Holy Basil Leaf

Holy Basil Leaf

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is medicinal plant which enjoys the status of elixir of life in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known by other names like tulsi, ajaka, brinda, manjari, kha phrao, monk’s basil, patra-puspha, and sacred basil. It is a traditional holy plant, one that is revered by all Hindus. The stems, leaves, and seeds of holy basil have been used widely in the treatment of a wide array of diseases and disorders. Researchers believe that holy basil leaf is jam-packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll.

Benefits of Holy Basil Leaf

Touted as the “Queen of Herbs”, the health benefits of holy basil leaf are backed by strong scientific studies.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Holy basil is an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medicine, holy basil leaf has pharmacological properties that can help counter metabolic stress through its positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties.^[1]

Fights Cancer

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer found that holy basil leaf supplementation in cancer patients doesn’t only kill cancer cells, but it also prevents it and even protects the body from the effects of dangerous cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, suggesting that holy basil leaf supplementation can be a natural cancer treatment.^[2]

Lowers Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels

There is increasing evidence that holy basil leaf supplementation can help normalize blood sugar levels and cholesterol profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.^[3] According to the study, diabetic patients who took holy basil leaf supplements had a significant reduction in their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, indicating that holy basil leaves may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment in diabetes.

Detoxifies the Liver

Studies show that holy basil leaf can protect your body against toxic chemicals and free radical-induced damage. For instance, one study found that holy basil leaf extract protected human liver cell lines against harmful free radicals, possibly due to its potent antioxidant properties.^[4] In addition, researchers observed that holy basil leaf extract increased the levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that detoxifies the liver.

Improves Cognitive Function

A 2015 study found that healthy adult volunteers who consumed 300-milligram capsules of ethanolic leaf extracts of holy basil for 30 days performed better in a series of tests assessing cognitive parameters compared to those who took placebo supplements.^[5]

Boosts Immune Function

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that healthy volunteers who took 300 mg of an ethanolic extract of holy basil leaves experienced a significant increase in the levels of IFN-y, IL-4, T-helper cells, natural killer cells, and other cells of the immune system.^[6]

Wards Off Depression

When researchers administered holy basil leaves at a dose of 1 gram daily (in two doses of 500 mg, taken with meals) over 60 days in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a significant reduction in anxiety and its related depression/stress was observed.^[7]

References:

1. Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014;5(4):251-259. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146554.
2. Baliga MS, et al. Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutr Cancer 2013; 65 Suppl 1:26-35.
3. Agrawal P, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996; 34(9):406-9.
4. Shivananjappa M, Joshi M. Aqueous extract of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses of human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) J Herbs Spices Med Plants. 2012;18:331–48.
5. Sampath S, Mahapatra SC, Padhi MM, Sharma R, Talwar A. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo controlled study. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015;59(1):69-77.
6. Mondal S, Varma S, Bamola VD, et al. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(3):452-6.
7. Bhattacharyya D, Sur TK, Jana U, Debnath PK. Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders. Nepal Med Coll J. 2008;10(3):176-9.