What Is Holy Basil? Other Names: Ajaka, Albahaca Santa, Ocimum sanctum

What is Holy Basil?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Holy Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a revered herb in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, where it is often referred to as “the elixir of life” due to its purported health benefits and longevity-promoting properties1. This perennial plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is widely used for its medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Other names include: Ajaka, Albahaca Santa, Bai Gkaprow, Baranda, Basilic Indien, Basilic Sacré, Basilic Sacré Pourpre, Basilic Saint, Brinda, Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Manjari, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Parnasa, Patrapuspha, Rama Tulsi, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple Basil, Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi, Tulasi, Tulsi, Tulsi Patra.

Medicinal Properties

Holy Basil is renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties. It has been shown to possess anti-stress effects, as demonstrated in a clinical trial where supplementation with Holy Basil extract led to significant improvements in stress and sleep quality among adults experiencing stress1. Additionally, Holy Basil has been found to have antibacterial properties, making it effective as an antiplaque agent in mouthwash formulations2 7. Its hypoglycemic effects have also been documented, with studies indicating a reduction in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus3.

Cognitive and Neuroprotective Benefits

Research has highlighted Holy Basil’s potential in enhancing cognitive functions. A study involving healthy adult volunteers showed that Holy Basil leaf extract improved specific cognitive parameters, such as reaction time and error rate, suggesting its cognition-enhancing properties6. Furthermore, long-term supplementation with basil has been associated with preventing age-related cognitive decline in animal models, indicating its potential role in promoting healthy aging9.

Agricultural and Environmental Impact

Holy Basil is not only valued for its health benefits but also for its agricultural significance. Studies have shown that the application of zinc fertilizers can enhance the essential oil content and yield of Holy Basil, which is crucial for its commercial cultivation4. Additionally, the use of organic fertilizers, such as fermented goat manure, has been found to significantly improve the growth and yield of Holy Basil, promoting sustainable agricultural practices5.

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Uses of Holy Basil

Cognitive Enhancement

Holy Basil has been shown to enhance specific cognitive parameters in humans, such as reaction time and error rate in cognitive tests, suggesting its potential as a cognition-enhancing agent1. Additionally, studies in mice indicate that basil supplementation may prevent age-related cognitive decline6.

Stress and Mood Regulation

Holy Basil is known for its anti-stress properties. Clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementation with Holy Basil extract can reduce both objective and subjective measures of stress, improve sleep quality, and lower cortisol levels, which are indicators of stress3.

Oral Health

Holy Basil has antibacterial properties that make it effective as an antiplaque agent. It has been shown to inhibit periodontopathogens and may serve as a natural alternative to chemical mouthwashes for plaque control2.

Liver Protection

In animal studies, Holy Basil leaf extract has been effective in inhibiting the increase of malondialdehyde levels and reducing steatosis, which are markers of liver damage, particularly in the context of exposure to harmful substances like used cooking oil4.

Blood Glucose Control

Holy Basil has demonstrated hypoglycemic effects, significantly reducing fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It may be used as an adjunct to dietary and drug therapy for managing mild to moderate diabetes5.

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Adverse Effects of Holy Basil

General Tolerance: In a study investigating the effects of Holy Basil on stress, mood, and sleep, the supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of major adverse effects2.

Animal Studies: Research on male Wistar rats indicated that Holy Basil leaf extract effectively inhibited certain negative health markers without mentioning adverse effects, suggesting a level of safety in its use3.

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How has Holy Basil Improved Patient Outcomes?

Sleep Quality: The same study reported improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Athens Insomnia Scale and other subjective sleep assessments, although further research is needed to confirm these findings with more robust sleep measures1.

Blood Glucose Management

Hypoglycemic Effects: In a trial involving patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Holy Basil leaves significantly decreased fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Fasting blood glucose levels fell by 17.6%, and postprandial levels by 7.3%, suggesting that Holy Basil can be an effective adjunct to dietary and drug treatments for managing mild to moderate diabetes2.

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Holy Basil Mechanisms of Action

Stress Reduction

Cortisol Regulation: Holy Basil has been shown to reduce both subjective and objective measures of stress. It lowers concentrations of cortisol, a stress hormone, in both hair and saliva, indicating a potential mechanism for its anti-stress effects1.

Physiological Stress Response: Supplementation with Holy Basil is associated with reduced physiological stress responses, such as lower salivary amylase levels and decreased blood pressure, which further supports its role in stress management1.

Antibacterial Properties

Antiplaque Effects: Holy Basil exhibits antibacterial activity against specific oral pathogens, such as Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. This suggests its potential use as an antiplaque agent in oral hygiene2.

Comparison with Chlorhexidine: While Holy Basil mouthwash shows significant antiplaque effects, its efficacy is comparable to chlorhexidine, a standard antibacterial agent, indicating its potential as a natural alternative for plaque control2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Holy Basil Use

Tolerability: The study indicated that Holy Basil was well-tolerated among participants, with no major adverse effects reported during the 8-week trial period1.

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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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