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Holy basil - western medicine
Holy basil is not widely used in western medicine. However, researchers have identified compounds in holy basil that could explain the traditional uses.
Active compounds
The essential oil from some populations of holy basil contains high levels of eugenol. This compound has anti-inflammatory activity, can kill bacteria and deters insects. The presence of this compound in the plant could explain why it could be used to treat pain, kill germs and provide people with some protection from being bitten by insects.
Another compound called rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and these activities could contribute too many of the medicinal properties of holy basil. The plant also contains ursolic acid a compound that has been shown to provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet. This is important as patients with diabetes often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. The levels have been reported to decrease after taking holy basil.
Another compound called rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and these activities could contribute too many of the medicinal properties of holy basil. The plant also contains ursolic acid a compound that has been shown to provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet. This is important as patients with diabetes often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. The levels have been reported to decrease after taking holy basil.
Safety
Holy basil has a long history of safe use in India. Application to the skin can cause reactions in sensitive people.This information is provided for general interest only. It is not intended as guidance for medicinal use. Further information on using herbal medicines is available.
