Health Benefits of Basil

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Basil, a popular herb in culinary and traditional medicine, is known for its potential health benefits. Recent research has explored various aspects of basil’s impact on health, including stress reduction, lipid profile improvement, and antioxidant properties.

Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement

• Stress Reduction: Supplementation with Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract has been shown to significantly reduce both objective and subjective measures of stress. This includes lower concentrations of hair cortisol, salivary cortisol, and salivary amylase, as well as reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and subjective stress ratings1.
• Sleep Quality: Holy Basil extract also improved subjective measures of sleep quality, as evidenced by better scores on the Athens Insomnia Scale and other sleep-related questionnaires1.

Lipid Profile Improvement

• Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: Basil seed extract has demonstrated significant effects in lowering total plasma cholesterol, lipoproteins, and triacylglycerol levels in hyperlipidemic mice. This suggests potential benefits for managing high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia2.

Antioxidant Properties

• Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity: Basil is a rich source of phenolic compounds and natural antioxidants. The application of jasmonic acid to basil plants has been shown to increase the total phenolic content and enhance antioxidant activity, particularly in the ethanolic extracts of the plant3.

Conclusion

Basil, particularly Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum basilicum, offers several health benefits. It can reduce stress and improve sleep quality, lower cholesterol and lipid levels, and enhance antioxidant activity. These findings support the use of basil as a valuable dietary supplement for promoting overall health and well-being.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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