Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Tulsi): Phytochemical Diversity, Therapeutic Applications, And Future Perspectives in Drug Discovery

Ocimum tenuiflorum L. c ommonly known as Tulsi or Holy Basil is a sacred and medicinally important herb of the family Lamiaceae, widely used in traditional systems of medicine across Asia. Its remarkable phytochemical repertoire includes essential oils rich in eugenol and linalool, phenolic acids such as rosmarinic and caffeic acid, flavonoids, and triterpenoids including ursolic and oleanolic acid. These bioactive constituents underpin a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. Advances in analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and pharmacological assays have provided new insights into the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of Tulsi-derived compounds, highlighting their potential as leads for modern drug discovery. However, variability in chemotypes, limited pharmacokinetic and toxicological data, and insufficient clinical validation remain key challenges. This article consolidates current knowledge on the phytochemical diversity and therapeutic potential of O. tenuiflorum, critically evaluates existing evidence, and outlines future directions for its development as a source of novel bioactive molecules in drug discovery and development.