Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as holy basil, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been employed for various purposes such as promoting general health and well-being, though specific traditional uses are not extensively documented. Scientific evidence suggests that administration of Ocimum tenuiflorum fermented beverage for six weeks may lead to partial restoration of parameters affected by renovascular hypertension, involving suppression of ACE activity. Additionally, AgNPs at 60 ppm significantly increased eugenol and rosmarinic acid content and associated gene expression in O. tenuiflorum. Both Ocimum species accumulated cadmium (Cd) in roots; however, O. basilicum showed slightly higher uptake but better physiological preservation under stress conditions. A CuS/oxalic acid-modified Ocimum tenuiflorum biosorbent achieved up to 94.73% methylene blue removal under optimal conditions. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, though further research is warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- 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
- The study found that administration of Ocimum tenuiflorum fermented beverage for six weeks led to partial restoration of parameters affected by renovascular hypertension, involving suppression of ACE activity.
- AgNPs at 60 ppm significantly increased eugenol and rosmarinic acid content and associated gene expression in O. tenuiflorum.
- Both Ocimum species accumulated Cd in roots, with O. basilicum showing slightly higher uptake but better physiological preservation under stress.
- A CuS/oxalic acid-modified Ocimum tenuiflorum biosorbent achieved up to 94.73% methylene blue removal under optimal conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Holy Basil?
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) 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 Holy Basil?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Holy Basil; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that administration of Ocimum tenuiflorum fermented beverage for six weeks led to partial restoration of parameters affected by renovascular hypertension, involving suppression of ACE activity.
How strong is the evidence for Holy Basil?
The strongest finding for Holy Basil carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Holy Basil safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Holy Basil in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Holy Basil interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Holy Basil in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Holy Basil?
Holy Basil is also known as: Туласи, Basilic sacré.
Is Holy 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 Green synthesis of CuS/oxalic acid modified Ocimum tenuiflorum biosorbent for high-capacity adsorption of methylene blue. literature abstract metadata
- T2 AgNPs-induced nanoelicitation: enhancing Eugenol, Rosmarinic Acid, antioxidant defense and gene expression in Ocimum tenuiflorum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fermented beverage of Ocimum tenuiflorum ameliorates renovascular hypertension by the inhibition of ACE activity in 2K1C rat model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrative assessment of cadmium stress adaptation in Ocimum spp.: Linking biochemical defense, anatomical plasticity, and essential oil biosynthesis. literature abstract metadata