Ocimum campechianum
Ocimum campechianum
Ocimum campechianum, also known as Mexican basil or wild basil, is a traditional plant with origins in Central America. While its use in specific traditional medicine practices has not been extensively documented, studies have highlighted its potential benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from this plant can help control pH and reduce peroxide formation in beef burgers without significantly affecting their color or texture, indicating possible applications in food preservation. Additionally, essential oils derived from Ocimum campechianum demonstrated strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mutagen-protective properties, with four chemotypes identified, the most common being eugenol. The plant was noted at a bauxite mine site but specific heavy metal accumulation data were not provided in the studies reviewed. 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
- Basil extract treatments helped control pH and reduced peroxide formation in beef burgers without significantly affecting color or texture.
- Ocimum campechianum essential oil showed the most effective antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mutagen-protective properties among the tested oils.
- The study identified four chemotypes of Ocimum campechianum essential oil, with eugenol being the most common.
- Ocimum campechianum was among the plant species recorded at the bauxite mine site, but its specific heavy metal accumulation was not highlighted in this study.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ocimum campechianum?
Ocimum campechianum (Ocimum campechianum) 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 Ocimum campechianum?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Ocimum campechianum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Basil extract treatments helped control pH and reduced peroxide formation in beef burgers without significantly affecting color or texture.
How strong is the evidence for Ocimum campechianum?
The strongest finding for Ocimum campechianum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ocimum campechianum safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ocimum campechianum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ocimum campechianum interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ocimum campechianum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Ocimum campechianum 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 A Comparative Study on Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Four Amazonian Ecuador Essential Oils: Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, (Poaceae), Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Lamiaceae), and Zingib literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessment of plant ecological variability and heavy metal accumulation potential in naturally growing plant species of Pakhar bauxite mine site, Jharkhand, India. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Essential Oil Variability of Ocimum campechianum Mill. in Southeastern Mexico: A Chemometric Approach. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Effects of Substituting BHT with a Microencapsulated Basil (Ocimum campechianum Mill.) Extract on Refrigerated Beef Burger Preservation. literature abstract metadata