Holy Basil (Tulsi)
An Ayurvedic adaptogen (Ocimum tenuiflorum) revered as 'The Incomparable One' in traditional Indian medicine. Holy basil reduces cortisol, supports clear thinking under stress, and has mild anxiolytic effects. It is gentler than ashwagandha and rhodiola, making it suitable for people who find stronger adaptogens overstimulating or sedating. Often consumed as a pleasant-tasting tea.
Dosage
Standard: 300-600 mg extract daily, or 2-3 cups of tulsi tea. Standardized extracts (2.5% ursolic acid) provide more consistent dosing. Can be taken morning or evening.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-5 hours (eugenol and other active compounds)
Administration
Oral (capsules, tea, tincture). Tea form is traditional and pleasant. Extract for standardized dosing.
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Mechanism of Action
Holy basil's adaptogenic effects come from multiple compounds: eugenol (anti-inflammatory via COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition, TRPV1 modulation), ursolic acid (cortisol modulation via 11beta-HSD inhibition and glucocorticoid receptor modulation), rosmarinic acid (antioxidant via Nrf2/ARE pathway, anti-allergic via mast cell stabilization), and ocimumosides A and B (anti-stress via CRH and corticosterone reduction). It modulates the HPA axis, normalizing cortisol and corticosterone levels through hypothalamic and adrenal effects. Ursolic acid inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), mildly increasing synaptic acetylcholine. Eugenol provides direct anxiolytic effects through GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation (possibly at the beta2/3 subunit interface) and 5-HT1A partial agonism. Ocimumosides may reduce ACTH release from the pituitary.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very well-tolerated. Mild blood sugar lowering.
Serious
May have anti-fertility effects — caution if trying to conceive. May interact with blood thinners.
Rare
Allergic reaction.
Compare Holy Basil (Tulsi) With
Research Papers
10Published: May 20, 2013
AI Summary
Scientific studies have shown it to possess antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antistress, and immunomodulatory activities. This review summarizes the results related to the chemopreventive and radioprotective properties of Tulsi and also emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to est...
Published: October 9, 2022
AI Summary
Furthermore, the proposed model validates the presence of new fractal elements with a complex conjugated power law of exponents in naturally occurring biological processes. The experimental confirmation can play a key role in explaining a wide class of branching processes in complex systems and enrich the modern theory of fractional calculus.
Published: July 21, 2024
AI Summary
Tulsi leaf extract significantly improved shoot production through interactions between endogenous hormones and those present in the extract, which enhanced stress mitigation. The 20% Tulsi leaf extract treatment produced significantly more shoots than the control, coinciding with increased endogenous IAA and zeatin levels starting on day 10 in ...
Published: December 21, 2021
AI Summary
Moreover, oral treatment with eugenol reduced lung inflammation, decreased fever, improved heart function, and enhanced locomotor activities in SARS-CoV-2 spike S1-intoxicated mice. Therefore, selective targeting of SARS-CoV-2 spike S1, but not ACE2, by eugenol may be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment.
Published: November 25, 2018
AI Summary
This genetic difference is mirrored by differences in the profiles of secondary compounds. While developmental state and light quality modulate the amplitude to which the chemical profile is expressed, the profile itself seems to be linked with genetic differences.
Published: January 24, 2023
AI Summary
Due to significant constraints with current treatments, natural compounds are being explored as potential alternatives. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, of the genus Ocimum, is one of the most widely available and cost-effective medicinal plants.
Published: May 11, 2023
AI Summary
This review is a great route for future researchers on the topic of alternative medicine. The review goes in depth with respect to Ocimum sanctum and its proposed mechanism of action for different types of cancers.
Published: June 3, 2022
AI Summary
Various parts of O. sanctum are recognised to have remarkable therapeutic efficacy, and are therefore used in Indian traditional medicine system, Ayurveda. The present review analyses the recent preclinical studies related to the chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential of polyphenols present in O. sanctum.
Published: December 15, 2024
AI Summary
Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O.
Published: April 13, 2016
AI Summary
In addition, clinical studies with a small number of patients have shown that Tulsi was effective as a radio protective agent. This review summarizes the results related to the radio protective properties of Tulsi and its phytochemicals and also emphasizes the aspects that warrant future research to establish its use as a radio protective agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holy Basil (Tulsi) used for?
An Ayurvedic adaptogen (Ocimum tenuiflorum) revered as 'The Incomparable One' in traditional Indian medicine. Holy basil reduces cortisol, supports clear thinking under stress, and has mild anxiolytic effects. It is gentler than ashwagandha and rhodiola, making it suitable for people who find stronger adaptogens overstimulating or sedating. Often consumed as a pleasant-tasting tea.
What are the side effects of Holy Basil (Tulsi)?
Common: Very well-tolerated. Mild blood sugar lowering. Serious: May have anti-fertility effects — caution if trying to conceive. May interact with blood thinners. Rare: Allergic reaction.
How is Holy Basil (Tulsi) administered?
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is administered via oral (capsules, tea, tincture). tea form is traditional and pleasant. extract for standardized dosing..
What is the half-life of Holy Basil (Tulsi)?
The half-life of Holy Basil (Tulsi) is 2-5 hours (eugenol and other active compounds).
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