THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF OCIMUM SANCTUM (TULSI): A REVIEW

Abstract: Ocimum sanctum L. (Holy Basil), known as Tulsi, is a revered medicinal plant widely utilized in traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This review explores the pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum, highlighting its use in modern medicine. The plant exhibits broad-spectrum bioactivity, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic effects. These properties are attributed to its diverse phytoconstituents like eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, linalool, and apigenin, which act through various mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, immune enhancement, and free radical scavenging. Modern scientific investigations have validated many of its traditional uses, especially in stress-related, metabolic, respiratory, and infectious disorders. Moreover, its potential role in cancer prevention and supportive therapy adds to its pharmacological significance. Despite promising results, several gaps remain—especially in clinical standardization, toxicity profiling, and long-term human trials. There is an urgent need for rigorous studies on extract standardization, bioavailability, and comparative efficacy with conventional drugs. This review aims to provide a scientific foundation for future clinical validation and rational therapeutic use of Ocimum sanctum in modern healthcare.