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.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION
DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR BLOGS NOR ANY OTHER TYPES OF
PUBLICATIONS.
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 AssociationÂ’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.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION
DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR BLOGS NOR ANY OTHER TYPES OF
PUBLICATIONS.
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 AssociationÂ’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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