocytes (170). Basil has also been discussed as a natural inhibitor of complement (171). Further details are lacking.
  • IndomethacinIndomethacin: Fixed oil of basil had antiulcerogenic effects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: According to secondary sources, sweet basil may interact with radioprotective agents.
  • Smooth muscle stimulantsSmooth muscle stimulants: In vitro, oil of basil had relaxant effects on tracheal and ileal smooth muscles (91).
  • Topical acne agentsTopical acne agents: There is preliminary clinical research on the effects of sweet basil essential oil as an alternative to acne antiobiotic treatments that show antimicrobial resistance (172). In a combination treatment with orange (Citrus sinensis), sweet basil essential oil improved lesion counts (127).
  • Topical agentsTopical agents: Based on in vitro skin models, basil oil was a penetration enhancer for various agents (173), including nitrendipine (174), carvedilol (175), and labetalol hydrochloride (176).
  • UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substratesUDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates: Based on laboratory study, concomitant chronic intake of agents that are UGT2B7 and/or UGT1A9 substrates may interfere with estragole metabolism (146).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In animal research, an aqueous extract of basil had vasorelaxant effects (53).

    • Basil/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Antibacterial effects of essential oil of basil, as well as basil extracts, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been shown in vitro by other authors (6; 8; 10; 162; 12; 35; 36; 13; 15). Based on laboratory study, Ocimum basilicum (aerial parts and essential oil) showed promising antibacterial activity against Salmonella spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli O157, Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens (163; 4).
  • Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: In in vitro and animal research, basil oils inhibited platelet aggregation (51; 52; 53).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, the essential oil of basil, as well as the constituent linalool, had antifungal effects (17; 16; 164; 170; 22; 25).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In animal research, a tincture of basil reduced the total leukocyte count, monocyte percentage, and activation of circulating phagocytes, and had a slight inhibitory effect on nitric oxide synthesis (29). Also in animal study, the fixed oil of basil had anti-inflammatory activity against experimentally induced paw edema in rats (30)
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal research in a hyperlipidemic model, an aqueous extract of basil reduced total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels, while HDL cholesterol was increased (50). In vitro, an ethanolic extract of basil reduced LDL oxidation and macrophage accumulation of lipid droplets (165).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In a cell line study, sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) oil showed some antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 0.0362mg/mL in P388 cell lines (57).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In a study of patients with chronic bronchitis, exposure to essential oils of basil caused lowering of plasma levels of dienic conjugates and ketons and activation of catalase in red cells, which are characteristic of antioxidant effects (63). Fractions of basil leaf were examined for antioxidant effects in vitro (40). Constituent antioxidants were found (phenolic compounds and flavonoids), and antioxidant effects were shown in various in vitro assays, such as iron (III) reduction, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, alkylperoxyl-scavenging assay, and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-scavenging assay (40). Antioxidant- and free radical-scavenging effects of basil and its constituents (e.g., rosmarinic acid) have been shown in other in vitro studies (177; 44; 45; 46; 48; 49), including nitric oxide inhibition (178), inhibition of Ikappa-B phosphorylation (179), stimulation of antioxidant enzymes (hepatic glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), and reduced glutathione (180).
  • AntiparasiticsAntiparasitics: In animal research, basil essential oils and their constituents had antiparasitic effects against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote and bloodstream trypomastigote forms (38). Basil essential oil, and its constituents such as linalool, also showed antigiardial activity (37).
  • Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: Fixed oil of basil had antiulcerogenic effects against alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in rats (95; 30).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Several laboratory studies have been conducted investigating sweet basil's antiviral activity; however, each study posited different compounds responsible for its antiviral effects, including water-soluble polar substances, apigenin, linalool, and ursolic acid (54; 73). No activity was noted for carvone, cineole, beta-caryophyllene, farnesol, fenchone, geraniol, beta-myrcene, and alpha-thujone.
  • Castor oilCastor oil: In animal research, fixed oil of basil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea (30).
  • Cholinesterase inhibitorsCholinesterase inhibitors: In vitro, basil and its major constituents had inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (166).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplements: Based on a review, estragole found in basil may stimulate CYP3A4 (167). A basil extract inhibited CYP 1A2 activity (168). In vitro, basil leaves increased levels of cytochrome P450 (isoenzyme not specified) (169).
  • Essential oilsEssential oils: In vitro, a combination of essential oils had additive antibacterial effects (9; 15).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In in vitro research of human spermatozoa, sweet basil had potent spermicidal action (93). In one study, it was found that oil of cinnamon showed the highest activity, followed by eugenol, clove oil, oil of basil, oil of ajowan, oil of peppermint, and dill.
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In animal research, fixed oil of basil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea (30).
  • HepatotoxinsHepatotoxins: According to laboratory study, estragole (4-allyl-1-methoxybenzene) and its metabolite, 1'-hydroxyestragole (1'-HE), are hepatocarcinogens in rodent models (146). In theory, drugs and dietary components that are UGT2B7 and/or UGT1A9 substrates may interfere with estragole metabolism.
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, basil was only mildly effective on insulin activity (65).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, a basil extract reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures (74).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: The role of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in immunomodulatory effects of basil has been discussed in a review (75). Based on in vitro research, basil inhibited the phagocytosis of opsonized sheep erythrocytes (170). Basil has also been discussed as a natural inhibitor of complement (171). Further details are lacking.
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: According to secondary sources, sweet basil may interact with radioprotective agents.
  • Smooth muscle stimulant herbs and supplementsSmooth muscle stimulant herbs and supplements: In vitro, oil of basil had relaxant effects on tracheal and ileal smooth muscles (91).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In preliminary clinical research, sweet basil essential oil combined with peppermint and helichrysum alleviated mental burnout and mental exhaustion (127).
  • Topical acne agentsTopical acne agents: There is preliminary clinical research on the effects of sweet basil essential oil as an alternative to acne antiobiotic treatments that show antimicrobial resistance (172). In a combination treatment with orange (Citrus sinensis), sweet basil essential oil improved lesion counts (127).
  • Topical agentsTopical agents: Based on in vitro skin models, basil oil was a penetration enhancer for various agents (173), including nitrendipine (174), carvedilol (175), and labetalol hydrochloride (176).
  • UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substratesUDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates: Based on laboratory study, concomitant chronic intake of agents that are UGT2B7 and/or UGT1A9 substrates may interfere with estragole metabolism (146).
  • VanillinVanillin: Vanillin and essential oils from plants, including basil, had greater antifungal effects than the essential oil alone (27).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In animal research, an aqueous extract of basil had vasorelaxant effects (53).

    • Basil/Food Interactions:

  • Olive oilOlive oil: Basil oil added as a flavor to olive oil did not affect the thermal oxidation of the oil (181).

    • Basil/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, basil was only mildly effective on insulin activity (65).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal research, a basil extract reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures (74).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In in vitro and animal research, basil oils inhibited platelet aggregation (51; 52; 53).
  • InsulinInsulin: In a rat epididymal adipocyte assay, basil was only mildly effective on insulin activity (65).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: In animal research in a hyperlipidemic model, an aqueous extract of basil reduced total and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels (50). HDL cholesterol was increased.
  • Nitric oxideNitric oxide: In animal research, a tincture of basil reduced nitric oxide levels (29; 31).
  • Sperm countSperm count: In in vitro research of human spermatozoa, sweet basil had potent spermicidal action (93). In one study, it was found that oil of cinnamon showed the highest activity, followed by eugenol, clove oil, oil of basil, oil of ajowan, oil of peppermint, and dill.
  • White blood cell countWhite blood cell count: In animal research, a tincture of basil reduced the total leukocyte count (29).