Holy Basil or "Tulsi" Prevents Infections

Ancient Medicine with Modern Scientific Applications

Nov 20, 2009 Alicia Richardson

Holy basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. New medical literature proves its efficacy against bacterial and viral infections.

The H1N1 flu has put everyone on orange alert. Government health agencies continue to encourage citizens to get vaccinated against the virus and practice "universal precautions:" observe proper hand-washing procedures, cover face while sneezing, staying at home if acutely ill, washing soiled clothing in hot soapy water, and so on.

However, others have sought protection from traditional medicine to boost their immune systems in addition to conventional health advisories issued by health authorities. One of the herbs most commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine is Ocimum tenuiflorum or holy basil - "tulsi." It is a perennial plant that is closely related to culinary basil Ocimum basilicum. Holy basil is an aromatic herb that grows to about three feet, and is purplish in color with narrow-oval leaves. Tulsi has been used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria such as pertussis and bronchial asthma, as well as viruses that cause bronchitis, herpes simplex virus, influenza, and other communicable diseases.

Tulsi's Protective Effects

Holy basil enhances the body's natural defense system by:

suppressing inflammation and swelling, possibly due to its eugenol content. Eugenol (4-allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene) is a Cox-2 inhibitor. A Cox-2 inhibitor is an anti-inflammatory substance that fights pain and inflammation. Cox-2 is an enzyme responsible for inflammation, swelling and pain.
damaging bacterial and viral cell membranes thereby inhibiting their multiplication and proliferation. Shynu and colleagues found that leaf extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) was effective against Bovine Herpes Virus -1 (HBV-1). Benencia and Courreges reported similar effects of Tulsi on human Herpes Virus - 1 and Herpes Virus - 2.

The biologically active compounds in tulsi that act directly or in synergy with other substances diet, or the body's own immune system are as follows:

ascorbic acid or vitamin C - anti-inflammatory, anti-viral
beta carotene - Cox -2 inhibitor, Cox - 1 inhibitor, immunostimulant (stimulates the immune system)
beta caryophyllene - anti-inflammatory
carvacrol - anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, Cox-2 inhibitor, analgesic
eugenol - anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, Cox -2 inhibitor
linoleic acid - anti-inflammatory
saponins - immunomodulator (enhances the immune system)
oleic acid - anti-inflammatory
tannin - anti-bacterial, Cox -2 inhibitor

Culinary Uses of Basil

Fresh tulsi leaves and flowers can be used in making a herbal tea. Leaves can also be used in salads, soups, vegetable dishes, and pesto.

Basil has been used for centuries as food and medicine. It is comforting to know that this herb is indeed a legitmate medicinal agent.

References:

Shynu M et al. "Ocimum tenuiflorum possess antiviral activity against bovine herpes virus -1" Indian J of Virology 2006;17(1): 1

Prakash P & Gupta N "Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacologic actions: a short review" Indian J Physiol. Pharmacology 2005;49:125-131

Benencia F & Courreges MC "In vitro and in vivo activity of eugenol on human herpesvirus" Phytother Research November 2000;14(7):495-500

Di Pasquale R et al. "Membrane toxicity of antimicrobial compounds in essential oils" of Agric Food Chem2007;55(12):4863-4870

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