Holy basil

Holy basil/Drug Interactions:

  • AdriamycinAdriamycin: In laboratory research, ursolic acid isolated from holy basil may partially protect against adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation of liver and heart microsomes (51).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: In animal research, hypotension occurred in anaesthetized dogs following treatment with Ocimum sanctum fixed oil (34).
  • AnthelminticsAnthelmintics: In vitro, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol showed potent anthelmintic activity (11).
  • AntiarthriticsAntiarthritics: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil reduced formaldehyde-induced arthritis and turpentine oil-induced joint edema (40).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Extracts or oil of Ocimum sanctum have caused inhibition of Bacillus pumilus, Candida albicans (52; 12), Escherichia coli (52), Klebsiella (52), Neisseria gonorrhea (22), Proteus (52), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (21; 21; 12), and Staphylococcus aureus (52; 12; 40). In animal research, intramammary infusion of aqueous leaf extract of O. sanctum reduced the total bacterial count and increased neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (53). Enhanced phagocytic activity, phagocytic index and lysosomal enzyme content of neutrophils were also noted. According to a review, beneficial effects on bovine mastitis have been reported following the use of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil when used alone or in combination with cloxacillin (40).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal research, holy basil may increase blood-clotting time similar to that observed with aspirin; the investigators attributed this effect to inhibition of platelet aggregation (34).
  • AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: Using the maximal electroshock model, extracts of stem, leaf and stem callus of Ocimum sanctum were effective in preventing tonic convulsions induced by transcorneal electroshock (54).
  • AntiemeticsAntiemetics: In a clinical trial, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported nausea, which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Oil from Ocimum sanctum has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema, suggesting the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways (55; 56). The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to total oil against carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing in rats and mice, respectively (57). A methanol extract and an aqueous suspension of Ocimum sanctum inhibited acute and chronic inflammation in rats as tested by carrageenan-induced pedal edema and croton oil-induced granuloma and exudate, respectively (58). The anti-inflammatory response of 500mg/kg methanol extract and aqueous suspension was comparable to the response observed with 300mg/kg sodium salicylate. Both preparations reduced typhoid-paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia. Ocimum sanctum oil inhibited the rise in protein concentration and dye leakage in peritoneal fluid in experimentally induced peritoneal inflammation in mice (59). In carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, the fixed oil showed significant inhibition of leukocyte migration in the pleural exudate. Ocimum sanctum seed oil (3mL/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a significant increase in anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer and a decrease in percentage histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of sensitized rats, and a decrease in footpad thickness and percentage leukocyte migration inhibition (60). According to a review, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil results from the inhibition of arachidonate metabolism in addition to antihistaminic activity rather than a dependence on the pituitary adrenal axis (40). Following inflammatory stimulus, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil inhibited the increase in vascular capillary permeability and leukocyte migration (40).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Ocimum sanctum leaf powder, added to the diet of diabetic and non-diabetic rats, reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and total lipids, in liver, kidney, or heart (27). In animal research, administration of fresh leaves (mixed as 1-2g in 100g diet for four weeks) lowered serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and LDL-cholesterol levels, and increased HDL-cholesterol and total fecal sterol contents (61). In animal research, Ocimum sanctum and eugenol lowered restraint stress-induced cholesterol levels (62). In humans with type 2 diabetes, 2.5g dried holy basil powder significantly reduced total cholesterol when consumed as a drink for four weeks (3).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, ursolic acid isolated from holy basil may partially protect against adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation of liver and heart microsomes (51). In animal research, Ocimum sanctum oil significantly reduced tumor incidence and tumor volume by modulating the liver antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase (63). Topically applied fresh leaf paste, aqueous extract or alcoholic extract of O. sanctum, to buccal pouch mucosa of animals resulted in decreased incidence of papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, and increased survival rate in tumor models (64). Decreased incidence of neoplasia, papillomas, and hepatomas have been observed in animal research (65; 66). Increased levels of agents known to detoxify carcinogens (cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and glutathione S-transferase) have been observed in animal research following treatment with alcoholic extract of Ocimum leaves (67). In vitro, inhibition of metabolic activation of the carcinogen has been noted following treatment of rat hepatocytes with Ocimum sanctum extract (68).
  • AntipyreticsAntipyretics: According to a review, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil inhibits prostaglandin, resulting in antipyretic activity (40).
  • Anti-ulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAnti-ulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: Ocimum sanctum decreased the incidence of ulcers and also enhanced the healing of ulcers in animal models (69). Free acidity, total acidity, and peptic activity were also reduced. Mucin secretion was increased. In pyloric ligated and pyloric ligated/aspirin treated rats, Ocimum sanctum extract reduced the ulcer index, as well as free and total acidity (70). An increase in mucin secretion was shown in this and other studies (71; 70). Ulcer protection has been noted in other animal models (71; 72). According to a review, the antiulcer activity of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil results from its inhibition of lipoxygenase, as well as its histamine antagonistic and antisecretory activities (40).
  • AnxiolyticsAnxiolytics: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum and eugenol lowered restraint stress-induced levels of cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase (62). In clinical research, treatment with Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. whole plant extract or Ocimum sanctum leaf extract improved symptoms of stress and/or generalized anxiety disorder (4; 5).
  • CloxacillinCloxacillin: According to a review, beneficial effects on bovine mastitis have been reported following the use of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil when used alone or in combination with cloxacillin (40).
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: According to secondary sources, holy basil may interact with contraceptives. An antispermatogenic and anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum has been proposed in animal models (35; 36; 37; 38).
  • COX 2 inhibitorsCOX 2 inhibitors: Oil from Ocimum sanctum has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema, suggesting the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways (55; 56). According to secondary sources, holy basil may interact with COX 2 inhibitors.
  • Cytochrome P450 substratesCytochrome P450 substrates: In animal research, holy basil increased pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, which the investigators attributed to inhibition of cytochrome P450 (34).
  • DiazepamDiazepam: In animal research, holy basil reduced the amnesic effect of diazepam (73).
  • DexamethasoneDexamethasone: An extract of O. sanctum significantly increased the wound-breaking strength in an incision wound rat model and significantly decreased the negative effects of dexamethasone in the wound (26).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: An antispermatogenic and anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum has been proposed in animal models (35; 36; 37; 38). A decrease in sexual behavioral score has been observed in rats when a 200 or 400mg/kg dose was used (39).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In a clinical trial, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported nausea or loose motions which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In rats, Ocimum sanctum extract (200mg/kg; 30 days) partially corrected the diabetes-induced inhibited activity of three enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism: glucokinase, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase (28). A decrease in plasma glucose was also noted. A decrease in blood glucose has been noted by others in animal models (29; 30; 31; 32; 33). Ocimum sanctum leaf powder, added to the diet of diabetic rats, has also resulted in a reduction in fasting blood sugar, as well as uronic acid and total amino acids (27). In humans with type 2 diabetes, 2.5g dried holy basil powder significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose when consumed as a drink for four weeks (3).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, hypotension occurred in anaesthetized dogs following treatment with Ocimum sanctum fixed oil (34).
  • ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: In clinical research, treatment with teas containing Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhzia glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum, and Elettaria cardamomum significantly increased natural killer cell activity according to ex vivo assessment; the investigators concluded that this effect may correlate with increased innate immune response to infections (8). However, the effect of Ocimum sanctum alone was unclear. According to other reviews or animal studies, Ocimum sanctum may have immunomodulatory activity (40; 23; 1).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In clinical research, treatment with teas containing Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhzia glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum, and Elettaria cardamomum significantly increased natural killer cell activity according to ex vivo assessment; the investigators concluded that this effect may correlate with increased innate immune response to infections (8). However, the effect of Ocimum sanctum alone was unclear. According to other reviews or animal studies, Ocimum sanctum may have immunomodulatory activity (40; 23; 1).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In clinical research, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported loose motions which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum stabilized total sulfhydryl groups during reperfusion and inhibited the reperfusion-induced increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity; according to the investigators, Ocimum sanctum may be useful in the treatment of cerebral reperfusion injury and cerebrovascular insufficiency states (20).
  • Otic agentsOtic agents: Pretreatment of albino rats (seven days) with ethanolic extract from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn. prevented exposure to noise (10kHz:100dB)-induced changes in acetylcholine levels and acetylcholinesterase activity in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus (74). Subchronic broadband white noise exposure (100dB; four hours daily; 15 days) in Wistar male albino rats significantly increased the levels of dopamine and serotonin turnover in brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, pons-medulla and corpus striatum). The intraperitoneal administration of 70% ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum (100mg/kg body weight) to animals subjected to noise exposure prevented the noise induced increase in neurotransmitter levels without affecting the normal levels (75; 76). Treatment with Ocimum sanctum has been shown to alleviate noise-induced stress changes, including cortisol levels, in other animal models (77; 78). The active principle appears to be present in the cold homogenized leaf extract (79).
  • PentobarbitalPentobarbital: In animal research, holy basil increased the sedative effects of pentobarbital (41; 34).
  • RadiopharmaceuticalsRadiopharmaceuticals: In vitro, pretreatment of cultured human periopheral lymphocytes with orientin and vicenin significantly reduced the micronucleus counts following exposure to radiation to 51-67% of that seen following exposure to radiation without pretreatment; the investigators concluded that Ocimum sanctum has a radio-protective role that may be associated with its antioxidant activity (25). In mouse liver, and aqueous extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, as well as the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, provided protection against radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver (42; 43; 44). Survival at 30 days was increased and percent chromosomal aberrations was decreased (45; 46). In a separate study, these investigators concluded that an aqueous extract appears to be more effective and less toxic than an aqueous ethanol extract (47). Radioprotection by Ocimum sanctum has been shown in other animal models (48; 49).
  • ScopolamineScopolamine: In animal research, holy basil reduced the amnesic effect of scopolamine (73).
  • SedativesSedatives: In animal research, holy basil increased the sedative effects of pentobarbital (41; 34).
  • Thyroid hormonesThyroid hormones: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract decreased serum T4 concentrations in animal models. Changes in serum T3 or the T3/T4 ratio were lacking (50).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: An extract of O. sanctum significantly increased the wound-breaking strength in an incision wound rat model (26). The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelialize faster and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased as compared to control wounds. A significant increase in wet and dry granulation tissue weight, granulation tissue breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in dead space in the wound was observed. The extract significantly decreased the negative effects of dexamethasone in the wound.

    • Holy basil/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: In animal research, hypotension occurred in anaesthetized dogs following treatment with Ocimum sanctum fixed oil (34).
  • AnthelminticsAnthelmintics: In vitro, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol showed potent anthelmintic activity (11).
  • AntiarthriticsAntiarthritics: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil reduced formaldehyde-induced arthritis and turpentine oil-induced joint edema (40).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Extracts or oil of Ocimum sanctum have caused inhibition of Bacillus pumilus, Candida albicans (52; 12), Escherichia coli (52), Klebsiella (52), Neisseria gonorrhea (22), Proteus (52), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (21; 21; 12), and Staphylococcus aureus (52; 12; 40). In animal research, intramammary infusion of aqueous leaf extract of O. sanctum resulted in a reduction in the total bacterial count and an increase in neutrophil and lymphocyte counts (53). Enhanced phagocytic activity, phagocytic index and lysosomal enzyme content of neutrophils were also noted. According to a review, beneficial effects on bovine mastitis have been reported following the use of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil when used alone or in combination with cloxacillin (40).
  • Anticoagulants and plateletsAnticoagulants and platelets: In animal research, holy basil may increase blood-clotting time similar to that observed with aspirin; the investigators attributed this effect to inhibition of platelet aggregation (34).
  • AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: Using the maximal electroshock model, extracts of stem, leaf and stem callus of Ocimum sanctum were effective in preventing tonic convulsions induced by transcorneal electroshock (54).
  • AntiemeticsAntiemetics: In a clinical trial, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported nausea, which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Oil from Ocimum sanctum has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema, suggesting the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways (55; 56). The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to total oil against carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhing in rats and mice, respectively (57). A methanol extract and an aqueous suspension of Ocimum sanctum inhibited acute and chronic inflammation in rats as tested by carrageenan-induced pedal edema and croton oil-induced granuloma and exudate, respectively (58). The anti-inflammatory response of 500mg/kg methanol extract and aqueous suspension was comparable to the response observed with 300mg/kg sodium salicylate. Both preparations reduced typhoid-paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia. Ocimum sanctum oil inhibited the rise in protein concentration and dye leakage in peritoneal fluid in experimentally induced peritoneal inflammation in mice (59). In carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, the fixed oil showed significant inhibition of leukocyte migration in the pleural exudate. Ocimum sanctum seed oil (3mL/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a significant increase in anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer and a decrease in percentage histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of sensitized rats, and a decrease in footpad thickness and percentage leukocyte migration inhibition (60). According to a review, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil results from the inhibition of arachidonate metabolism in addition to antihistaminic activity rather than a dependence on the pituitary adrenal axis (40). Following inflammatory stimulus, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil inhibited the increase in vascular capillary permeability and leukocyte migration (40).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Ocimum sanctum leaf powder, added to the diet of diabetic and non-diabetic rats, reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and total lipids, in liver, kidney, or heart (27). In animal research, administration of fresh leaves (mixed as 1-2g in 100g diet for four weeks) lowered serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and LDL-cholesterol levels, and increased HDL-cholesterol and total fecal sterol contents (61). In animal research, Ocimum sanctum and eugenol lowered restraint stress-induced cholesterol levels (62). In humans with type 2 diabetes, 2.5g dried holy basil powder significantly reduced total cholesterol when consumed as a drink for four weeks (3).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In vitro, ursolic acid isolated from holy basil may partially protect against adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation of liver and heart microsomes (51). In animal research, Ocimum sanctum oil significantly reduced tumor incidence and tumor volume by modulating the liver antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase (63). Topically applied fresh leaf paste, aqueous extract or alcoholic extract of O. sanctum, to buccal pouch mucosa of animals resulted in decreased incidence of papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, and increased survival rate in tumor models (64). Decreased incidence of neoplasia, papillomas, and hepatomas have been observed in animal research (65; 66). Increased levels of agents known to detoxify carcinogens (cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and glutathione S-transferase) have been observed in animal research following treatment with alcoholic extract of Ocimum leaves (67). In vitro, inhibition of metabolic activation of the carcinogen has been noted following treatment of rat hepatocytes with Ocimum sanctum extract (68).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Clinical trials have shown that extracts of Ocimum sanctum exhibited a dose-dependent nitric oxide scavenging activity (17). Compounds found in the extracts of Ocimum sanctum have demonstrated antioxidant activity (18). O. sanctum extract (10mg/kg body weight, orally) treatment of animals resulted in reductions in glutathione levels (80). Polysaccharide from O. sanctum could prevent oxidative damage to liposomal lipids and plasmid DNA induced by various oxidants (81). Both water and alcohol extracts of leaves of Ocimum sanctum have anti-lipidperoxidative activity (82). Hypercholesterolemia-induced erythrocyte lipid peroxidation activity was inhibited by aqueous extracts of Ocimum in male albino rabbits. Aqueous extract feeding also provided significant liver and aortic tissue protection from hypercholesterolemia-induced peroxidative damage (82). Treatment with Ocimum sanctum (200mg/kg daily for 7 days) prevented reperfusion-induced rise in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity (20). Hydroalcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum (25-100mg/kg) reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels, as well as lipid peroxidation as observed by the reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels (83). According to a review, the antioxidant properties of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil corresponds to its hypolipidemic activity, metabolic inhibition, and chemoprevention (40).
  • AntipyreticsAntipyretics: According to a review, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil inhibits prostaglandin, resulting in antipyretic activity (40).
  • Anti-ulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAnti-ulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: Ocimum sanctum decreased the incidence of ulcers and also enhanced the healing of ulcers in animal models (69). Free acidity, total acidity, and peptic activity were also reduced. Mucin secretion was increased. In pyloric ligated and pyloric ligated/aspirin treated rats, Ocimum sanctum extract reduced the ulcer index, as well as free and total acidity (70). An increase in mucin secretion was shown in this and other studies (71; 70). Ulcer protection has been noted in other animal models (71; 72). According to a review, the antiulcer activity of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil results from its inhibition of lipoxygenase, as well as its histamine antagonistic and antisecretory activities (40).
  • AnxiolyticsAnxiolytics: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum and eugenol lowered restraint stress-induced levels of cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase (62). In clinical research, treatment with Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. whole plant extract or Ocimum sanctum leaf extract improved symptoms of stress and/or generalized anxiety disorder (4; 5).
  • ContraceptivesContraceptives: According to secondary sources, holy basil may interact with contraceptives. An antispermatogenic and anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum has been proposed in animal models (35; 36; 37; 38).
  • COX inhibitorsCOX inhibitors: Oil from Ocimum sanctum has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema, suggesting the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways (55; 56). According to secondary sources, holy basil may interact with COX 2 inhibitors.
  • Cytochrome P450 substratesCytochrome P450 substrates: In animal research, holy basil increased pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, which the investigators attributed to inhibition of cytochrome P450 (34).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: An antispermatogenic and anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum has been proposed in animal models (35; 36; 37; 38). A decrease in sexual behavioral score has been observed in rats when a 200 or 400mg/kg dose was used (39).
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: In a clinical trial, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported nausea or loose motions which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In rats, Ocimum sanctum extract (200mg/kg; 30 days) partially corrected the diabetes-induced inhibited activity of three enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism: glucokinase, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase (28). A decrease in plasma glucose was also noted. A decrease in blood glucose has been noted by others in animal models (29; 30; 31; 32; 33). Ocimum sanctum leaf powder, added to the diet of diabetic rats, has also resulted in a reduction in fasting blood sugar, as well as uronic acid and total amino acids (27). In humans with type 2 diabetes, 2.5g dried holy basil powder significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose when consumed as a drink for four weeks (3).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, hypotension occurred in anaesthetized dogs following treatment with Ocimum sanctum fixed oil (34).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In clinical research, treatment with teas containing Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhzia glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum, and Elettaria cardamomum significantly increased natural killer cell activity according to ex vivo assessment; the investigators concluded that this effect may correlate with increased innate immune response to infections (8). However, the effect of Ocimum sanctum alone was unclear. According to other reviews or animal studies, Ocimum sanctum may have immunomodulatory activity (40; 23; 1).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In clinical research, participants who received capsules containing Ocimum sanctum Linn. reported loose motions which resulted in treatment discontinuation (7).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, Ocimum sanctum stabilized total sulfhydryl groups during reperfusion and inhibited the reperfusion-induced increase in lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity; according to the investigators, Ocimum sanctum may be useful in the treatment of cerebral reperfusion injury and cerebrovascular insufficiency states (20).
  • Otic agentsOtic agents: Pretreatment of albino rats (seven days) with ethanolic extract from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn. prevented exposure to noise (10kHz:100dB)-induced changes in acetylcholine levels and acetylcholinesterase activity in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus (74). Subchronic broadband white noise exposure (100dB; four hours daily; 15 days) in Wistar male albino rats significantly increased the levels of dopamine and serotonin turnover in brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, pons-medulla and corpus striatum). The intraperitoneal administration of 70% ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum (100mg/kg body weight) to animals subjected to noise exposure prevented the noise induced increase in neurotransmitter levels without affecting the normal levels (75; 76). Treatment with Ocimum sanctum has been shown to alleviate noise-induced stress changes, including cortisol levels, in other animal models (77; 78). The active principle appears to be present in the cold homogenized leaf extract (79).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: In vitro, pretreatment of cultured human peripheral lymphocytes with orientin and vicenin significantly reduced the micronucleus counts following exposure to radiation to 51-67% of that seen following exposure to radiation without pretreatment; the investigators concluded that Ocimum sanctum has a radio-protective role that may be associated with its antioxidant activity (25). In mouse liver, and aqueous extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, as well as the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, provided protection against radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver (42; 43; 44). Survival at 30 days was increased and percent chromosomal aberrations was decreased (45; 46). In a separate study, these investigators concluded that an aqueous extract appears to be more effective and less toxic than an aqueous ethanol extract (47). Radioprotection by Ocimum sanctum has been shown in other animal models (48; 49).
  • SedativesSedatives: In animal research, holy basil increased the sedative effects of pentobarbital (41; 34).
  • Thyroid agentsThyroid agents: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract decreased serum T4 concentrations in animal models. Changes in serum T3 or the T3/T4 ratio was lacking (50).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: An extract of O. sanctum significantly increased the wound-breaking strength in an incision wound rat model (26). The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelialize faster and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased as compared to control wounds. A significant increase in wet and dry granulation tissue weight, granulation tissue breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in dead space in the wound was observed. The extract significantly decreased the negative effects of dexamethasone in the wound.

    • Holy basil/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Holy basil/Lab Interactions:

  • Interferon-gamma and interleukin (IL) levelsInterferon-gamma and interleukin (IL) levels: In human research, Tulsi extract increased IL-4 and interferon-gamma levels (7).
  • Natural killer (NK) cellsNatural killer (NK) cells: In human research, Tulsi extract increased NK-cells (7) and a combination tea included Ocimum sanctum, NK cell activity improved (8).
  • PT/INRPT/INR: In animal research, holy basil may increase blood-clotting time similar to that observed with aspirin; the investigators attributed this effect to inhibition of platelet aggregation (34).
  • Serum glucose levelsSerum glucose levels: In animal research, holy basil reduced blood glucose levels (27). In clinical research, ingestion of dried holy basil powder significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes (3).
  • Serum lipid levelsSerum lipid levels: In animal research, holy basil reduced serum lipid levels (27). In clinical research, ingestion of dried holy basil powder significantly reduced total cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes (3).
  • T-helper cellsT-helper cells: In human research, Tulsi extract increased T-helper cells (7).
  • T4 countT4 count: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract decreased serum T4 concentrations in animal models. Changes in serum T3 or the T3/T4 ratio were lacking (50).
  • White blood cell countWhite blood cell count: Following inflammatory stimulus, Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil has been reported to inhibit the increase in vascular capillary permeability and leukocyte migration (40). Ocimum sanctum seed oil (3mL/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a significant increase in anti-sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer and a decrease in percentage histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of sensitized rats, and a decrease in footpad thickness and percentage leukocyte migration inhibition (60).