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]
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
Acute Toxicity: Preclinical studies indicate an LD50 > 4000 mg/kg body weight for aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts, establishing a wide therapeutic index.[6]
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
↑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
↑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
↑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
. PMID 25624696. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146554.