Ocimum basilicum
Related Terms
- 2,4-diisopropenyl-1-methyl-1-vinylcyclohexane, 2,6-dimethyl-diethyl ester (2.01%), 3,5-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, 4'-carbomethoxy-2'-hydroxy phenyl ferulate, alpha-cadinol, alpha-terpineol, alphitolic acid, anise, anthocyanins, apigenin, basil, basil oil, basilimoside, basilol, benzyl ether, bergamotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-cubene, beta-guaiene, betulinic acid, bush, cadinene, caffeic acid,
[calcium], [cinnamon], citral, common basil, cyclohexene, dark opal, dried basil, (E)-3'-hydroxy-4'-(1''-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl-4-methoxycinnamate, (E)-cinnamic acid methyl ester, estragol, estragole, eugenol, euscaphic acid, genovese, geraniol, green basil, guaia-1(10),11-diene, Lamiaceae (family), lemon basil, linalol, linalool, linoleic acid, linolen, lutein plus zeaxanthin, [magnesium], methyl chavicol, methyl eugenol, methylchavicol, methylchavikol, methylcinnamate, methyleugenol, monoterpenes, nepetoidin A, nepetoidin B, Nepetoideae, ocimol, Ocimum, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum basilicum 'cinnamon', Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese Gigante', Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum basilicum L. var. Genovese, Ocimum basilicum Linn.var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth., Ocimum basilicum var. citratum, Ocimum basilicum var. minimum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens Benth., Ocimum campechianum Mill., Ocimum gratissimum L., Ocimum micranthum Willd., oleanolic acid, oleic acid, phenylpropane derivatives, purple basil, quinone radicals, rosmarinic acid, sesquiterpenes, sterols, sugar-bound monoterpenes, sweet dani cultivar, sweet Thai, Thai basil, triterpene acids, triterpenes, tulsi, ursolic acid, vaccenic acid, Wild Amazonian basil, xyloglucans, (Z)-cinnamic acid methyl ester.
- Combination product examples: Omegacoeur? (omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, garlic, and basil).
- Note: Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) should not be confused with the different species Ocimum americanum (lime basil and some of the lemon basils), Ocimum tenuiflorum (holy basil), or with Ocimum gratissimum (African basil).
Background
- Sweet basil is a common herb in Thailand, India, and Turkey. It has been used as a spice in cooking. Sweet basil contains a compound called estragole, which is used in fragrances and flavorings. Early study suggests that estragole may cause cancer, but there is a lack of evidence to suggest that sweet basil causes cancer in humans.
- There is a lack of evidence to support any medical use of sweet basil. Sweet basil appears to be safe in food amounts.
- Sweet basil has been studied for its antiviral, anti-cancer, and antibacterial effects. However, further research is needed.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil may be used in place of standard acne treatments. Sweet basil has been used in combination with orange. However, further research is needed to determine the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil may be used in place of standard acne treatments. Sweet basil has been used in combination with orange. However, further research is needed to determine the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil may reduce mental fatigue. However, further studies are needed to confirm the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil may reduce mental fatigue. However, further studies are needed to confirm the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil combined with peppermint and helichrysum may reduce mental burnout. Further research is needed to determine the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C |
Early research suggests that sweet basil essential oil combined with peppermint and helichrysum may reduce mental burnout. Further research is needed to determine the effects of sweet basil alone.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for sweet basil in adults.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Sweet basil may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Sweet basil may affect insulin activity. Caution is advised when using medications that may lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Sweet basil may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
- Sweet basil may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood, and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Sweet basil may also interact with acne agents applied to the skin, agents applied to the skin, agents for the immune system, agents for the stomach, agents that affect blood vessel width, agents that are toxic to the liver, agents that protect against radiation, alcohol, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-parasite agents, anti-ulcer agents, antiviral agents, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering agents, cholinesterase inhibitors, central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, fertility agents, indomethacin, smooth muscle stimulants, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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