HEALTH BENEFITS OF BASIL LEAVES AND OILS
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) originates in the Mediterranean Sea and
Middle East. [1] It is a popular culinary herb, and its essential oils
have been used extensively for many years in food products,
perfumery, and dental and oral products. [14]
What are the health benefits of basil leaves and oils?
BASIL ESSENTIAL OILS MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-ULCER, ANTI-
MICROBAL ACTIVITIES.
The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess
significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-,
histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin- and stress-induced ulceration in
experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also
observed in gastric secretion and aspirin-induced gastric ulceration
in pylorus ligated rats. O. sanctum fixed oil may be considered to be
a drug of natural origin which possesses both anti-inflammatory and
antiulcer activity. [17]
Basil essential oils and their principal constituents were found to
exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative
and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold. [9,14-16] It may
also help relieve intestinal gas. [10] The major active ingredients of
basil essential oil are terpenoids, such as eugenol, thymol and
estragole. These ingredients contribute the potential health
benefits of basil.
BASIL SEED MAY HELP CONSIPITATION
Its seeds are thought to benefit people with constipation or
diarrhea. Researchers believe that its seed may prevent sugar
absorption by providing dietary fiber and relive constipation by
acting as a bulk-forming laxative. [7-8]
BASIL LEAF EXTRACT MAY HAVE ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS
Basil leaf extract was very effective in elevating antioxidant enzyme
response by increasing significantly the hepatic glutathione
reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. . Chemo-
preventive response was evident from the reduced tumor burden
(the average number of papillomas/mouse), as well as from the
reduced percentage of tumor bearing-animals. [13]
Experimental studies on albino rats reported that leaf extract of
Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum album (holy basil) had hypoglycemic
effect. While human study also showed a significant decrease in
fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels during treatment with
holy basil leaves compared to during treatment with placebo leaves.
Thus, basil may benefit people suffered from type 2 diabetes. [4-6,
18]
SWEET BASIL MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-THROMBOTIC
EFFECTS
In a study of rats, oral administration of aqueous extracts of
Ocimum basilicum L inhibited platelet aggregation induced by
thrombin and ADP in a dose-dependent fashion. [11]
ITS RELATIVE MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-EPILEPSY EFFECTS
Researchers from India noted that solvents extracts of holy basil
(Ocimum sanctum Linn) were effective in preventing tonic
convulsions induced by transcorneal electroshock. [12]
BASIL SIDE EFFECTS
One of its ingredient, estragole, is believed to be carcinogenic. [12]
However, it may not be a concern to use basil as a seasoning in
food.
Reference Grieve M. A Modern Herbal vol 1. New York: Hafner, 1967:86. 2. Nadkarni AK, Nadkarni KM.
Indian Materia Medica vol 1. Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1976:861–7. 3. Farnsworth NR,
Bunyapraphatsara N (eds). Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:
180–2. 4. Viseshakul D, Premvatana P, Chularojmontri V, et al. Improved glucose tolerance induced by
long term dietary supplementation with hairy basal seeds (Ocimum canum Sim) in diabetics. J Med Assoc
Thai 1985;68:408–11. 5. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of
holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;
34:406–9. 6. Rai V, Mani UV, Iyer UM. Effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf powder on blood lipoproteins,
glycated protein and total amino acids in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Nutr
Environ Med 1997;7:113–8. 7. Kocharatana P, et al. Clinical trial of maeng-lak seeds used as a bulk
laxative. Maharaj Nakornratchasima Hosp Med Bull 1985;9:120–36. 8. Muangman V, Siripraiwan S,
Ratanaolarn K, et al. A clinical trial of Ocimum canum Sims seeds as a bulk laxative in elderly post-
operative patients. Ramathibodi Med J 1985;8:154–8. 9. Farnsworth NR, Bunyapraphatsara N (eds).
Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:180–2. 10. Farnsworth NR,
Bunyapraphatsara N (eds). Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:
180–2. 11. Valnet J. The Practice of Aromatherapy. New York: Destiny Books, trans. Campbell R,
Houston L, 1982:97–8. 12. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products
Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997:143–5. [11] Tohti I, Tursun
M, Umar A, Turdi S, Imin H, Moore N. Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease
platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio-venous shunt thrombosis in
vivo. Thromb Res. 2006 Feb 7; [12] Jaggi RK, Madaan R, Singh B. Anticonvulsant potential of holy basil,
Ocimum sanctum Linn., and its cultures. Indian J Exp Biol. 2003 Nov;41(11):1329-33. [13] Dasgupta T,
Rao AR, Yadava PK.Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and
antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis. Phytomedicine.
2004 Feb;11(2-3):139-51. [14] Suppakul P, Miltz J, Sonneveld K, Bigger SW.Antimicrobial properties of
basil and its possible application in food packaging. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 May 21;51(11):3197-207.
[15] Edris AE, Farrag ES. Antifungal activity of peppermint and sweet basil essential oils and their major
aroma constituents on some plant pathogenic fungi from the vapor phase. Nahrung. 2003 Apr;47(2):117-
21. [16] Lachowicz KJ, Jones GP, Briggs DR, Bienvenu FE, Wan J, Wilcock A, Coventry MJ. The synergistic
preservative effects of the essential oils of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) against acid-tolerant food
microflora. Lett Appl Microbiol. 1998 Mar;26(3):209-14. [17] Singh S, Majumdar DK.Evaluation of the
gastric antiulcer activity of fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil). J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Apr;65(1):
13-9. [18] Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil
leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep;34(9):
406-9.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) originates in the Mediterranean Sea and
Middle East. [1] It is a popular culinary herb, and its essential oils
have been used extensively for many years in food products,
perfumery, and dental and oral products. [14]
What are the health benefits of basil leaves and oils?
BASIL ESSENTIAL OILS MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-ULCER, ANTI-
MICROBAL ACTIVITIES.
The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae) was found to possess
significant antiulcer activity against aspirin-, indomethacin-, alcohol-,
histamine-, reserpine-, serotonin- and stress-induced ulceration in
experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also
observed in gastric secretion and aspirin-induced gastric ulceration
in pylorus ligated rats. O. sanctum fixed oil may be considered to be
a drug of natural origin which possesses both anti-inflammatory and
antiulcer activity. [17]
Basil essential oils and their principal constituents were found to
exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative
and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold. [9,14-16] It may
also help relieve intestinal gas. [10] The major active ingredients of
basil essential oil are terpenoids, such as eugenol, thymol and
estragole. These ingredients contribute the potential health
benefits of basil.
BASIL SEED MAY HELP CONSIPITATION
Its seeds are thought to benefit people with constipation or
diarrhea. Researchers believe that its seed may prevent sugar
absorption by providing dietary fiber and relive constipation by
acting as a bulk-forming laxative. [7-8]
BASIL LEAF EXTRACT MAY HAVE ANTI-CANCER EFFECTS
Basil leaf extract was very effective in elevating antioxidant enzyme
response by increasing significantly the hepatic glutathione
reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. . Chemo-
preventive response was evident from the reduced tumor burden
(the average number of papillomas/mouse), as well as from the
reduced percentage of tumor bearing-animals. [13]
Experimental studies on albino rats reported that leaf extract of
Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum album (holy basil) had hypoglycemic
effect. While human study also showed a significant decrease in
fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels during treatment with
holy basil leaves compared to during treatment with placebo leaves.
Thus, basil may benefit people suffered from type 2 diabetes. [4-6,
18]
SWEET BASIL MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-THROMBOTIC
EFFECTS
In a study of rats, oral administration of aqueous extracts of
Ocimum basilicum L inhibited platelet aggregation induced by
thrombin and ADP in a dose-dependent fashion. [11]
ITS RELATIVE MAY HAVE BENEFITS OF ANTI-EPILEPSY EFFECTS
Researchers from India noted that solvents extracts of holy basil
(Ocimum sanctum Linn) were effective in preventing tonic
convulsions induced by transcorneal electroshock. [12]
BASIL SIDE EFFECTS
One of its ingredient, estragole, is believed to be carcinogenic. [12]
However, it may not be a concern to use basil as a seasoning in
food.
Reference Grieve M. A Modern Herbal vol 1. New York: Hafner, 1967:86. 2. Nadkarni AK, Nadkarni KM.
Indian Materia Medica vol 1. Bombay: Popular Prakashan, 1976:861–7. 3. Farnsworth NR,
Bunyapraphatsara N (eds). Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:
180–2. 4. Viseshakul D, Premvatana P, Chularojmontri V, et al. Improved glucose tolerance induced by
long term dietary supplementation with hairy basal seeds (Ocimum canum Sim) in diabetics. J Med Assoc
Thai 1985;68:408–11. 5. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of
holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;
34:406–9. 6. Rai V, Mani UV, Iyer UM. Effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf powder on blood lipoproteins,
glycated protein and total amino acids in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Nutr
Environ Med 1997;7:113–8. 7. Kocharatana P, et al. Clinical trial of maeng-lak seeds used as a bulk
laxative. Maharaj Nakornratchasima Hosp Med Bull 1985;9:120–36. 8. Muangman V, Siripraiwan S,
Ratanaolarn K, et al. A clinical trial of Ocimum canum Sims seeds as a bulk laxative in elderly post-
operative patients. Ramathibodi Med J 1985;8:154–8. 9. Farnsworth NR, Bunyapraphatsara N (eds).
Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:180–2. 10. Farnsworth NR,
Bunyapraphatsara N (eds). Thai Medicinal Plants. Bangkok: Medicinal Plant Information Center, 1992:
180–2. 11. Valnet J. The Practice of Aromatherapy. New York: Destiny Books, trans. Campbell R,
Houston L, 1982:97–8. 12. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products
Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997:143–5. [11] Tohti I, Tursun
M, Umar A, Turdi S, Imin H, Moore N. Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease
platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio-venous shunt thrombosis in
vivo. Thromb Res. 2006 Feb 7; [12] Jaggi RK, Madaan R, Singh B. Anticonvulsant potential of holy basil,
Ocimum sanctum Linn., and its cultures. Indian J Exp Biol. 2003 Nov;41(11):1329-33. [13] Dasgupta T,
Rao AR, Yadava PK.Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and
antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis. Phytomedicine.
2004 Feb;11(2-3):139-51. [14] Suppakul P, Miltz J, Sonneveld K, Bigger SW.Antimicrobial properties of
basil and its possible application in food packaging. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 May 21;51(11):3197-207.
[15] Edris AE, Farrag ES. Antifungal activity of peppermint and sweet basil essential oils and their major
aroma constituents on some plant pathogenic fungi from the vapor phase. Nahrung. 2003 Apr;47(2):117-
21. [16] Lachowicz KJ, Jones GP, Briggs DR, Bienvenu FE, Wan J, Wilcock A, Coventry MJ. The synergistic
preservative effects of the essential oils of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) against acid-tolerant food
microflora. Lett Appl Microbiol. 1998 Mar;26(3):209-14. [17] Singh S, Majumdar DK.Evaluation of the
gastric antiulcer activity of fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil). J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Apr;65(1):
13-9. [18] Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil
leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep;34(9):
406-9.
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Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Almond
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
More Supplements
Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
other website or blog.
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