Abstract
Currently, natural products are being used as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment and prevention of several diseases due to their low toxicity and relevant pharmacological potential. Thus, we can highlight basil (Ocimum basilicum L), one of the most used aromatic plants worldwide. Therefore, we provide some current evidence and insight into the potential therapeutic effect of basil essential oil to expand the available knowledge. A narrative review was carried out by searching electronic databases, providing a comprehensive analysis of the literature, where it was possible to identify existing problems and gaps to facilitate future research on basil essential oil. The available literature on basil essential oil presents us with several important pharmacological activities, such as: antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic and diuretic properties, among others. However, further research must be carried out to increase knowledge about this plant with enormous potential and determine its effectiveness and use in clinical conditions.
Highlights
Natural products are being used as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment and prevention of several diseases due to their low toxicity and relevant pharmacological potential
Basil essential oil Essential oils are natural products resulting from secondary metabolites found in plants, consisting mainly of terpenoid compounds, and obtained from different parts of the plant and extraction methods
Much so that there is a forecast that the Ocimum species essential oil market will grow by around 200 million dollars by 2023 (Gurav et al, 2021)
Summary
Natural products are being used as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment and prevention of several diseases due to their low toxicity and relevant pharmacological potential. Many medicinal plants are considered an essential source for the extraction of essential oils, which have several important biological activities and can be used to treat various pathologies (Gautam & Jachak, 2009; Thomford et al, 2018). We can highlight basil (Ocimum basilicum L), one of the most used aromatic plants worldwide. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is typically cultivated in Mediterranean areas and semitropical and tropical regions of America, Asia, and Africa (Nazir et al, 2020; Sahoo et al, 1997). The essential oils of the Lamiaceae family stand out for having several medicinal properties (Cardia et al, 2018, 2021; Karpiński, 2020; Uritu et al, 2018)
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