Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum is a species of basil used extensively across various global herbal traditions. It has been traditionally applied to address conditions such as spasms, fever, earaches, headaches, and inflammation, as well as for its roles as a carminative, diuretic, and stimulant. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic efficacy in humans is limited, though studies have focused on how external factors like seaweed extracts or magnesium oxide nanoparticles influence its essential oil production and plant growth. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- spasms · fever
- Traditions
- TCM · traditional · Unani
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- spasms
- fever
- carminative
- diuretic
- earache
- stimulant
- stomachic
- croup
- demulcent
- diaphoretic
- headache
- inflammation
- kidney complaints
- pectoral
- snakebite
What the science says
- The study found that Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts at 5% and 7% increased basil plant growth and essential oil production.
- The study found that high doses of MgO-NPs increased essential oil concentration in sweet basil but reduced plant fresh weight.
- The study found that 5 µM KN was the most effective concentration, significantly influencing growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and essential oil biosynthesis in O. basilicum.
- The study identified five distinct basil genotypes with high bioactive potential and EO yields, contributing to germplasm characterization.
- PT reduced CO₂ assimilation and altered biometric traits, while ST impaired root growth and induced oxidative stress in basil plants.
- The study optimized a basil leaf extract nanoemulsion with weak antibacterial activity against P. acnes but showed potential as a natural acne treatment option.
Frequently asked questions
What is Basil?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Basil traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Basil for: spasms, fever, carminative, diuretic, earache, stimulant. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Basil?
Basil appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional, Unani.
What does the scientific evidence say about Basil?
6 sourced findings are recorded for Basil; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts at 5% and 7% increased basil plant growth and essential oil production.
How strong is the evidence for Basil?
The strongest finding for Basil carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Basil safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Basil in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Basil interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Basil in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Basil?
Basil is also known as: базилик душистый, basilic.
Is 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Optimization and Formulation of Nanoemulsion Ex-tracts Basil Leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Testing of Anti-Acne Activity against Propionibacterium acnes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unraveling the regulatory role of kinetin (6-furfurylaminopurine) in modulating growth, physio-biochemical attributes, antioxidant defense, and essential oil biosynthesis in Ocimum basilicum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physiological and biochemical responses of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics exposure. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical profiling and chemotypic diversity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes: a large-scale evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of MgO Nanoparticle Foliar Treatment on the Early Stages of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Vegetation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of Kappaphycus alvarezii Biostimulant on Growth, Biochemistry, Essential Oil, and Rhizosphere of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Plants. literature abstract metadata