Tulsi Extract Research Articles

Supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Ocimum sanctum improves nutraceutical properties of ice cream

Supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Ocimum sanctum L. obtained at 50°C, 10 MPa and at 70°C, 40 MPa were found to have appreciable nutraceutical properties and were successfully employed as value-added ingredients in ice cream. The extracts differed in content of co-extracted chlorophyll and cuticular waxes, the latter extract having a higher amount than the former. The ice cream samples were evaluated for their physicochemical properties (viscosity, % overrun, pH, specific gravity, melting time, colour and total solids), phytochemical properties (total phenol content, antioxidant, reducing and anti-inflammatory activities) and sensory attributes. These assays established the superiority of the ice cream sample formulated with the extract obtained at 50°C, 10 MPa over the sample formulated with the extract obtained at 70°C, 40 MPa. Tulsi extract formulated ice cream has promising potential as a nutraceutically enriched product for the ice cream industry.

Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Leaf Extracts Against Early Blight of Tomato

The objective of the present work is to compare and study the effect of plant extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against Alternaria solani which causes early blight disease on tomato plants. Aqueous and ethylacetate leaf extracts of different concentrations were used. Foliar treatment of tomato plants with 30 % aqueous tulsi extract decreased the disease incidence to 40 %. Disease severity and control of pathogen after inoculation were also analyzed. The highest disease incidence was recorded as 82.1 % with test control whereas the lowest as 25.2 % with plants treated with pathogen and tulsi aqueous extract. Among the groups treated with neem 30 % concentration of aqueous extract showed beneficial effect. The aqueous extract of tulsi leaves was the best one in reducing disease severity than that of neem leaves. The increase in some biochemical parameters, pigment system and antioxidant enzymes were corresponded with the reduction of disease severity. Tulsi extracts exhibited significant control of disease progress than neem extracts. It may be suggested as a promising tool against early blight pathogens.

Protection of zonisamide induced memory impairment by tulsi extract and piracetam on mice

Background: Memory impairment is the major adverse effects associated with antiepileptic drug therapy. This study was designed to assess the memory impairment activity of zonisamide (ZNS), an antiepileptic drug, in mice. Memory deficit potential of ZNS was compared with phenytoin (PHT), a standard antiepileptic known for its memory impairment activity. The protective effect of Ocimum sanctum extract (OS) and piracetam (PIR) on memory impairment induced by ZNS was also assessed. Materials and Methods: ZNS was administered orally for 29 days and the extent of memory deficit was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test on maximal electro shock-induced epileptic mice. The animals were observed for escape latency time (ELT) and time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ) on MWM test. The brain acetylcholinesterase level was estimated to determine the brain acetylcholine concentration. Result: Chronic administration of ZNS has shown memory deficit in mice and this was significantly restored by co-administration of OS extract and PIR. PIR showed best nootropic activity, whereas OS showed good nootropic as well as synergistic anti-convulsant activity. Conclusion: This study reveals that chronic administration of ZNS produces memory impairment in mice, which can be significantly minimized by co-administration of OS extract and PIR without compromising on ZNS antiepileptic potency. These results provide evidence for potential corrective effect of nootropics in cognitive deficit associated with ZNS.

Microwave Assisted Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Aqueous Extract of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi)

Owing to widespread applications, synthesis and characteri­ zation of silver nanoparticles is recently attracting considerable attention. Increasing environmental concerns over chemical synthesis routes have resulted in attempts to develop biomimetic approaches. One of them is synthesis using plant parts, which eliminates the elaborate process of maintaining the microbial culture and often found to be kinetically favorable than other bioprocesses. The present study deals with investigating the effect of process microwave irradiation, interaction time on the morpho­ logy and size of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Tulsi. Plant extract from ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate solution. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV­Vis spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution was monitored by UV­Vis spectrophotometer analysis. Nanoparticles ranges from 20 to 40 nm in size with nearly spherical shape were produced. SEM determination of the brown color stable samples showed the formation of silver nanoparticles and well dispersed nanoparticles could be seen in the samples treated with silver nitrate. These silver nanoparticles have proven to be stable for more than 3 months. It can be inferred from the study that fine tuning the bioprocess parameters will enhance possibilities of desired nano­product tail or made for particular applications.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Various Concentrations of Commercially Available Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Powder against Streptococcus Mutans

Aim: To assess the antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract, obtained from commercially available Tulsi powder, against Streptococcus mutans. Setting and design: Experimental design, in vitro study, Lab setting. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of Tulsi was prepared by the cold extraction method. The extract was then diluted with an inert solvent, dimethyl formamide, to obtain 7 different concentrations (2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7% and 8%). 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and dimethyl formamide was used as a negative control. The extract, along with the controls, was then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine which concentration among the 7 different concentrations of the extract gave a wider inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimetres using a vernier caliper. Results: At the 6% concentration of Tulsi extract, a zone of inhibition of 27 millimetres (mm) was obtained at a volume of 50 µl. This was the widest zone of inhibition observed among all the 7 different concentrations of Tulsi that were investigated. Conclusion: Tulsi extract demonstrated an antimicrobial property against Streptococcus mutans and can be used as a mouthwash. This could be further confirmed by in-vivo studies.

Ocimum Sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and Its Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L, commonly known as the Holy Basil in English or Tulsi in the various Indian languages, is a important medicinal plant in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine in Southeast Asia. Scientific studies have shown it to possess antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antistress, and immunomodulatory activities. Preclinical studies have also shown that Tulsi and some of its phytochemicals eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, β–sitosterol, and carnosic acid prevented chemical-induced skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers and to mediate these effects by increasing the antioxidant activity, altering the gene expressions, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. The aqueous extract of Tulsi and its flavanoids, orintin, and vicenin are shown to protect mice against γ-radiation-induced sickness and mortality and to selectively protect the normal tissues against the tumoricidal effects of radiation. The other important phytochemicals like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and carnosic acid are also shown to prevent radiation-induced DNA damage. This review summarizes the results related to the chemopreventive and radioprotective properties of Tulsi and also emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility in cancer prevention and treatment.

Aqueous Extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Enhances Endogenous Antioxidant Defenses of Human Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2)

The effects of Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae), Tulsi on the cellular oxidative state in a hepatocyte cell line (HepG2) and its putative potency to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses were investigated. Cells were incubated with aqueous extracts of Tulsi (1–100 μg·ml−1) between 4 and 48 h, and biochemical markers of OS were determined. Tulsi up to 100 μg·ml−1 concentrations had no effect either on cytotoxicity or cell proliferation but increased the levels of glutathione (18%–32%) and antioxidant capacity (19%–31%) of cells and enhanced activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Results suggested that aqueous extract of Tulsi reduced the basal OS in HepG2 cells, by induction of antioxidant enzymes and enhancing levels of antioxidant molecules either of which can potentially effect faster dissipation of ROS.

Enhancing chloramphenicol and trimethoprim in vitro activity by Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Lamiaceae) leaf extract against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial activity of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) leaf extract, alone, and in combination with chloramphenicol (C) and trimethoprim (Tm) against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi). MethodsThe antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of tulsi, O. sanctum, leaf (TLE; 500 μg) for 23 S. typhi isolates was determined following agar diffusion. The C (30 μg) and Tm (5 μg) activity alone and in combination with TLE (250 μg) was determined by disk diffusion. The zone diameter of inhibition (ZDI) for the agents was recorded, and growth inhibitory indices (GIIs) were calculated. ResultsThe S. typhi isolates (n=23), which were resistant to both C (ZDI 6 mm) and Tm (ZDI 6 mm), had TLE (500 μg) ZDIs 16-24 mm. The ZDIs of C and Tm were increased up to 15-21 mm and 17-23 mm, respectively, when TLE (250 μg) was added to the C and Tm discs. The GIIs ranged 0.789-1.235 and 0.894-1.352, due to combined activity against S. typhi isolates, of C and TLE and Tm and TLE, respectively. ConclusionsThe data suggest that TLE, in combination with C and Tm, had synergistic activity for S. typhi isolates, and hence O. sanctum is potential in combating S. typhi drug resistance, as well promising in the development of non-antibiotic drug for S. typhi infection.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant bacteria from clinical isolates

The in vitro antibacterial activity of various solvents and water extracts of aloe vera, neem, bryophyllum, lemongrass, tulsi, oregano, rosemary and thyme was assessed on 10 multi-drug resistant clinical isolates from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and two standard strains including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The zone of inhibition as determined by agar well diffusion method varied with the plant extract, the solvent used for extraction, and the organism tested. Klebsiella pneumoniae 2, Escherichia coli 3 and Staphylococcus aureus 3 were resistant to the plant extracts tested. Moreover, water extracts did not restrain the growth of any tested bacteria. Ethanol and methanol extracts were found to be more potent being capable of exerting significant inhibitory activities against majority of the bacteria investigated. Staphylococcus aureus 1 was the most inhibited bacterial isolate with 24 extracts (60%) inhibiting its growth whereas Escherichia coli 2 exhibited strong resistance being inhibited by only 11 extracts (28%). The results obtained in the agar diffusion plates were in fair correlation with that obtained in the minimum inhibitory concentration tests. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tulsi, oregano, rosemary and aloe vera extracts was found in the range of 1.56-6.25 mg/ml for the multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates tested whereas higher values (6.25-25 mg/ml) were obtained against the multi-drug resistant isolates Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 and Escherichia coli 1 and 2. Qualitative phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of tannins and saponins in all plants tested. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography agar overlay assay of ethanol extracts of neem, tulsi and aloe vera indicated flavonoids and tannins as major active compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and Tulsi extract mouth rinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans count of high school children—RCT

ObjectiveTo assess and compare the effect of 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouth rinse, Listerine mouth rinse and 4% Tulsi extract mouth rinse on salivary Streptococcus mutans level. MethodsThe present study is an experimental study of cross over type, employing Latin square design. 45 school children aged 14–15years were divided into three groups/blocks. The baseline unstimulated saliva samples were obtained from each group and assessed for Streptococcus mutans counts. The study was divided in to three phases, each phase lasted for 8days separated by a washout period of 15days in between them. Groups A, B and C were treated with 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and 4% Tulsi extract mouth rinses respectively in the phase I. The study subjects were instructed to use the assigned mouth rinse twice daily for 1min for 7days. On day 8th the subjects were instructed to use the mouth rinse only once in the morning. The follow up unstimulated saliva samples were collected 1h after the use of the assigned mouth rinse and assessed for salivary Streptococcus mutans counts. After phase I, mouth rinses were crossed over as dictated by the Latin square design in phase II and III. ResultsAll the three mouth rinses have individually shown a statistically significant reduction in the salivary Streptococcus mutans counts. When the three mouth rinses were compared the difference did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionTulsi has stood the test and is as effective as Chlorhexidine and Listerine in reducing the salivary S. mutans levels.

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) is considered as a sacred herb and traditionally it is believed that consumption of Tulsi leaf on empty stomach increases immunity. Experimental studies have shown that alcoholic extract of Tulsi modulates immunity. The present study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of ethanolic extract of Tulsi leaves through a double-blinded randomized controlled cross-over trial on healthy volunteers. Three hundred milligrams capsules of ethanolic extracts of leaves of Tulsi or placebo were administered to 24 healthy volunteers on empty stomach and the results of 22 subjects who completed the study were analyzed. The primary objective was to study the levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-4) during both pre and post intervention period in blood culture supernatants following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and phytohaemagglutinin. Other immunological parameters such as T-helper and T-cytotoxic cells, B-cells and NK-cells also were analyzed using Flowcytometry. Statistically significant increase in the levels of IFN-γ (p=0.039), IL-4 (p=0.001) and percentages of T-helper cells (p=0.001) and NK-cells (p=0.017) were observed after 4 weeks in the Tulsi extract intervention group in contrast to the placebo group. These observations clearly ascertain the immunomodulatory role of Tulsi leaves extract on healthy volunteers.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study

To determine if Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract has an antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and to determine which concentration of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract among the 15 concentrations investigated has the maximum antimicrobial activity. Experimental design, in vitro study, Lab setting. Ethanolic extract of Tulsi was prepared by the cold extraction method. The extract was then diluted with an inert solvent, dimethyl formamide, to obtain 15 different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 6%, 7% 8%, 9%, 10%) of the extract. 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and dimethyl formamide was used as a negative control. The extract, along with the controls, was then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine which concentration among the 15 different concentrations of the extract gave a wider inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters using a vernier caliper. At the 4% concentration of Tulsi extract, a zone of inhibition of 22 mm was obtained. This was the widest zone of inhibition observed among all the 15 different concentrations of Tulsi that were investigated. Tulsi extract demonstrated an antimicrobial property against Streptococcus mutans.

Ocimum sanctum extracts attenuate hydrogen peroxide induced cytotoxic ultrastructural changes in human lens epithelial cells

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the major oxidant involved in cataract formation. The present study investigated the effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against H2O2 induced cytotoxic changes in human lens epithelial cells (HLEC). Donor eyes of the age range 20-40 years were procured within 5-8 h of death. After several washings with gentamicin (50 mL/L) and betadine (10 mL/L), clear transparent lenses (n=6 in each group) were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) alone (normal) or in DMEM containing 100 microm of H2O2 (control) or in DMEM containing both H2O2 (100 microm) and 150 microg/mL of Ocimum sanctum extract (treated) for 30 min at 37 degrees C with 5% CO2 and 95% air. Following incubation, the semi-hardened epithelium of each lens was carefully removed, fixed and processed for electron microscopic studies. Thin sections (60-70 mm) were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed under a transmission electron microscope. Normal epithelial cells showed intact, euchromatic nucleus with few small vacuoles (diameter 0.58+/-0.6 microm) in well-demarcated cytoplasm. After treatment with H2O2, they showed pyknotic nuclei with clumping of chromatin and ill-defined edges. The cytoplasm was full of vacuoles (diameter 1.61+/-0.7 microm). The overall cellular morphology was typical of dying cells. Treatment of cells with Ocimum sanctum extract protected the epithelial cells from H2O2 insult and maintained their normal architecture. The mean diameter of the vacuoles was 0.66+/-0.2 microm. The results indicate that extracts of O. sanctum have an important protective role against H2O2 injury in HLEC by maintaining the normal cellular architecture. The protection could be due to its ability to reduce H2O2 through its antioxidant property and thus reinforcing the concept that the extracts can penetrate the HLEC membrane.

Improved Shelf Life of Protein‐Rich Tofu Using Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) Extracts to Benefit Indian Rural Population

A nutrition survey carried out in India revealed that the diets of the rural population are inadequate and deficient in most of the nutrients especially protein. India being the 5th-largest producer of soybean, a protein-rich cereal, can redress protein-energy malnutrition through diversification of soybean uses by developing high-value and health-based food products. Tofu, a nonfermented soybean product rich in high-quality protein, B-vitamins, and isoflavones, could be an excellent substitute for meat in Indian recipes. Tofu being rich in protein has a very short shelf life. Hence an attempt was made to improve the shelf life using extracts of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) commonly available in rural areas. Tofu was prepared traditionally using MgCl(2):CaSO(4) as coagulating agents. Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) was added during the preparation and storage of tofu to prolong its shelf life. Water used in this study was free from microflora, plant extract used contained mesophilic count of 2.527 x 10(4) CFU/g, and no yeasts and molds were detected. Tofu with tulsi extract had 76.4% moisture and was softer than control. Not much difference in mesophilic count was observed between control and treated samples during storage; however, treated tofu was organoleptically good until the end of the study with less lipid-peroxidation and exhibited 50% (4.7 units) less protease activity than control (9.6 units) after 7 d. By using extracts of naturally available, easily cultivable tulsi, the shelf life was successfully extended to 7 to 8 d from 3 to 4 d of normal storage without refrigeration.