Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Ocimum sanctum L.

Family: Lamiaceae Part Used: Leaf Evidence: RCT/Systematic Review

📝 Common Names (6 Languages)

EnglishHoly Basil (Tulsi)
Hindi (हिन्दी)तुलसी (Tulsi)
Urdu (اردو)تلسی (Tulsi)
Arabic (العربية)الريحان المقدس (Ar-Rayhan Al-Muqaddas)
FrenchBasilic sacré
SpanishAlbahaca sagrada

✅ Evidence-Based Benefits

Adaptogenic and immunomodulatory effects. RCT of 158 participants showed significant improvement in stress and anxiety symptoms (PMID: 28236410). Traditionally used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for immune support and stress reduction.

📚 Key Citations:

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🔬 Clinical Trials

⚕️ Evidence-Based Research: Clinical trials provide the highest level of evidence for herbal efficacy and safety. The trials listed below represent peer-reviewed research registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each trial includes detailed protocols, patient populations, interventions tested, and measurable outcomes. Click links to access full trial details and published results.

RCT: 158 participants for stress/anxiety, significant improvement

High-quality clinical evidence supporting traditional uses.

Clinical study: Metabolic stress, 40 subjects

Additional clinical validation.

💊 Drug Interactions

Important: Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbs and supplements you are taking.

Anticoagulants (Warfarin)

Risk: May enhance anticoagulant effects

Mechanism: Eugenol may inhibit platelet aggregation

Action: Monitor INR, watch for bleeding signs

Antidiabetic Medications

Effect: May lower blood glucose

Action: Monitor blood sugar levels closely

Evidence: Animal and clinical studies (PMID: 29460722)

Pentobarbital (Sedatives)

Effect: May prolong sleeping time

Action: Use caution with CNS depressants

CYP450 Substrates

Effect: May affect drug metabolism

Action: Monitor effectiveness of medications metabolized by liver

⚠️ Safety Information

Adverse Events

Generally safe with minimal adverse effects. Potential mild hypoglycemic effect requires monitoring in diabetics. Animal studies suggest high doses may affect fertility (conservative approach in pregnancy).

References: PMID: 28236410

⛔ Contraindications

Avoid in pregnancy (theoretical concern based on animal data). May enhance effects of anticoagulants. Monitor blood glucose in diabetics.

🧬 Mechanism of Action

Eugenol and ursolic acid provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB pathway modulation. Adaptogenic via HPA axis regulation.

References: PMID: 28236410

💊 Dosage & Administration

300-600 mg/day of extract or 2-3 cups tea daily. Fresh leaves: 2-3 leaves chewed daily (traditional use). Standardized extract: 300mg twice daily.

⚕️ Note: Always consult healthcare provider for appropriate dosing, especially if taking medications.

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Data Retrieval Date: November 29, 2025

Compiled by: Sheraz Ahmed

License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Citation: Ahmed, S. (2025). Medicinal Herbs Database. Clinical Corner. https://welovelmc.com/medical-tools.htm

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

⚠️ Important Warnings:

🔬 Evidence Limitations: While this database includes peer-reviewed research and clinical trial data, individual results may vary. Drug interactions and contraindications are based on current research and may change as new evidence emerges.

⚖️ Liability: The author, compiler (Sheraz Ahmed), and publisher disclaim any liability arising from the use or misuse of information contained in this database. This is not medical advice.