FolkKB

American Basil

Ocimum americanum

Ocimum americanum is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices, including those of the Ongota and Birale people. It is traditionally employed to address conditions such as cough, dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, and various bacterial infections, often serving as a carminative, stimulant, or diuretic. Scientific studies suggest potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococci and Enterobacteria, including a reduction in biofilm formation. Some research also indicates acaricidal activity when combined with other essential oils. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
cough · dysentery
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diarrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dyspepsia traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inhalant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • stimulant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bronchitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • catarrh traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cold traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diaphoretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • parasites traditional T3 DRDUKE

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 is American Basil traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record American Basil for: cough, dysentery, carminative, diarrhea, dyspepsia, inhalant. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use American Basil?

American Basil appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

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. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Indigenous medicinal knowledge and therapeutic practices of the endangered Ongota/Birale of Southwest Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

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