Ocimum Sanctum Linn. (Tulsi): An Ethnomedicinal Herb Used in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Abstract

For thousands of years prior to the development of western medicine, people used traditional medicine to cure various ailments. With cancer being the most serious hazard to humanity, ethnomedicine can play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Among all therapeutic herbs, Ocimum sanctum Linn has chemo-preventive molecules and chemicals with anti-carcinogenic activity. In Ayurvedic medicine, its leaves, seeds, and roots are used. Numerous nutrients and bioactive substances may be found in Tulsi. The main chemical components of Tulsi include rosmalinic acid, oleanolic acid, caryophyllyne, and linalool. Some of its phytochemicals, such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, -sitosterol, and carnosic acid, have also been shown to prevent chemically induced skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers. These effects are mediated by increasing antioxidant activity, altering gene expression, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. Studies on Ocimum Sanctum's possible effectiveness against conditions like breast, skin, and lung cancer have been conducted. All of these sorts of cancer diseases may be treated with this as an additional or complementary medication, and it can be included in many ways into a regular diet.