Ocimum sanctum L.

Related Terms

4-allyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyronosyl-2-hydroxybenzene, ajaka, apigenin, bai gka-prow, bai gkaprow, baranda, basilici herba, beta-elemene, brinda, cinnamyl acetate, cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, common basil, eugenol, fatty acids, flavonoids, garden basil, green holy basil, hot basil, hydroxychavicol glucoside, Indian basil, isothymonin, isothymusin, kala tulasi, kala tulsi, kemangen manjari, Krishna tulsi, krishnamul, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, Manjari tulsi, OciBest?, Ociglycoside-I, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum sanctum seed oil, Ocimum tenuiflorum, oleic acid, orientin, palmitic acid, parnasa, patra-puspha, polysaccharides, Rama tulsi, red holy basil, rosmarinic acid, sacred basil, sacred purple basil, shayama tulsi, St. Joseph's wort, stearic acid, suvasa tulasi, Thai basil, thulasi, thulsi, triterpene acids ,Trittavu, tulasi, tulshi, tulsi, tulsi chajadha, vicenin, Vishnu priya, zinc.
Selected combination products: Caps HT2 (Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum, Plumbago indica, Semecarpus anacardium, Hemidesmus indicus, Terminalia arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum), EuMil? (Withania somnifera L., Dunal, Ocimum sanctum L., Asparagus racemosus Willd. and Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Immu-21? (extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Emblica officinalis and Tinospora cordifolia), Opthacare? (Carum copticum, Terminalia bellirica, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, Rosa damascena and Cinnamomum camphora), Siotone? (Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terristris and shilajit), TransinaT (Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Eclipta alba, Ocimum sanctum, Picrorrhiza kurroa and shilajit), Zyflamend? (Baikal skullcap, barberry, Chinese goldthread, ginger, green tea, Indian holy basil, hu zhang, or?gano, rosemary, and turmeric).
Not included in this review: Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum.

Background

The two main types of basil are closely related: Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), which is a staple of Italian and Asian cooking, and Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), which has a religious use or origin in different cultures. Both forms are native to Asia, although they are grown around the world.
Holy basil has been used medicinally by many cultures. Chinese medicine uses holy basil for stomach spasms, kidney conditions, to promote blood circulation, and to treat snake and insect bites.
In India, holy basil is known as tulsi and is used in religious ceremonies. It is believed to protect any home where it is grown. According to Ayurvedic tradition, tulsi is one of the best herbs to prepare the heart and mind for spiritual practices, treat colds and flu, relieve various skin conditions, and reduce fever.
Research on holy basil suggests that it contains powerful antioxidants and may provide protection to the liver. Also, early studies are looking into holy basil's effects on ulcers, blood sugar levels in diabetics, anxiety/stress, cavity prevention, and changes in immune response.

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 *


Limited research suggests holy basil extract may improve symptoms of stress and/or anxiety. Further studies are needed in this area.

 B


Limited research suggests holy basil extract may improve symptoms of stress and/or anxiety. Further studies are needed in this area.

 B


Holy basil extract may help prevent dental cavities. A solution containing holy basil extract reduced the number of a particular bacterium that lives in the mouth and contributes to tooth decay. Further research is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Holy basil extract may help prevent dental cavities. A solution containing holy basil extract reduced the number of a particular bacterium that lives in the mouth and contributes to tooth decay. Further research is needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Holy basil may have blood sugar lowering effects and may be useful as an adjunct to diet and drug treatment in mild to moderate diabetes. It is unknown whether sweet basil, a similar type of basil used in cooking, would have similar effects. More research is needed.

 C


Holy basil may have blood sugar lowering effects and may be useful as an adjunct to diet and drug treatment in mild to moderate diabetes. It is unknown whether sweet basil, a similar type of basil used in cooking, would have similar effects. More research is needed.

 C


Holy basil may stimulate an immune response. Early research suggests capsules or tea containing holy basil increases immune system activity. Further studies are needed before conclusions may be made.

 C


Holy basil may stimulate an immune response. Early research suggests capsules or tea containing holy basil increases immune system activity. Further studies are needed before conclusions may be made.

 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)
Traditionally, 300-2,000 milligrams as a single dose of holy basil dried leaves has been taken by mouth daily for preventive therapy, and 600-1,800 milligrams in divided doses has been taken by mouth daily as a healing therapy. As a tea, 2 grams holy basil has been infused in one cup of water. Also, 10-20 milliliters of fresh leaf juice or 1 ounce of dried herb in 16 ounces of water, three times daily in 5 ounce doses has been taken by mouth.
For anxiety/stress, 1,200 milligrams of OciBest? has been taken by mouth in two divided doses (400 milligrams after breakfast and 800 milligrams after dinner) daily for six weeks. A 500 milligram holy basil leaf extract capsule has been taken by mouth twice daily following meals for 60 days.
For diabetes, 2.5 grams of dried holy basil leaf powder mixed in water has been taken by mouth every morning for four weeks. Also, 1 teaspoon dried herb brewed in one cup of water three times daily has been used.
For immune function (changes in immune response), capsules containing 300 milligrams of holy basil extract have been taken by mouth daily for four weeks on an empty stomach.

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
Holy 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 (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Holy 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 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.
Holy basil may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Holy basil may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also 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.
Holy basil may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking agents that lower blood pressure.
Holy basil may also interact with adriamycin, agents for arthritis, agents for the ears, agents for the nervous system, agents for the stomach and intestines, agents that affect the immune system, agents that treat nausea and vomiting, agents used to treat epilepsy, anesthetics (agents for pain relief during surgery), antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-parasite agents, anti-ulcer and stomach acid-reducing agents, birth control, cholesterol-lowering agents, cloxacillin, COX 2 inhibitors, dexamethasone, fertility agents, fever reducers, laxatives, pentobarbital, radioactive agents, scopolamine, thyroid hormones, and wound healing agents.

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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