American Basil
Ocimum americanum
Ocimum americanum, commonly known as American basil or horsemint, is a traditional plant used by various indigenous communities. Although specific traditional uses for this plant are not well-documented, it has been included in the list of 31 taxa utilized among the Ongota/Birale people for treating different health issues. Scientific studies have shown that extracts from Ocimum americanum exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and Enterobacteria, with some evidence suggesting potential use in reducing biofilm formation and alleviating acetic acid-induced pain in rats. Additionally, a combination of essential oils from Ocimum americanum, Ocimum gratissimum, and Lippia multiflora demonstrated significant acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus by inhibiting oviposition and larval hatching. Genetic studies indicate that accessions of Ocimum americanum from different regions in Burkina Faso exhibit significant genetic diversity, forming two main groups. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Ocimum americanum extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and Enterobacteria, reducing biofilm formation and acetic acid-induced pain in rats.
- The study documented the use of 31 plant taxa, including Ocimum americanum, for treating various health issues among the Ongota/Birale people.
- This study found that Ocimum americanum accessions from different phytogeographic sectors in Burkina Faso showed significant genetic diversity.
- The combination of essential oils from Ocimum americanum, Ocimum gratissimum, and Lippia multiflora showed significant acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus at concentrations inhibiting oviposition and larval hatching.
Frequently asked questions
What is American Basil?
American Basil (Ocimum americanum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about American Basil?
4 sourced findings are recorded for American Basil; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Ocimum americanum extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and Enterobacteria, reducing biofilm formation and acetic acid-induced pain in rats.
How strong is the evidence for American Basil?
The strongest finding for American Basil carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is American Basil safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for American Basil in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does American Basil interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for American Basil in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is American Basil a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Indigenous medicinal knowledge and therapeutic practices of the endangered Ongota/Birale of Southwest Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Antibiofilm, Diuretic Activities, and Acute Toxicity of Bark Extracts From Three Plants (Khaya senegalensis, Ocimum americanum, and Cassytha filiformis) Collected in Benin. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Hoary Basil (Ocimum americanum L.) Germplasm From Burkina Faso Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Combination of essential oils from Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum gratissimum L., and Lippia multiflora Mold.: a potential solution for controlling the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). literature abstract metadata