Ocimum Basilicum (basil/tulsi): a herbal sustainable treasure and its therapeutic potency

Abstract

Basil is a good source of free radical scavenging compounds that have their traditional medicinal applications that may be successful for future modern medical applications and personal care as well. Ocimum basilicum (Basil) has long been revered for its culinary allure, but its medicinal benefits are equally remarkable. Ocimum basilicum is known for its bioactive therapeutic metabolites. Basil is used in Ayurveda and in traditional medicine to treat digestive system disorders like stomach ache, fever and diarrhoea, kidney infections. Various vegetative parts of Ocimum species were explore by researchers to test their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential. Holy basil is also found to contain eugenol oil that may helpful to treat hypertension. Basil essential oils and its phytochemical compounds were found to exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and mold. The analysis of antimicrobial properties was also confirmed that Ocimum basilicum essential oils have excellent inhibiting activity by showing growth inhibition zones ranged from 9.67 to 15.33 mm in Gram-positive microbes and Gram-negative microbes including inhibition zone ranging from 5.33 to 7.33 mm in yeast. Observed lowest minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of Ocimum basilicum essential oils was 3.21 µL/mL against Gram -negative Azotobacter chrococcum and Gram -positive Micrococcus luteus. Notable highest insecticidal activity was also found against Pyrrhocoris apterus that caused the death of 80% of individuals globally. As a result, Ocimum basilicum essential oils have potent broad spectrum of activity, so that its various extracts can become safe and sustainable herbal choice to preserve fruit and vegetables against plant pathogenic infections.. Hence, this discrete review is strived to explore basil's safe and sustainable therapeutic approaches in combating microbial and viral infections, oxidative stress including improving metabolic disorders, cognitive improvement, strengthening the immune system, oral health and skin wellness.