ALTERNATIVE NAMES: COMMON HOLY BASIL, GARDEN BASIL, SWEET BASIL

Taxonomic Class

Lamiaceae

Common Trade Names

None known.

Common Forms

Available as chopped or powdered leaves and a tea.

Source

The crude drug is derived from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum (sweet or Common basil) or Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), members of the mint family (Labiatae).

Chemical Components

The active components of basil include eugenol, linalool, and methyl chavicol (estragole). Other components include monoterpenes (such as camphor, cineol, geraniol, and ocimene), phenylpropanes (such as methyl cinnamate), and sesquiterpenes.

Actions

In human trials, O. sanctum and Ocimum album significantly lowered urine glucose as well as fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in 40 patients with type 2 diabetes. Total cholesterol levels were also slightly decreased .

Animal studies have revealed some peripherally mediated analgesic effects of the fixed oil of O. sanctum . Another trial in guinea pigs found antasthmatic and anti-inflammatory properties in extracts from fresh leaves and the essential oils of O. sanctum leaves . In studies with rats, 0. basilicum components (aqueous extracts, flavonoid glycosides, and methanol extracts) were found to have anti ulcerative effects .

Reported uses

Basil is claimed to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiulcerative, and hypoglycemic properties.

Dosage

The dosage reported in one trial was 2.5 g of fresh, dried leaf powder once daily . A tea can be made by placing 2.5 g of fresh, dried leaf powder in 1/2 cup of water, straining, and drinking once or twice daily, as needed.

Adverse Reactions

Hepatic: hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metabolic: hypoglycemia.

Interactions

Insulin, sulfonylureas, other antidiabetics: May increase hypoglycemic effects. Avoid administration with basil.

Contraindications And Precautions

Avoid using basil in pregnant or breast-feeding patients because of the potential for increased menstrual flow and the mutagenic effects of estragole. Use cautiously in diabetic patients.

Special Considerations

Monitor the diabetic patient for hypoglycemia if he consumes basil in quantities that exceed amounts typically used for foods.

Instruct the patient to avoid long-term use of basil because of its potential multiage effect. Strangle is a known expatiating in animals.

Advise the female patient not to use basil during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.

Points of interest

Cultivation practices and soil variations can significantly change the chemical composition of basil.

Commentary

Few human studies examine the effects of basil for medicinal purposes. One study showed significant reductions in blood glucose levels, which led the investigators to comment on basil’s usefulness in the treatment of type 2 diabetes . Although the results of this small study are suggestive, they have not yet been duplicated in a large, controlled trial. Claims of efficacy in other diseases have not been substantiated in human trials.