HolyBasil(Tulsi) and its benefits in human health

Abstract

Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimumtenuiflorum L. (Scientific terms) is called as holy basil (English) or tulsi
(Hindi). It is very useful Indian herb. It has been used since decades in India since centuries in Ayurveda
medicine system. It is having wide range of therapeutic effects which was proved in the experimental
studies. These are anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-ulcer, wound healing, skin care, antimalarial,
neurological disorders (anxiety, stress, depression and Alzheimer), analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
hepatoprotective, radio-protective, hypolipidemic, antipyretic, immunomodulatory and anti-hypertensive
activities. It is abundant of antioxidant activities which found to be important role as a cardioprotective,
hepatoprotective, geno-protective, and radio-protective action in different diseases. Moreover, antioxidant
property is augmented the effect of basil in inflammation, pain, gastric ulcer, cancer, stress, high lipid in
blood, diabetes, neurological disorders, immunomodulatory actions. The basil is used in combination with
chemotherapy to reduce side effect of radiotherapy as it is having antioxidant, radio-protective and
chemoprotective. The phytochemicals of basil have also been proven for important pharmacological
effects in different diseases. These phytochemicals are found very important in daily life and due to its
wide therapeutic effects, it becomes people important choice in home remedies. Traditionally it is being
used in India, China, Thailand, Africa, south America, etc. This plant is everything for life. Still there is
a need to further explore the basil and its phytochemicals uses at molecular level. As a natural plant it is
not having any side effects to use in daily life.