Holy Basil Research
39 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10
The Neuroprotective Potential of Ocimum Plant Species: Seasoning the Mind with Sweet and Holy Basil
Vasincu A et al. • Nutrients (2025)
Even though additional research is required to fully assess their potential as therapeutic agents for NDs, by diving into the specific mechanisms through which they improve neurodegenerative processes, important steps can be made towards this endpoint.
- This review synthesizes experimental evidence regarding Ocimum species with neuroprotective potential in AD, particularly Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum.
- These plants are rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpenoids that synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation.
- Furthermore, these extracts have demonstrated the ability to decrease β-amyloid accumulation and tau protein levels, key pathological features of AD.
Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects
Firdaus A et al. • Recent patents on biotechnology (2025)
These plants hold the potential to serve as novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of respiratory diseases.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- Some medicinal plants, notably Echinacea purpurea and Zingiber officinale, exhibit potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma, the common cold, cough, and whooping cough.
- The leaves of medicinal plants like Acacia torta, Ocimum sanctum, Mentha haplocalyx, Lactuca virosa, Convolvulus pluricaulis, and Acalypha indica are commonly used to address pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, colds, and cough.
- This review aims to shed light on specific medicinal plants with therapeutic value, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field of herbal medicine.
Promising approaches in the extraction, characterization, and biotechnological applications of ursolic acid: a review
K V et al. • Preparative biochemistry & biotechnology (2025)
This review merges traditional and modern approaches to UA extraction, bioavailability enhancement, and sustainable use, offering new perspectives on its potential in medicine, food technology, and cosmetics.
- EAE boosts efficiency by breaking down cell membranes, allowing sustained UA release.
- With antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects, UA holds promise in therapeutics and has applications in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food preservation.
- However, its low water solubility and bioavailability require innovative delivery methods like dendrimers and nanoparticles.
Herbal Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease: Ancient Indian Medicine System from the Modern Viewpoint
Kushwah S et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2023)
The main objective of this research is to provide a systematic review of herbal drugs that are easily accessible and effective for the treatment of AD.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- A rich knowledge base of traditional herbal plants (Turmeric, Gingko, Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, Giloy, Gotu kola, Garlic, Tulsi, Ginger, and Cinnamon) combined with modern science could suggest new functional leads for Alzheimer's drug discovery.
- In this article Ayurveda, the ancient Indian herbal medicine system based on multiple clinical and experimental, evidence have been reviewed for treating AD and improving brain functioning.
- This article presents a modern perspective on the herbs available in the ancient Indian medicine system as well as their possible mechanisms of action for AD treatment.
Ocimum sanctum: The Journey from Sacred Herb to Functional Food
Kumari S et al. • Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture (2024)
Thus, the diverse properties of Ocimum sanctum offer exciting opportunities for the development of functional foods that can promote specific health issues, so future research should focus on developing and analyzing novel Ocimum sanctum-based functional foods to meet the growing demand of the functional food industry.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- This study highlights historical, botanical, ecological, and phytochemical descriptions and different extraction mechanisms of Ocimum sanctum utilized in its processing.
- In terms of other pharmacological properties, Ocimum sanctum-infused functional foods exhibited cognitiveenhancing properties, adaptogenic qualities, anti-obesity effects, gastroprotective, antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, and immuno-modulatory effects.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Ocimum sanctum [Tulsi] as a Potential Immunomodulator for the Treatment of Ischemic Injury in the Brain
Yadav I et al. • Current molecular medicine (2024)
In this review, we will focus on the immunomodulatory properties of Tulsi, specifically its effect on both innate and adaptive immunity, as well as its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, which could potentially be effective in treating ongoing immune reactions following ischemic brain injury.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- Since antiquity, Tulsi has been used in the Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems to treat several diseases.
- It possesses immuno-modulatory activity, which can alter cellular and humoral immune responses.
- Tulsi can be considered a potential option as an immuno-modulator for treating various diseases, including brain stroke.
A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Ocimum tenuiflorum
Bhattarai K et al. • TheScientificWorldJournal (2024)
This comprehensive review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers in the development and investigation of novel drugs derived from O. tenuiflorum.Copyright © 2024 Keshab Bhattarai et al.
- Additionally, this study will explore the plant's wide range of beneficial qualities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticholinergic, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, stress-reducing, antidiabetic, anticancer, liver-protective, ulcer-inhibiting, antifungal, and wound-healing attributes.
- Furthermore, this review focuses on the plant's potential in treating conditions such as asthma, persistent fever, tuberculosis, malaria, skin discoloration, itching, digestive issues, hemorrhoids, bone fractures, gout, urinary tract infection, and diabetes.
- By reviewing the current literature, the aim is to identify the gaps in the existing research and propose directions for future studies.
Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu
Shahrajabian MH et al. • Reviews on recent clinical trials (2024)
Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- The most important expectorant medicinal plants for cold and flu are snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf.
- Recommended immunostimulant medicinal plants for cold and flu are eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, slippery elm, marshmallow, Usnea lichen, Isatis root, ginger root, and myrrh resin.
- Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials
Lopresti AL et al. • Nutritional neuroscience (2022)
For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear.
- For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear.
- Before more definitive conclusions about the effects of phytonutrients on the HPA-axis can be made, further research is required.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The Safety and Efficacy of Botanicals with Nootropic Effects
Roe AL et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2021)
Data gaps are highlighted for both efficacy and safety to bring attention to unmet needs and future research.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- Overall, nearly one-quarter (23%) of adults currently take a supplement to maintain or improve brain health or delay and reverse dementia.
- However, other botanicals that affect stress, focus, attention, and sleep have also been procured by dietary supplement companies developing products for improving both, short and long-term brain health.
- Botanicals are discussed in terms of available clinical efficacy data and current safety profiles.
Chemotherapeutic Role of Polyphenols Present in Ocimum sanctum
Khatoon S et al. • Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (2022)
Moreover, the current article also examines in-depth the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the antineoplastic actions of the considered polyphenols.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- The poor bioavailability of polyphenols restricts their clinical use.
- The application of nanonization has been implemented to improve their bioavailability, penetrability, and prolong their anticancer action.
- The present review analyses the recent preclinical studies related to the chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential of polyphenols present in O. sanctum.
An exhaustive comprehension of the role of herbal medicines in Pre- and Post-COVID manifestations
Prajapati SK et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2022)
According to the current state of art and cutting-edge research on herbal medicines have showed a significant promise as modern COVID tools.
- According to the current state of art and cutting-edge research on herbal medicines have showed a significant promise as modern COVID tools.
- Since vaccination cannot be purported as a long-term cure for viral infections, herbal/natural medicines can only be considered a viable alternative to current remedies, as conceived from our collected data to unroot recurring viral infections.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Eugenol as a Potential Drug Candidate: A Review
Taleuzzaman M et al. • Current topics in medicinal chemistry (2021)
Based on literature survey a schematic diagram of mechanism of action has also been made.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- Dental care, household, and personal hygiene products are other areas where it has established its potential.
- In the food industry, eugenol is used as a flavouring agent in non-alcoholic beverages, baked foods, and chewing gums.
- Considering the huge potential of eugenol, this review is an attempt to collate the regulatory information, physico-chemical properties, toxicity profile, marketed conventional and novel formulations, analytical methods, extraction procedures, recent patents and clinical trials of the moiety.
Miracles of Herbal Phytomedicines in Treatment of Skin Disorders: Natural Healthcare Perspective
Ahuja A et al. • Infectious disorders drug targets (2021)
This review article summarizes the significance of herbal plants for protecting, treating and minimizing skin infections through the utility of herbal pharmaceuticals like creams, decocted extracts, poultice, paste and lotions that aid in the treatment of skin infections and diseases at a relatively lower cost with lesser side effects as compared to modern and allopathic medicines.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
- In the recent era, herbal extracts and their phytomedicines have made a vital contribution to human health care.
- Herbal products nowadays are considered as a single line of treatment for many diseases like Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Brain disorders, thereby creating awareness regarding purity, efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for health care management.
- Many therapeutically active natural herbal resources like Aloe, Neem, Liquorice, Tulsi, Amla, Papaya, Ginger and Eucalyptus are potent and safe in the treatment of dermatological infections.
Medicinal plants with traditional use: Ethnobotany in the Indian subcontinent
Rupani R et al. • Clinics in dermatology (2018)
Published by Elsevier Inc.
- In developing countries, the majority of people rely on traditional medicines; however, many of these practices have not been rigorously and systematically studied or reported.
- We review the current understanding and research behind traditional therapies prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, including mind-body and energy-based healing, botanical medicine, and herbal remedies.
- Topics covered include Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, homeopathy, and medicinal plants such as neem, guggul, tulsi, amla, and turmeric.Copyright © 2018.
Therapeutic role of traditionally used Indian medicinal plants and spices in combating COVID-19 pandemic situation
Nath M et al. • Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics (2023)
This systematic-review examined the effects of Holy Basil.
- Traditionally, we have been using different medicinal plants like neem, tulsi, tea, and many spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, black seed, onion, etc. for the treatment of flu-like diseases.
- In this paper, we are highlighting the recent research progress in the identification of natural products from the Indian medicinal plants and spices that have potential inhibition properties against SARS-CoV-2.
- This study will provide an initiative to stimulate further research by providing useful guidance to the medicinal chemists for designing new protease inhibitors effective against SARS-CoV-2 in future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H.
Targeting the mercapturic acid pathway and vicenin-2 for prevention of prostate cancer
Singhal SS et al. • Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer (2017)
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- The mercapturic acid pathway, which metabolizes genotoxic and pro-apoptotic toxins, is over-expressed in CaP and plays an important role in carcinogenesis, metastasis and therapy-resistance of CaP.
- Vicenin-2, a flavonoid derived from Tulsi (holy basil) as an active compound, inhibits the growth of CaP and increases the anti-tumor activity of docetaxel in-vitro and in-vivo.
- Taken together, the combination of vicenin-2 and docetaxel could be highly effective in the treatment of advanced and metastatic CaP due to their multi-targeting anti-tumor potential.Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Radio protective effects of the Ayurvedic medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Holy Basil): A memoir
Baliga MS et al. • Journal of cancer research and therapeutics (2016)
This review summarizes the results related to the radio protective properties of Tulsi and its phytochemicals and also emphasizes the aspects that warrant future research to establish its use as a radio protective agent.
- Preclinical studies have also shown that the aqueous extract of the Tulsi leaves; its flavanoids orientin and vicenin, and eugenol, the principal nonpolar constituent present in Tulsi prevent radiation-induced clastogenesis.
- Mechanistic studies have indicated that free radical scavenging, antioxidant, metal chelating and anti-inflammatory effects may contribute toward the observed protection.
- In addition, clinical studies with a small number of patients have shown that Tulsi was effective as a radio protective agent.
Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer
Baliga MS et al. • Nutrition and cancer (2013)
This review summarizes the results related to the chemopreventive and radioprotective properties of Tulsi and also emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility in cancer prevention and treatment.
- The aqueous extract of Tulsi and its flavanoids, orintin, and vicenin are shown to protect mice against γ-radiation-induced sickness and mortality and to selectively protect the normal tissues against the tumoricidal effects of radiation.
- The other important phytochemicals like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and carnosic acid are also shown to prevent radiation-induced DNA damage.
- This review summarizes the results related to the chemopreventive and radioprotective properties of Tulsi and also emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility in cancer prevention and treatment.
Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi): an ethnomedicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of cancer
Bhattacharyya P et al. • Anti-cancer drugs (2013)
Finally, we discuss the role of synergy, current limitations, and future directions of research toward the effective use of this ethnomedicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of human cancer.
- Although several recent articles provide an overview of the various pharmacological properties of O. sanctum, the use of this herb for either prevention or therapy of oncologic diseases has not been exclusively and critically discussed in the literature.
- The present review critically and comprehensively examines the current knowledge on the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of O. sanctum.
- The review also examines, in detail, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the antineoplastic effects of O. sanctum.