FolkKB

American Basil

Ocimum americanum

Ocimum americanum, also known as American basil or horsemint, is a traditional plant used by various indigenous communities. While specific traditional uses for Ocimum americanum are not well-documented, it has been included in a study documenting the use of 31 plant taxa among the Ongota/Birale people, where it may have had some medicinal applications. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from this plant exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and Enterobacteria, potentially reducing biofilm formation and alleviating pain induced by acetic acid in rats. Additionally, a study found significant genetic diversity among Ocimum americanum accessions from different regions of Burkina Faso. The combination of essential oils from Ocimum americanum, Ocimum gratissimum, and Lippia multiflora demonstrated notable acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus by inhibiting oviposition and larval hatching. Safety data shows no major issues recorded for this plant, and there are currently no reported drug interactions.

At a glance
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. D PMID
  • The study documented the use of 31 plant taxa, including Ocimum americanum, for treating various health issues among the Ongota/Birale people. D PMID
  • This study found that Ocimum americanum accessions from different phytogeographic sectors in Burkina Faso showed significant genetic diversity. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID

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

  1. T2 Indigenous medicinal knowledge and therapeutic practices of the endangered Ongota/Birale of Southwest Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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

More Ocimum plants