Ocimum Sanctum Research Articles

A Review of novel combination therapy for mouth ulcer therapy

Mouth ulcers are a common and debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Conventional treatments often provide symptomatic relief but may have limitations and side effects. This review explores the potential of a combination therapy using Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) for mouth ulcer recovery. Both plants have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The review discusses the therapeutic properties of each plant, their potential synergistic effects, and the various formulation options available for topical application. Future research directions, including clinical trials and chemical profiling, are also outlined. This natural combination therapy offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments, with potential benefits including enhanced wound healing, reduced inflammation, and improved patient satisfaction. Keywords: Mouth ulcer, Jasminum grandiflorum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial.

Growth and yield of basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) supplemented with liquid organic fertilizer from moringa leaves and chicken eggshells

This study examined the effects of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from Moringa leaves and chicken eggshell fertilizer on basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) growth and yield. The experiment was conducted at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo and arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. The research incorporated two factors namely moringa leaf LOF at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mL L-1 and chicken eggshell powder at levels of 3, 6, and 9 g. The observation included plant height, leaf number, branches, root length, and fresh and dry weights. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. Results revealed a significant interaction between LOF and eggshell treatments. The 25 mL L-1 LOF plus 3 g of eggshell fertilizer produced the best results in all growth parameters. This suggests that these organic fertilizers can effectively enhance basil growth. The findings emphasize the potential of combining organic fertilizers at certain levels to optimize basil growth and yield. Keywords: basil growth; moringa extract; organic fertilizer

Formulation and Assessment of a Herbal Mouthwash to Prevent Oral Infections.

Because of their antiviral and antibacterial properties against human microorganisms, medicinal plants are essential in the treatment and prevention of disease. Compared to chemical mouthwash, herbal mouthwash is more popular since it works on oral bacteria and pathogens, reduces pain immediately, and has no negative side effects. Dental caries and periodontal disorders at all stages of life are the most prevalent infectious diseases caused by numerous infections and germs. Formulating and assessing IJPLS's efficacy against oral cavity microorganisms is the goal of the current study. Four herbs were used for mouthwash: Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), Syzgium aromaticum (clove), Mentha longifolia (mint), and Azadirecta indica (neem). The prepared formulation was additionally Formulating and assessing its efficacy against oral cavity microorganisms is the goal of the current investigation. Five herbs were used for mouthwash: Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), Syzgium aromaticum (clove), Mentha longifolia (mint), and Azadirecta indica (neem), Miswak . Physical characteristics such as pH, color, and stability were further assessed for the prepared product. The current mouthwash has good antimicrobial qualities. This preparation holds up well under a variety of temperature conditions. Curren These solutions can be applied to lessen oral cavity infections and microbial proliferation.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF OCIMUM SANCTUM EXTRACTS AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased the demand for alternative antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antibacterial and antioxidant potential. This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of O. sanctum extracts against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli, comparing ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extractions. The study also investigates the dose-response relationship, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antioxidant potential of the extracts. O. sanctum extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, and aqueous solvents. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method at different extract concentrations (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL). The MIC and MBC values were determined using the broth dilution method, while a time-kill assay monitored bacterial reduction over 24 hours. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was analyzed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay to evaluate their free radical neutralization ability. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 28.6 ± 1.3 mm for S. mutans and 33.2 ± 1.4 mm for E. coli at 100 mg/mL. The MIC values for ethanol extract were 6 mg/mL for S. mutans and 4 mg/mL for E. coli, while MBC values were 12 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL, respectively. The time-kill assay demonstrated that 18 mg/mL ethanol extract reduced bacterial counts by 99.9% within 24 hours, whereas methanol and aqueous extracts required higher concentrations (30 mg/mL and 60 mg/mL). The antioxidant assay showed that ethanol extract had the highest free radical scavenging activity (82.5 ± 2.1%) compared to methanol (76.3 ± 1.8%) and aqueous extracts (64.7 ± 1.5%). The findings suggest that O. sanctum extract, particularly in ethanol form, possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Its strong antimicrobial activity and free radical scavenging potential highlight its role as a natural therapeutic agent. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Maize Cultivation and Adoption of Weed Management Technologies in Sri Lanka's North Central Province

Maize is the second most widely cultivated cereal in Sri Lanka. A field survey conducted from 2021 to 2022 assessed the present status and explored possibilities of increasing maize production in the North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered (n=56) together with farmer field observations (n=28), key informant interviews (KII; n=10), focus group discussions (FGD; n=5), and monitoring of selected farmer fields and practices at bi-weekly intervals (n=3). Data were analyzed using chi-square test (P=0.05) and correlation analysis using SAS statistical software. Two main maize -based cropping systems were identified in the NCP: rainfed upland maize monoculture (RUMM) and lowland paddy-based maize monoculture (LPMM). Crop-animal integration was reported by 21% of respondents bringing mutual benefits for both components. Approximately 61% of respondents were large-scale maize growers ( 2 to 10 ha) with mechanization and about 68% were full-time maize farmers who mostly used family labour. The net return from maize farming ranged from US$ 383 to 1,000 per ha. Younger maize farmers were found to be more educated than the elderly, however, there was a lower tendency for the younger generation to enter maize farming. Weeds are the main biological constraint for maize production with competitive weed species including Megathyrsus maximus, Cyperus rotundus, Lantana camara, Ocimumsa nctum and Euphorbia heterophylla. Large-scale maize farmers used four-wheel tractors with land preparati on implements for pre-plant weed control. The herbicides, Topramezone and Nicosulfuron were commonly used for post -plant weed control while small-scale farmers relied on manual methods and the same herbicides. Of the respondents , 23% used tank-mixed herbicides (cocktail mixtures); however, successful weed control was achieved without them. Moreover, 40% of respondents had access to herbicides not-registered in Sri Lanka. Results indicated that the import-ban on agrochemicals for seven months in 2021 led to the use of smuggled products.

Antifungal and antioxidant potential of Ocimum species against Ascochyta rabiei (Pass) Lab.

Antifungal and antioxidant potential of Ocimum species against Ascochyta rabiei (Pass) Lab.

Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf-mediated graphitic carbon nitride and ZnO/GCN nanohybrid: a sustainable approach for environmental applications.

Water contamination is a real concern, and safe water demand increases with the growing world population. The development of eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies that can clean water is necessary. This study investigates the bio-synthesis of pure graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles (GCN-NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and ZnO-doped graphitic carbon nitride nanohybrids (ZnO/GCN-NHs) using Ocimum tenuiflorum (OT) leaf extract, with a focus on their potential applications in wastewater treatment, cytotoxicity assessment, and antibacterial activity. GCN synthesis using plant extract was never reported in previous studies. Under direct solar light photocatalytic performance of the synthesized NPs and NHs was tested on the degradation of methylene orange (MO) dye and compared. Among the samples, the ZnO/GCN-NHs (10mg/100mL) exhibits good photocatalytic activity, achieving up to 47.56% degradation in 150min of MO dye. The cytotoxicity of the bio-synthesized NPs and NHs 50µg/mL concentration was assessed against human dental pulp stem cells and these were found to be non-toxic, indicating their potential for biomedical applications. The antimicrobial properties were also assessed using well diffusion and disc diffusion tests against four bacterial strains, i.e., two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus dysgalactiae). The tests demonstrate significant antibacterial activity with an excellent inhibition radius against Escherichia coli 17.5 ± 1mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15.04 ± 1mm, Staphylococcus aureus 27.5 ± 1mm, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae 25 ± 1mm. The enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of the ZnO/GCN-NHs are hypothesized to be due to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the combination of ZnO-NPs with biosynthesized GCN.

Antibacterial Activity of Ocimum tenuiflorum against Drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Raw Beef.

Recent empirical evidence has acknowledged raw meat, particularly beef, as a significant reservoir for diverse foodborne pathogens and drug-resistant strains, posing severe threat to consumer health. This study aimed to isolate and identify drug-resistant bacteria from raw beef samples, obtained from different butcher shops in Khulna city, Bangladesh, as well as, to determine their susceptibility pattern against Ocimum tenuiflorum extracts. Raw beef samples were randomly collected from various butcher shops, followed by the initial isolation of thirty pure bacterial isolates. Later, 16S rRNA gene amplification and analysis identified twelve distinct bacterial species from those isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility test results revealed ten of the isolates, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas veronii and Enterobacter hormaechei, to exhibit multidrug resistance pattern. Amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, and flucloxacillin were found to be ineffective against most isolates. However, the ethanolic extracts of O. tenuiflorum were found effective in inhibiting the growth of eight species at three different concentrations. Subsequent HPLC analysis of O. tenuiflorum reported the presence of five secondary metabolites epicatechin, syringic acid, rutin hydrate, p-coumaric acid, and myricetin as potent contributors to the observed antimicrobial activity. Lastly, in silico binding interaction simulations of the secondary metabolites against five relevant targets predict syringic acid and myricetin to have effective antibacterial properties, primarily mediated by better binding affinity and molecular interactions. Thus, this study identified diverse drug-resistant bacteria in raw beef and provided novel insights into the antibacterial properties of O. tenuiflorum extracts.

A.galanga (L.)-Willd Rhizome and O.sanctum L. Leave Essential Oils as Culex sp. Larvicide<b></b>

Culex sp. can transmit diseases such as encephalitis and filariasis which is a public health problem because of elephantiasis, disability, and a neglected tropical disease. To prevent these diseases, the mosquitoes need to be eradicated and larvicides are considered to control them at their early stage. Temephos, a synthetic larvicide, could cause several disadvantage, such as potential toxicity against non-target organisms and easierto-develop mosquito resistance. Botanical sources from Indonesian spices i.e. galangal (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.) and basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) are potentially used as larvicide. This study aimed to explore the larvicidal effect of their essential oils compared against temephos against Culex sp. A true experimental study was done using several concentrations and replications of these essential oils in each container, consisting of 25 third instar of Culex sp larvae for 24 hours at room temperature according to WHO procedure. The percentage of dead larvae was analyzed by ANOVA/ Kruskal Wallis. The study showed that Alpinia galanga ( L.) Willd. and Ocimum sanctum L. essential oils had larvicide activity and their activity starting from 140 ppm and 400 ppm consecutively was the same as temephos 1 ppm.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Indigenous Medicinal Plants

ABSTRACT: A collection of fascinating communities known as endophytic fungus (EF) inhabit the intracellular and intercellular gaps of host tissues, providing advantages to both the host and endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi (EFs) are one of the endophytes that have garnered the most scientific attention due to their ability to produce biostimulants for the production of essential oils as well as new chemicals, antibacterial and antifungal substances, antioxidants, and anti-carcinogenic molecules. Natural compounds that are used to treat a wide range of illnesses can be found in medicinal plants in large quantities, which makes them a valuable resource for the discovery of novel drugs. Since endophytic microbes can produce a wide range of secondary metabolites from their hosts, including those with important biological activities, the interaction between them and host plants has been intensively explored. The hunt for new bioactive substances that may be isolated from fungal endophytes is one of the primary objectives of current biotechnology advancements. After being isolated from 51 samples of ten distinct plants, 133 fungi—both strains and identical ones—were then examined for antibacterial activity. In the present study, ascomycetes, which include Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Neurospora, among others, made up the majority of the fungi were isolated from various indigenous medicinal plants such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Jatropha (Jatropha gossypiifolia), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus teriticornis), Geloy (Tinaspora cordifolia), Chinease wisteria, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Ashoka (Saraca asoca). Among the isolated fungal strains molds, such as Rhizopus, Mucor, and Rhizomucor, were also present. The most common types of plants in this area include Aspergillus species, Alternaria species, Pencililum species, Fusarium species, and Verticillum species. Aspergillus spp. is the most abundant fungi found in all the samples. The objective of this investigation was to isolate the endophytic fungi from the various medicinal plants' roots, barks, and leaves which were later evaluated for antimicrobial activity.

First report of leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum siamense on Ocimum tenuiflorum in India

First report of leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum siamense on Ocimum tenuiflorum in India

Exploring Holy Basil's Bioactive Compounds for T2DM Treatment: Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Human Omentin-1.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) presents a substantial health concern on a global scale, driving the search for innovative therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants, particularly Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil), have garnered attention for their potential in T2DM management. The increased focus on plant-based treatments stems from their perceived safety profile, lower risk of adverse effects, and the diverse range of bioactive molecules they offer, which can target multiple pathways involved in T2DM. Computational techniques explored the binding interactions between O. tenuiflorum phytochemicals and Human Omentin-1, a potential T2DM target. ADMET evaluation and targeted docking identified lead compounds: Luteolin (-4.84 kcal/mol), Madecassic acid (-4.12 kcal/mol), Ursolic acid (-5.91 kcal/mol), Stenocereol (-5.59 kcal/mol), and Apigenin (-4.64 kcal/mol), to have a better binding affinity to target protein compared to the control drug, Metformin (-2.01 kcal/mol). Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations evaluated the stability of Stenocereol, Luteolin, and Metformin complexes for 200 nanoseconds, analysing RMSD, RMSF, RG, SASA, PCA, FEL, and MM-PBSA parameters. Results indicated Stenocereol's strong binding affinity with Omentin-1, suggesting its potential as a potent therapeutic agent for T2DM management. These findings lay the groundwork for further experimental validation and drug discovery endeavours.

Mining and functional characterization of a flavonoid glucosyltransferase (OtUGT) involved in 7-O-glucosylation of apigenin in Ocimum tenuiflorum.

The genome data of Ocimum tenuiflorum (CIM-Ayu) were utilized for mining novel flavonoid biosynthesis-related gene(s). The search using the unannotated gene sequences yielded an uncharacterized flavonoid glucosyltransferase gene (OtUGT), which was selected for characterization. Its bioinformatics-based analysis predicted it to be an OtUGT. qRT-PCR analysis of this OtUGT indicated its highest expression in O. tenuiflorum in comparison to other Ocimum species. In O. tenuiflorum, its expression was highest in the leaf tissue compared to the trichome, stem, flower, and root. The gene expression was found to be sensitive to MeJA and light. Heterologous expression of the OtUGT protein was induced in BL21(DE3) strain of Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant protein was used for assay with different flavonoid and sugar donor substrates, whereby it showed activity only with apigenin and UDP-α-d-glucose. The product formed was apigenin 7-O-glucoside (apigetrin), which was confirmed through TLC, HPLC, LC-QTOF mass spectrometry, and NMR analyses. Transient overexpression and VIGS of OtUGT in O. tenuiflorum were appropriately reflected in terms of alterations in apigetrin levels in the plant. Apigetrin content increased by up to 2.5-fold in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum lines generated by transformation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying the pBI121-OtUGT construct. Hairy roots generated from leaf explants of O. tenuiflorum through transformation with A. rhizogenes carrying the pBI121-OtUGT construct were not found to be advantageous in terms of apigetrin content. Since apigetrin possesses high medicinal value, elucidation of its biosynthesis in O. tenuiflorum will enable its economical production through optimization in the plant or heterologous systems in the future.

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects.

The utilization of medicinal plants in the treatment of respiratory diseases has a rich history dating back centuries. A vast body of research literature, including review articles, research papers, case studies, patents, and books, provides substantial evidence supporting the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases and injuries. This study delves into the diverse range of plant species known for their therapeutic properties, with a specific focus on their applications in respiratory health. Medicinal plants have played a crucial role as a source of ingredients for medications and the synthesis of drugs. Globally, over 35,000 plant species are employed for medicinal purposes, particularly in emerging countries where traditional medicine, predominantly plant-based pharmaceuticals, serves as a primary healthcare resource. This review highlights the significance of medicinal plants, such as aloe, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and neem, in treating a wide array of common respiratory ailments. These plants contain bioactive compounds, including tannins, alkaloids, sugars, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids, which have diverse therapeutic applications. Some medicinal plants, notably Echinacea purpurea and Zingiber officinale, exhibit potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma, the common cold, cough, and whooping cough. The leaves of medicinal plants like Acacia torta, Ocimum sanctum, Mentha haplocalyx, Lactuca virosa, Convolvulus pluricaulis, and Acalypha indica are commonly used to address pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, colds, and cough. This review aims to shed light on specific medicinal plants with therapeutic value, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field of herbal medicine. These plants hold the potential to serve as novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Sustainable Green Synthesis of Leaf Extract-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles: Catalytic, Antimicrobial Properties and Colorimetric Sensing of Hg2+

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle(Ag NPs) s employing the aqueous extract of three different dried leaves, Murraya koenigi, Ocimum sanctum and Mentha spicata leaves was carried out. Different techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The AgNPs are found to have effective catalytic properties in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and in the degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes. Mercuric ion was selectively detected at ppm level with the green silver nanoparticles. Their antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against both Gram-negative Pseudomonas fluorescens and Gram-positive Bacillus megaterium bacteria. This study also explores the antifungal properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles with Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis.

Exploring the Pharmacological Evaluation of Indian Medicinal Herbs for Managing Diabetes

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a significant, chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin or the body's capacity to use insulin is hindered. Traditional herbal remedies have played an important part in health systems worldwide and are used to treat various acute and chronic illnesses with or without minimum side effects. Diabetic patients have traditionally relied on herbal treatments to manage their diabetes. In India, where the prevalence of diabetes is rising, traditional herbal treatments continue to play a crucial role in diabetes management, particularly in rural and marginalized regions with restricted access to modern healthcare. A significant number of diabetes patients in India persist in using these herbal remedies, derived from Ayurvedic and traditional methodologies, owing to their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and negligible adverse effects. Various medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties in India are Acacia arabica, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tinospora cordifolia, and Trigonella foenum graecum, etc. These plants have been included in various research and publications linked to the antidiabetic properties of medicinal plants, both in vivo and in vitro. All of these plants have variable degrees of hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic action. Furthermore, more research is needed to support the use of these medicinal herbs as an antidiabetic drug.

Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus in Experimental Model of Depression

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant effects of a combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus leaf extracts compared to amitriptyline using the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) in mice. Background: Depression is a common mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness and loss of interest. While effective, current antidepressants like amitriptyline often cause side effects, leading to interest in natural alternatives. Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus have traditionally been used for their therapeutic, potentially antidepressant, properties. Methods: The study involved male mice, divided into groups receiving either a combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts at varying doses, amitriptyline, or a control. Antidepressant activity was assessed using the TST and FST, with decreased immobility time indicating antidepressant effects. Results: The combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts significantly reduced immobility in the TST and FST, showing a dose-dependent antidepressant effect. At higher doses, it was comparable to amitriptyline, suggesting the extracts act through monoaminergic systems in the brain. Conclusion: The combination of Ocimum sanctum and Coleus amboinicus extracts showed significant antidepressant activity, comparable to amitriptyline, in preclinical models. These findings suggest potential for use as alternative or complementary therapies for depression, with further research needed to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.

Detailed analysis and characterisation of microcrystalline cellulose derived from Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves

Detailed analysis and characterisation of microcrystalline cellulose derived from Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves

Molecular identification and phytochemical profiling of selected medicinal plants in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

The study focuses on the five medicinal plants used by the local people residing in Calaanan, Bongabon Nueva Ecija Philippines. The study aimed to investigate using DNA-based identification, phytochemical screening, and antioxidant analysis of the plant’s ethanolic extract. The selected five plants were initially identified by a taxonomist and molecularly identified using the rbcL gene marker. These plants were identified as Scoparia dulcis, Vachellia fernasiana, Centella asiatica, Sapindus saponaria, and Ocimum tenuiflorum. The extracts of the plants underwent Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to determine the functional group present in each plant and further analysis led to Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to unveil the presence and absence of the plant’s secondary metabolites. The phytochemical profiles revealed the presence of essential oils, phenols, fatty acids, anthraquinones, anthrones, coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins. The results from the phytochemical analysis demonstrated the chemical diversity of the plant, prompting further investigations into its various bioactive properties. Further, the plants were subjected to 2,2'diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay using a 1000ppm concentration of crude extracts, results revealed a range from 22.71% to 79.01% radical scavenging activity compared to the control which is at 83.56%. Collectively, this study reveals the accurate identity, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant activity of the medicinal plants.

Evaluation of basil essential oils for antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity against Aspergillus flavus

Essential oils of basil herbs such as nyazbo or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), holy basil or tulsi (O. tenuiflorum), and African or clove basil (O. gratissimum) have traditionally been used for their therapeutic potential. These medicinal herbs are being cultivated and consumed globally, and the increasing demand for antimicrobial and antifungal natural products has led to the assessment of the potential of essential oils of medicinal plants to inhibit mycelial growth rather than synthetic fungicides. Thus, the present study explored natural alternatives to inhibit mycelial growth (Aspergilus flavus) and aflatoxin production. Linalool (25.40%), methyl chavicol (37.63%), and eugenol (39.52%) were identified as chief compounds in the EOs of O. basilicum, O. tenuiflorum, and O. gratissimum respectively. Ocimum tenuiflorum EO demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity at 0.75 µL mL− 1 against Aspergillus flavus and totally inhibited the synthesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The AFB2 production was completely inhibited at 0.25 µL mL− 1 by O. tenuiflorum EO, while O. basilicum and O. gratissimum EOs showed inhibition against AFB2 at 0.50 µL mL− 1, and 1.0 µL mL− 1, respectively. The present study suggests that EOs of basil herbs could be a potential natural alternative of synthetic fungicides to inhibit the fungal growth and aflatoxin production.