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Ocimum sanctum L.
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= Tulasi, Tulsi, Tulasa, Surasa, Ocimum sanctum L., Holy basil, anti stress herbs, medicinal uses, research on herbs, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description= Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is one of the most commonly used and widely available herbs with significant therapeutic efficacy.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorum Ocimum sanctum L.]
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
|title = Surasa
|title = Surasa
Line 5: Line 14:
|data1 = Herb database/Surasa
|data1 = Herb database/Surasa
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Ocimum sanctum L.
|data2 = Ocimum sanctum L.(syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Family
|data3 = --
|data3 = Lamiaceae
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Availability
|data4 =  2023
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = DOI  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = Awaited
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = Awaited
}}
}}


==English name==
Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is one of the most commonly used and widely available herbs with significant therapeutic efficacy.
--
 
== Botanical Profile & Phytochemistry ==
 
=== Taxonomic Classification ===
* '''Family:''' Lamiaceae
* '''Species:''' ''Ocimum sanctum'' L.(syn. ''Ocimum tenuiflorum'' L.)
* [[File:Tulasi.jpg|thumb|'''Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum)''']]'''Common Names:''' Tulsi, Holy Basil, Surasa
 
==Therapeutic uses==
Aruchi, Shwasa(dyspnea), kasa (cough), krumiroga (worm), kushtha(skin disease), pratishyaya(rhinitis), parshwashoola (flank pain)<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73</ref>


==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
==Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
Surasa, Tulsi, Kutherak, Phaninjhak, Arjaka(Tulsi bheda)  
Surasa, Tulsi, Kutherak, Phaninjhak, Arjaka(Tulsi bheda)  
==Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu==
Gramya(Common plant grown in all villages), Sulabha(can be seen every where), bahumanjari(tulasi has got many spikes), Apetaraxasi(tulasi brings back normalcy by alleviating many disease), gauri , bhutagni, devadundubhi(the spikes of tulasi resemble a trumpet)<ref> Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, pushpa varga, verse no.-62</ref>
==Varieties==
===Bhavaprakasa nighantu===
Mentioned 2 types<ref>Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, pushpa varga, verse no.-63</ref>
# Shweta tulasi
# Krishna tulasi
{| class="wikitable"
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Properties
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|1
|Taste  ([[rasa]])
|Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
|-
|2
|Potency  ([[veerya]])
|Hot (ushna)
|-
|3
|Post  digestion effect ([[vipaka]])
|Pungent (katu)
|-
|4
|Qualities  ([[guna]])
|Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
|-
|5
|Actions  ([[karma]])
|Pacify Kapha and Vata
|-
|6
|Extra ordinary effect ([[prabhava]])
|Destroys microbes/germs (krimighna)
|}


==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
==Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==
Line 30: Line 94:
|-
|-
|1
|1
|Sutra sthana 2/4
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/4
|Sirovirechana (Errhine  therapy)
|Sirovirechana (Errhine  therapy)
|-
|-
|2
|2
|Sutra sthana  4/9(37)
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(37)
|Shwasahara mahakashaya
|Shwasahara mahakashaya
|-
|-
|3
|3
|Ch.N.2/4
|Cha.Sa.[[Nidana Sthana]] 2/4
|Nidana of Raktapitta
|Nidana of Raktapitta
|-
|-
|4
|4
|Ch Vi 6/17
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/17
|Abhyantar Krimi  Chikitsa
|Abhyantar Krimi  Chikitsa
|-
|-
|5
|5
|Ch Vi 6/21
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 6/21
|Abhyantar Krimi  Chikitsa
|Abhyantar Krimi  Chikitsa
|-
|-
|6
|6
|Cha.sa.Chi.3/267
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/267
|As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila.
|As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
|-
|-
|7
|7
|Cha.sa.Chi. 5/70
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/70
|Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya  ghrita
|Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya  ghrita
|-
|-
|8
|8
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/112
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/112
|Ingredient in Kanakakshiri  Taila
|Ingredient in Kanakakshiri  Taila
|-
|-
|9
|9
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 8/101
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/101
|Ingredient in Avaleha
|Ingredient in Avaleha
|}
|}
==Dose==
* 2-3 gm of the drug in powder form<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73</ref>
==Important formulation==
As per A.P.I.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73</ref>
* Manasamitra vataka
* Tribhuvana kirti rasa
* Mukta Panchamruta rasa
* Mahajwarankusa rasa
==Current availability ==
Available
India- All over india
==Current researches ==
=== Primary Phytoconstituents ===
* '''Phenylpropanoids:''' Eugenol (up to 70–80% in volatile oil), methyleugenol, rosmarinic acid.
* '''Triterpenes:''' Ursolic acid, oleanolic acid.
* '''Flavonoids:''' Apigenin, luteolin, orientin, vicenin.
* '''Sesquiterpenes:''' &beta;-caryophyllene.
== Pharmacological Mechanism & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Adaptogenic and Antistress Activity ===
* '''Mechanisms:''' Regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, suppresses acute elevation of plasma cortisol, and modulates central neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin).
* '''Evidence:''' Clinical trials using standardized extracts demonstrate reductions in self-reported stress, cognitive fatigue, and stress-induced sleep disturbances.<ref name="Cohen2014">{{cite journal |last=Cohen |first=Marc Maurice |title=Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons |journal=Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine |year=2014 |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=251–259 |doi=10.4103/0975-9476.146554 |pmid=25624696 |pmc=4296439}}</ref>
=== Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects ===
* '''Mechanisms:''' Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-&alpha;, IL-6, IL-1&beta;) through inhibition of the NF-&kappa;B pathway. Ursolic acid and eugenol selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity.
* '''Evidence:''' Human clinical studies show significant increases in natural killer (NK) cells and T-helper (CD4<sup>+</sup>) lymphocytes following leaf extract administration.<ref name="Cohen2014" />
=== Antidiabetic and Metabolic Regulation ===
* '''Mechanisms:''' Enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic &beta;-cells, increases peripheral glucose uptake, and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis.
* '''Evidence:''' Clinical studies show a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.<ref name="Cohen2014" />
=== Antimicrobial and Biofilm Inhibition ===
* '''Mechanisms:''' Disrupts bacterial plasma membrane integrity and inhibits quorum sensing due to high eugenol content.
* '''Evidence:''' Broad-spectrum antibacterial action demonstrated against ''Streptococcus mutans'', ''Staphylococcus aureus'', and ''Pseudomonas aeruginosa''.<ref name="Cohen2014" />
== Key Bioactive Compounds ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Primary Bioactive Compounds of ''Ocimum sanctum''
|-
! Chemical Class !! Major Compound !! Biological Activity !! Primary Mechanism
|-
| '''Phenolic/Monoterpene''' || Eugenol || Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic || COX-2 inhibition, free-radical scavenging
|-
| '''Pentacyclic Triterpene''' || Ursolic Acid || Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor || Downregulation of NF-&kappa;B, induction of apoptosis
|-
| '''Flavonoid Glycoside''' || Orientin / Vicenin || Radioprotective, Antioxidant || Lipid peroxidation suppression, DNA repair acceleration
|-
| '''Polyphenol''' || Rosmarinic Acid || Immunomodulatory, Antiviral || Complement activation inhibition, ROS neutralization
|}
== Clinical Evidence Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
|+ Summary of Clinical Outcomes
{| class="wikitable"
|+Properties
|'''Sr.no.'''
|'''Pharmacological criteria'''
|'''Properties'''
|-
|1
|Taste  (rasa)
|Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
|-
|-
|2
! Target Condition !! Study Type !! Dosage & Duration !! Key Clinical Outcome !! Reference
|Potency  (veerya)
|Hot (ushna)
|-
|-
|3
| '''Generalized Anxiety / Stress''' || Double-Blind RCT || 300–1200 mg/day extract (6–8 weeks) || Decreased stress scores, improved attention and sleep || Cohen (2014)<ref name="Cohen2014" />
|Post  digestion effect (vipaka)
|Pungent (katu)
|-
|-
|4
| '''Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus''' || Crossover Clinical Trial || 2.5 g leaf powder daily (4 weeks) || Significant reduction in FBG (17.6%) and PPBG (7.3%) || Cohen (2014)<ref name="Cohen2014" />
|Qualities  (guna)
|Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
|-
|-
|5
| '''Immune Response Modulation''' || Open-label Phase I Trial || 300 mg ethanolic extract daily (4 weeks) || Significant elevation in IFN-&gamma;, IL-4, CD4<sup>+</sup> count || Cohen (2014)<ref name="Cohen2014" />
|Actions  (karma)
|Pacify Kapha and Vata
|-
|-
|6
| '''Metabolic Syndrome / Lipids''' || Double-Blind RCT || 1000 mg/day extract (8 weeks) || Reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides || Cohen (2014)<ref name="Cohen2014" />
|Extra ordinary effect (prabhava)
|Destroys microbes/germs (krimighna)
|}
|}


==Current availability ==
== Toxicology and Safety ==
Available
 
==Current researches ==
* '''Acute Toxicity:''' Preclinical studies indicate an LD<sub>50</sub> > 4000 mg/kg body weight for aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts, establishing a wide therapeutic index.<ref name="Cohen2014" />
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
* '''Adverse Effects:''' Highly tolerated in clinical trials. Mild transient gastrointestinal distress reported rarely.
  This article is under development ..
* '''Drug Interactions:''' May exert additive effects when co-administered with hypoglycemic agents or anticoagulants (due to mild antiplatelet activity). Use caution in patients on antiplatelet therapy.
 
== References ==
<references />
 
== External links==
 
[https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/basicsearch/phytochemical IMPPAT database]
 
[[Herbs details]]

Latest revision as of 05:31, 24 August 2026

Ocimum sanctum L.

Surasa
Section/Chapter Herb database/Surasa
Botanical name(s) Ocimum sanctum L.(syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)
Family Lamiaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is one of the most commonly used and widely available herbs with significant therapeutic efficacy.

Botanical Profile & Phytochemistry

Taxonomic Classification

  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Species: Ocimum sanctum L.(syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)
  • Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum)
    Common Names: Tulsi, Holy Basil, Surasa

Therapeutic uses

Aruchi, Shwasa(dyspnea), kasa (cough), krumiroga (worm), kushtha(skin disease), pratishyaya(rhinitis), parshwashoola (flank pain)[1]

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Surasa, Tulsi, Kutherak, Phaninjhak, Arjaka(Tulsi bheda)

Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu

Gramya(Common plant grown in all villages), Sulabha(can be seen every where), bahumanjari(tulasi has got many spikes), Apetaraxasi(tulasi brings back normalcy by alleviating many disease), gauri , bhutagni, devadundubhi(the spikes of tulasi resemble a trumpet)[2]

Varieties

Bhavaprakasa nighantu

Mentioned 2 types[3]

  1. Shweta tulasi
  2. Krishna tulasi

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
2 Potency (veerya) Hot (ushna)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Kapha and Vata
6 Extra ordinary effect (prabhava) Destroys microbes/germs (krimighna)

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/4 Sirovirechana (Errhine therapy)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(37) Shwasahara mahakashaya
3 Cha.Sa.Nidana Sthana 2/4 Nidana of Raktapitta
4 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/17 Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa
5 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/21 Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa
6 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
7 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/70 Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrita
8 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/112 Ingredient in Kanakakshiri Taila
9 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/101 Ingredient in Avaleha

Dose

  • 2-3 gm of the drug in powder form[4]

Important formulation

As per A.P.I.[5]

  • Manasamitra vataka
  • Tribhuvana kirti rasa
  • Mukta Panchamruta rasa
  • Mahajwarankusa rasa

Current availability

Available India- All over india

Current researches

Primary Phytoconstituents

  • Phenylpropanoids: Eugenol (up to 70–80% in volatile oil), methyleugenol, rosmarinic acid.
  • Triterpenes: Ursolic acid, oleanolic acid.
  • Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, orientin, vicenin.
  • Sesquiterpenes: β-caryophyllene.

Pharmacological Mechanism & Therapeutic Efficacy

Adaptogenic and Antistress Activity

  • Mechanisms: Regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, suppresses acute elevation of plasma cortisol, and modulates central neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin).
  • Evidence: Clinical trials using standardized extracts demonstrate reductions in self-reported stress, cognitive fatigue, and stress-induced sleep disturbances.[6]

Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects

  • Mechanisms: Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Ursolic acid and eugenol selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity.
  • Evidence: Human clinical studies show significant increases in natural killer (NK) cells and T-helper (CD4+) lymphocytes following leaf extract administration.[6]

Antidiabetic and Metabolic Regulation

  • Mechanisms: Enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, increases peripheral glucose uptake, and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis.
  • Evidence: Clinical studies show a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.[6]

Antimicrobial and Biofilm Inhibition

  • Mechanisms: Disrupts bacterial plasma membrane integrity and inhibits quorum sensing due to high eugenol content.
  • Evidence: Broad-spectrum antibacterial action demonstrated against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[6]

Key Bioactive Compounds

Primary Bioactive Compounds of Ocimum sanctum
Chemical Class Major Compound Biological Activity Primary Mechanism
Phenolic/Monoterpene Eugenol Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic COX-2 inhibition, free-radical scavenging
Pentacyclic Triterpene Ursolic Acid Anti-inflammatory, Antitumor Downregulation of NF-κB, induction of apoptosis
Flavonoid Glycoside Orientin / Vicenin Radioprotective, Antioxidant Lipid peroxidation suppression, DNA repair acceleration
Polyphenol Rosmarinic Acid Immunomodulatory, Antiviral Complement activation inhibition, ROS neutralization

Clinical Evidence Summary

Summary of Clinical Outcomes
Target Condition Study Type Dosage & Duration Key Clinical Outcome Reference
Generalized Anxiety / Stress Double-Blind RCT 300–1200 mg/day extract (6–8 weeks) Decreased stress scores, improved attention and sleep Cohen (2014)[6]
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Crossover Clinical Trial 2.5 g leaf powder daily (4 weeks) Significant reduction in FBG (17.6%) and PPBG (7.3%) Cohen (2014)[6]
Immune Response Modulation Open-label Phase I Trial 300 mg ethanolic extract daily (4 weeks) Significant elevation in IFN-γ, IL-4, CD4+ count Cohen (2014)[6]
Metabolic Syndrome / Lipids Double-Blind RCT 1000 mg/day extract (8 weeks) Reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides Cohen (2014)[6]

Toxicology and Safety

  • Acute Toxicity: Preclinical studies indicate an LD50 > 4000 mg/kg body weight for aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts, establishing a wide therapeutic index.[6]
  • Adverse Effects: Highly tolerated in clinical trials. Mild transient gastrointestinal distress reported rarely.
  • Drug Interactions: May exert additive effects when co-administered with hypoglycemic agents or anticoagulants (due to mild antiplatelet activity). Use caution in patients on antiplatelet therapy.

References

  1. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73
  2. ↑ Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, pushpa varga, verse no.-62
  3. ↑ Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, pushpa varga, verse no.-63
  4. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73
  5. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2 :73
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Cohen, Marc Maurice (2014). "Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons". Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 5 (4): 251–259. PMC 4296439 Freely accessible. PMID 25624696. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146554. 

External links

IMPPAT database

Herbs details

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