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Family Lamiaceae
Balanoy
Solasi
Ocimum basilicum
L.
SWEET BASIL

Luo le

Scientific names Common names
Ocimum album L.  Albahaka (C. Bis., Ibn., Tag.) 
Ocimum anisatum Benth.  Albanaka (Tag., Ibn.) 
Ocimum barrelieri Roth.  Balanoy (Tag.)
Ocimum basilicum L.  Basilico (Ital.) 
Ocimum bullatum Lam.  Bauing (Sul.) 
Ocimum caryophyllum Roxb.  Bawing (Sul.)  
Ocimum chevalieri Briq.  Biday (Ilk.) 
Ocimum ciliare B.Heyne ex Hoof.f.  Bouak (Bis.)
Ocimum ciliatum Homem.  Kalu-ui (C. Bis.)
Ocimum citriodorum Blanco   Kaluwi (C. Bis.) 
Ocimum cochleatum Desf.   Kamangi (P. Bis.) 
Ocimum dentatum Moench   Kameingi (P. Bis.)  
Ocimum hispidum Lam.   Ruku (Sul.) 
Ocimum integerrimum Willd.   Ruku-ruku (Sul.)  
Ocimum lanceolatum Schumach. & Thonn.   Samilig (Bik.) 
Ocimum laxum Vahl ex Benth.   Samirig (Bik.)  
Ocimum medium Mill.   Solasi (Tag., Pamp.) 
Ocimum nigrum Thouars ex Benth.   Valanoy (Iv.)
Ocimum scabrum Wight ex Hook.f.   Sweet basil (Engl.)
Ocimum simile N.E.Br.  Grand basilic (Engl.) 
Ocimum thyrsiflorum L.  
Plectranthus barrelieri (Roth) Spreng    
Balanoy and solasi are shared common names, of two varieties of basil: ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and ocimum sanctum (holy basil), the latter not used in cooking.
Solasi is a common name shared by (1) Luminitzera racemosa Kulasi, (2) Ocimum basilicum, solasi, and phonetically with (3) Ocimum sanctum, sulasi.
Ocimum basilicum L. is an accepted name. The Plant List

Other vernacular names
AFRIKAANS: Basilie, Basilikum.
ARABIC: Habaq, Haabaq nabati, Alrihan, Rihan.
BENGALI: Babuitulsi, Baburi tulsi, Debunsha, Khubkalam.
BURMESE: Pinsein, Ziya apyu.
CHINESE: Luo le.
CROATIAN: Bosiljak
CZECH: Bazalka pravá.
DANISH: Basilik, Basilikum.
DUTCH: Baziel, Bazielkruid, Koningskruid.
FINNISH: Basilika.
FRENCH: Basilic, Framboisin (Antilles), Herbe royale, Oranger des savetiers, Pistou.
GERMAN: Basilienkraut, Basilikum, Echtes Basilienkraut, Gartenhirnkraut, Gewöhnliches Basilienkraut.
GREEK: Vasiliko, Vasilikos.
GUJARATI: Damaro, Damro, Nasabo, Sabje.
HEBREW: Rehan.
HINDI: Babui tulsi, Babul, Bahari, Barbar, Kali tulsi, Rihan.
ITALIAN: Basilico.
JAPANESE: Bajiru, Mebouki, Suiito bajiru.
KANNADA: Kama kasturi, Kamkusturi, Ramkasturi, Sajjebiya, Tulasigidda, Tulasiya sasyajati.
KHMER: Chi sa.
LAOTIAN: Phak bua la pha, Phak bua la phe, Phak i tou.
MALAY: Daun kemangi (Indonesia), Kemangi, Ruku-ruku, Selasih hijau.
MALAYALAM: Paccha, Truinitru.
MARATHI: Sabza.
NEPALESE: Baavarii phuul, Tulasii
NORWEGIAN: Basilikum
PERSIAN: Firanj mushk, Deban-shab, Rayáahn, Reyhan.
POLISH: Basylico
PORTUGUESE: Alfavaca, Alfavacao, Basílico, Hierba de vaquero, Manjericão, Manjerico.
RUSSIAN: Bazilik, Bazilik obyknovennyi, Dushistye vasilki, Dushki.
SERBIAN: Bosiljak, Bosiok, Bosilje, Faslidjan, Maslidjan.
SINHALESE: Hintala, Sawandalata, Suwandutala.
SANSKRIT: Ajaganothika , Manjarika, Munjariki, Surabhi, Tulasidevesha, Tungi.
SLOVAKIAN: Bazalka pravá, Bazalky pravej.
SPANISH: Albahaca, Albahaca común , Albahaca silvestre, Alhábega, Ocimo.
SWAHILI: Mrihani.
SWEDISH: Basilica
TAMIL: Sabja, Sada tulasi, Tirnirupachai, Tirunitru, Tirunirrippachai, Tirunutpatchi , Tiviragandam.
TELUGU: Bhutulasi, Rudrajada.
THAI: Horapha
TURKISH: Feslien
URDU: Rihan

Gen info
The genus Ocimum ranks high in herbs with medicinal use. There are anywhere from 60-150 species in the genus.

Botany
Balanoy is an erect, branched branched, smooth, somewhat hairy, and very aromatic undershrub, growing 0.5 to 1.5 meters high. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate to oblong-ovate, entire or slightly toothed, with acute tips and glandular spots on the lower surface. Flowers are pink or purplish and borne in racemes which are 8 to 15 centimeters long. Calyx of the individual flower or floret is strongly reflexed, the upper lobe round, the lower two narrowly lanceolate and acuminate, and the lateral ones ovate. Corolla bilabiate, exerted, and upper lip broader, subequally 4-fid, the lower lip entire. Petals pink or purplish, stamens exserted. Fruits are nutlets, smooth or somewhat rugose.

There are two common species in the Philippines: O. basilicum and O. sanctum. Both are used medicinally.

Distribution
Found throughout the Philippines in settled areas at low and medium altitudes.
Often spontaneous in open waste places.

Cultivation
Grows well in open areas with moist, well-drained and friable soil. Occasionally cultivated throughout the Philippines. Common garden plant. It flowers all year round. The plant is deeply rooted.  Prefers warm and moist habitat, sensitive to dryness. Soil should be well-drained, and rich in humus to produce higher yields. Use seeds for propagation.

Constituents
• The dried leaves contain 0.21–1% essential oil, the major compounds of which are linalool and methyclaviol.
• Flowers yield 0.4% of volatile oil.
• The Algiers oil contains cineol, linalool and estragol. The Javan variety contains eugenol, ocimene, and pinene Oil from Reunion contain d-d--pinene, cineol, d-camphor, methyl clavicol, and linalool. Seychelles oil contain methyl chavicol and anethol.
• Some of the other compounds are: caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-cymene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, methyl cinnamate, myrcene, quercetin, rutin, tryptophan, safrole.  
• Study yielded 14 different anthocyanins: 11 cyanidin-based pigments and 3 peonidin-based pigments.
• Study of essential oil constituents yielded a total of 49 components. The main components were methyl eugenol (78.02%),
α-cubebene (6.17%), nerol (0.83%), and e-muurolene (0.74%).
• Study of essential oil identified the major components as L- linalool (26.5-56.3%), geraniol (12.1-16.5%), 1,8-cineole (2.5-15.1%), p-allylanisole (0.2-13.8%) and DL-limonene (0.2-10.4%). (See below)
• Study of essential oil yielded 15 constituents
: 1,8-cineole, β-ocimene, linalool, L-camphor, methyl chavicol (estragole), eugenol, β-elemene, methyl eugenol,  β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, germacrene-D, bicyclogermacrene, γ-candinene, α-amorphene, and β-cubebene. (31)
• Study for essential oil of flowering aerial parts yielded twenty-five constituents. Major constituents were methyl eugenol (39.3%) and methyl chavicol (38.3%), accounting for 98.6% of the total oil. (see study below) (32)
• Phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of leaves yielded alkaloids, phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids.(see study below) (36)
• Screening of ethanolic extract of aerial parts showed the presence of phenolic compounds (5.36%) and flavonoids (1.86%). Rosmarinic acid was the principal phenolic compound (15.74%). (see study below) (39)
• GC-MS study of essential oil from various regions of Saudi Arabia yielded 39 compounds % of the total chemical composition. Main compounds were ß-linalool (9.12-72.59%) and 1,6-cineole (0.4-10.72%). Methyl chavicol showed highest percentage (44.90%). (43)

Properties
• Carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, diuretic, demulcent, mucilaginous, cooling.
• Leaves and flowers considered excitant, diuretic, and stimulant for weak digestion.
• Seeds and flowers considered stimulant, diuretic and demulcent.
• Seeds are mucilaginous and cooling.
• Studies have shown sweet basil to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, cardiac stimulant, chemomodulatory, CNA depressant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and larvicidal activities.

Parts utilized
• Leaves, seeds.
• Mature fresh leaves are harvested 2 to 3 months after planting. Leaves are picked leaving the branches on the plant to allow it to flower and produce seeds for the next season.
• The leaves are air-dried until they crumble when crushed with the fingers. Store in amber colored bottles in a cool, dry place.

Uses
Culinary / Edibility
- The leafy and flowering tops are used as condiment; eaten sparingly in salads.
- Seeds are sometimes eaten.
- In Kanawar, sometimes eaten mixed in ordinary bread.
- In Bengal, infused in water, used as a refreshing and cooling drink.
Folkloric
- Cough: Expectorant properties - Take infusion or decoction of herb (9-15 gm of dried herb) or tops as tea.
- Leaf juice helpful for expectoration of mucus.
- Decoction of leaves also used for hiccups, vomiting and nausea.
- Gas pains: Decoction of herb as tea helps to expel wind from bowels.
- Ear afflictions: Juice of leaves dropped in ears for earache and dullness of hearing.
- Snake bites: Crush fresh plant and poultice the bitten wound.
- Gonorrhea, using a decoction of the roots and leaves of plants.
- Decoction of leaves used as a wash for ulcers.
- Used for external contusions.
- Used in baths for rheumatic pains.
- For ringworm and insect bites, apply juice of crushed leaves.
- Decoction of herb as wash for skin ulcers.
- For delayed menstruation: take the juice of the leaves with water.
- Seeds are used in treatment of several eye diseases; to soothe pain and inflammation.
- Toothache: Wet small piece of cotton with juice of crushed leaves and insert into tooth cavity.
- Decoction of seeds used to decrease postpartum pains; the seeds are mucilaginous.
- Poultice of seeds used for buccal sores.
- Decoction of seeds also used for constipation.
- Acne: Infusion of 3 tsp of dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20-30 minutes.
- Apply externally or drink decoction of tea or infusion 3 times daily.
- Malays used the leaves as remedy for coughs.
- Decoction of leaves used after childbirth; juice taken for delayed menses.
- Seeds given as infusion for gonorrhea, diarrhea and chronic dysentery.
- Seeds used as aphrodisiac.
- Seeds, washed and pounded, used in poultices for sores and sinuses; also used internally for habitual constipation and internal hemorrhoids.
Others
• Oils repel insects (limonene, myrcene, camphor, thymol) and have larvicidal (eugenol and methylclaviol) activity against houseflies and mosquitoes.
Malays use it as a scent for clothes.
• In Africa, they are compounded into cosmetics.

Recent uses
Dizziness: crush enough fresh leaves with your fingers and sniff them.
Cough: As decoction boil eight tablespoons of fresh leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to half. Divide the decoction into eight parts and take one part, three times a day.

Studies
Platelet Aggregation Inhibition:
Study evaluated an aqueoius extract of O. basilicum for effects on platelet aggregation and experimental thrombus in rats. Results showed Ocimum basilicum to possess dose-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin resulting in an anti-thrombotic effect in vivo. (3)
Vasorelaxant / Anti-Thrombin / Anti-Platelet Aggregation:
OB extract showed a significant vasorelaxant effect. It also suppressed elevated contractions induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet and inhibited platelet aggregation and reduced thrombin-induced platelet activation. (13)
Cardiac Stimulant Activity / Aerial Parts: The study evaluated the cardiac effects of extracts derived from the aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum. Results showed the alcoholic extract exhibited a cardiotonic effect and the aqueous extract produced a B-adrenergic effect. (4)
Antimicrobial Effects / Leaves:
Results suggest that O. basilicum leaf extracts possess compounds with antimicrobial properties against C. albicans and some bacterial pathogens. (5)
Anti-dyspepsia:
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled study showed Ocimum basilicum seems to relieve functional dyspepsia in female and young patients with dysmotility. (7)
Anthocyanins in Basil : Purple basils are an abundant source of acylated and glycosylated anthocyanins, a potential source of stable red pigments to the food industry. (8)
Antioxidant: In a study of plants in the Lamiaceae family, the leaves and stems of Ocimum basilicum displayed the highest antioxidant activity. (10)
Antioxidant: In a study evaluating the antioxidant activities of O basilicum and O sanctum using various in vitro antioxidant assays, results showed O basilicum with more antioxidant activity than O sanctum.
Antiulcer: Study showed the seed extracts of OB to possess significant anti-ulcer activity against ethanol-induced ulceration in animal models. (11)
Wound-Healing Activity / Leaves: Wounds treated with honey in combination with OB alcoholic leaf extract and solcoseryl-jelly showed accelerated wound healing compared to honey alone. (12) Study evaluated the wound healing effect of OB leaves on incised wound of 10 Mus mulucus mice.
• Antiproliferative / Anticancer: A study on the antiproliferative activity of essential oil from 17 Thai medicinal plants on human mouth epidermal carcinoma (KB) and murine leukemia (P388) cell lines. In the KB cell line, Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) oil showed the highest anti-proliferative activity in the P388 cell line. The results suggested the potential of Thai medicinal plants for cancer treatment. (24)
• Central Properties / Chemical Composition: Study of essential oil in higher doses showed motor impairment. It also exhibited increase in pentobarbitone sleeping time, increase latency in convulsion and incidence of clonic seizures. Phytochemicals yielded the presence of linalool, 1,8-cineol, eugenol, methyl cinnamate, iso-caryophyllene, and a-cubebene as the main components.
(25)
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study of Ocimum basilicum crude methanolic extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by the inhibition of the key pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators.
• Anti-Viral: Study of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts yielded apigenin, linalool and ursolic acid, exhibiting a broad spectrum of antiviral activities, especially against coxsackie virus B1 and enterovirus 71.
• Antibacterial / Antioxidant: Study of ethanol, methanol, and hexane extracts for antimicrobial properties showed both hexane and ethanol extracts inhibited the isolates, the hexane extract showing stronger and broader spectrum of antibacterial activity. The ethanol extract showed more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidant. (17)
Protective Role in Benzene Induced Hematotoxicity: Study evaluated the protective role of a methanolic leaf extract against benzene-induced hematotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Results indicated the secondary metabolites of the leaf extract--essential oil monoterpene geraniol and oxidized citral form--showed modulatory effect in cell cycle deregulation and hematological abnormalities. (20)
Seasonal Variation of Essential Oil: Study evaluated the influence of season on essential oil yield, chemical composition, antioxidant and antifungal activities of O. basilicum oil. Seasonal yield was idiosyncratic. Essential oil extracted in spring showed the highest antioxidant activity. High antifungal activity was found highlighting its potential as a preservative for use in the food and medical industries.   (21)
Optimization of Seed Gum Extraction: Study evaluated the effects of processing factors on water-extracted Basil seed gum. Basil seed is cultivated in large quantities in Iran. The seed shows good amounts of gum with functional properties comparable to commercial food hydrocolloids. (23)
Memory Retention and Retrieval: Study evaluated a hydroalcoholic extract of green O. basilicum on memory retention and retrieval in mice. Results showed increased memory retention and significantly increased memory retrieval. The memory enhancing effect was attributed to the antioxidant activity of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. (26)
Hypoglycemic / α-glucosidase and α-amylase Inhibition: Study investigated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract. Phytochemical screening yielded reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and steroids. Results showed antidiabetic effect through antioxidant and possibly α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibiting activities. (27)
• Hypnotic / Sleep-Prolonging Effect: Study evaluated the sleep-prolonging effect of Ocimum basilicum. A hydroalcoholic extract increased the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep and decreased sleep latency. The hypnotic effect was comparable to diazepam. LD50 of HAE was 2.4 g/kg with no effect on viability of neuronal PC12 cells and L929 fibroblast cells. Results showed potentiation of sleeping behaviors without any cytotoxicity. (29)
• Antibacterial / Synergism / Essential Oil in Combination with Antibiotic: Study evaluated the effects of the combination of standard antibiotics and O. basilicum essential oil against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. O. basilicum essential oil with standard antibiotics may increase antibacterial activity through synergism. The antibacterial activity of OB essential oil may be associated with linalool. (30)
• Antimicrobial / Essential Oil / Flowering Aerial Parts: Study for essential oil of flowering aerial parts yielded twenty-five constituents. Major constituents were methyl eugenol (39.3%) and methyl chavicol (38.3%), accounting for 98.6% of the total oil. The oil was found active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and fungi. (32)
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study evaluated an ethanol extract of O. basilicum for anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan induced paw edema in male Wistar rats. Diminished paw inflammation was evidenced by reduction in paw thickness (p<0.001) and MPO activity (p<0.001). The significant decrease in inflammatory reaction induce by carrageenan could be due to its antioxidant effects. (33)
• Oxidative / Anti-Genotoxic / Anti-Inflammatory: Study evaluated the genotoxic, oxidative, and anti-inflammatory parameters from various concentrations of extract of O. basilicum extract. Results showed O. basilicum act as an antioxidant and is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as rosmarinic acid, all with known antioxidant activity. Study also showed anti-inflammatory activity, probably through an interaction between the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator and stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. (34)
• Analgesic / Sedative / Leaves: Study evaluated the analgesic and sedative effect of different doses of alcoholic leaves extract of O. basilicum in a male rat model. Results of formalin test showed a significant reduction in mean value of nociceptive response in both early and late phase. A dose of 100 mg/kg showed potent sedative effect in pentobarbitone sleeping time test and open field test. (35)
• Antibacterial Against E. Coli / Leaves: Study evaluated the in-vivo antibacterial activity of leaves extract inn rats with diarrhea induced by oral administration of pathogenic E. coli. An ethanol extract of leaves at dose of 200 mg/kbw showed antidiarrheal activity which may be due to secondary metabolite constituents. (see constituents above) (36)
• Antihypertensive / Renovascular Hypertension in Rats: Study evaluated the possible antihypertensive effects of O. basilicum extract in renovascular hypertensive rats. Results showed reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and endothelin (ET)-1. Effects were consistent with an effect on the ET-converting enzyme. (37)
• Nephroprotective in Deltamethrin Induced Nephrotoxicity: Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide extensively used in pest control but which has showed various toxicity in mammalian animals. Study evaluated the potential protective effect of OB extract on deltamethriin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Results showed a beneficial impact attributed to its antioxidant effect. (38)
• Cardioprotective Against Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated an ethanolic extract of aerial parts of O. basilicum on cardiac functions and histopathological changes in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Extract treatment significantly improved the severe myocardial necrosis and fibrosis and sharp reduction in LV contractility and marked increase in LVEDP seen in the isoproterenol group. The cardioprotective effects may be due to antioxidative activities. (see constituents above) (39)
• Pharmacological and Toxicological Benefits: While Ocimum basilicum is considered an important ingredient in healthy diets, safety concerns have been raised about the promutagens and procarcinogens alkenylbenzenes it contains. From a toxicological perspective, since the tumorigenic potential of alkenylbenzenes is counteracted by other OV constituents such as nevadensin, it can be considered safe for consumption in food and various preparations. Due to the polyphenolic and flavonoidic content, OB can be an ingredient in healthy diets. Study suggests a concentration limit for alkenylbenzenes should be defined and use of plant chemotypes with no or low levels of these alkylbenzenes for the preparation of essential oils should be compulsory. (40)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Leaf Essential Oil: Study of leaf essential oil yielded 2 monoterpenes, 7 oxygenated monoterpene derivatives, 2 sesquiterpenes, a long chain monocarboxylic acid and a triterpene, alpha-amyrin. At 50 µg/ear OBV and OB hexane extract exhibited significant (p<0.05) topical anti-inflammatory effect with edema inhibitions of 50.0 and 6%, respectively. When compared with hydrocortisone, OBV exhibited better anti-inflammatory effect. (41)
• Antimicrobial against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Study evaluated the antibacterial activity of major chemical components in a crude extract of OB against MESA isolated from clinical specimens. TLC and column chromatography isolated two major compounds: linalool (1) and 1,8-cineole (2). The crude extract and isolated compounds exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity at dose level of 34.5 mg/disc for disc diffusion method. (42)
• Cytotoxicity / Human Cancer Cell Lines: Study evaluated the cytotoxicity of Cocimum basilicum against human cancer HL60 cell lines using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Results showed inhibition of proliferation of HL60s cells in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 of 45.67 µg/ml. (44)
• Silver Nanoparticles / :Leaves: Study reports on the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of O. basilicum as reducing agent. (45)
• Therapeutic Phytochemicals for Neurodegenerative Diseases / Antioxidant: Study evaluated the neuroprotective properties of O. basilicum. Rosmarinic acid was quantified in crude hydroethanolic extracts of flower, leaf, and stem using HPTLC. The neuroprotective effects of phenolic-rich fractions of leaf was evaluated on H2O2-induced oxidative stress on SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Pretreatment with EA fraction attenuated cell death induced by H2O2 more than the ethanol fraction and crude extract. Pretreatment with the leaf extract protected rats from scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Results suggest neuroprotective actions possibly associated with its antioxidant properties. (46)
• Hepatoprotective / Sodium Arsenite-Induced Hepatotoxicity / Leaves: Study evaluated the effects of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of O basilicum on sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Results showed significant (p<0.05) reduction of mean liver and serum y-glutamyl transferase and ALP activities. Treatment before administration of sodium arsenite resulted in attenuation of ALT and AST activities. The hepatoprotective effects of O. basilicum may be linked to their antioxidant activities. (47)
• Antihyperglycemic / Leaves: Study evaluated the antihyperglycemic effect of methanol-dichlormethane leaf extract of O. basilicum in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Results showed extracts and fractions caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose of alloxan diabetic rats. In normal rats, the extract did not reduce blood glucose level but suppressed postprandial blood glucose. Phytochemical screening of extract and fractions yielded carbohydrate, glycosides, reducing sugars, resins, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. (48)
• Antiepileptic / Leaves: Study evaluated the antiepileptic effect of O. basilicum in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced epilepsy model in mice. The hydroalcoholic extract at dose of 250 mg/kg dose showed dose-dependent antiepileptic activity. (49)
• Aroma Content of Leaves / Effect of Light Reflected from Colored Mulches: Study evaluated the effect of different colors reflected from soil surface to developing leaves and its influence on concentrations of volatile compounds. Study for volatile compounds isolated 26 compounds of which terpenoids linalool and 1,8-cineole comprised more than 50% of total yield. Concentration of volatile compound from leaves that developed over green, blue, yellow, white and red mulches followed the same pattern as dried leaves of the same cultivar. The concentration of volatile compounds from fresh leaves was about 50-fold higher than those in the previous study of air-dried leaves. (51)

Toxicity
Although known for its medicinal benefits, it contains some potentially dangerous compounds: safrole, rutin, caffeic acid, tryptophan and quercetin. (See: Medicinal Plants for Livestock / Cornell University)

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Cultivated for condiment and culinary use. 

Updated July 2019 / August 2017 / February 2017 / March 2014

Photos / Content © Godofredo Stuart / StuartXchange
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: / Graphic / File:Ocimum basilicum Blanco2.407-cropped.jpg / Flora de Filipinas / 1880 - 1883 / Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A ) Modifications by Carol Spears /Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Photo / Flower Closup / File:Ocimum basilicum flower closeup.JPG/ 10 Oct 2010 / Leonardo Re-Jorge / GNU Free Documentation License / Wikimedia Commons

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Comparative study of volatile compounds from genus Ocimum / American Journal of Applied Sciences , March, 2009 by S. Raseetha Vani, S.F. Cheng, C.H. Chuah
(2)
Ocimum basilicum, O. americanum, and O. micranthum / Cornell.edu.plants
(3)
Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio–venous shunt thrombosis in vivo / Ibadet Tohti, Maynur Tursuna, Anwar Umar, Subat Turdi, Horyat Imin and Nicholas Moore/ Thrombosis Research, 2006; 118(6): pp 733-739 /
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2005.12.011
(4)
Cardiac stimulant activity of Ocimum basilicum Linn. extracts / A Muralidharan, R Dhananjayan / Indian J Pharmacology, 2004; 36(3):pp 163-166
(5)
Antimicrobial Effects of Ocimum basilicum (Labiatae) Extract / Ahmet ADIGUZEL, et al / Turk J Biol, 2005; 29: pp 155-160
(6)
Recent uses / Philippine Inquirer. Monica Feria. Oct 6, 2007
(7)
Effects of Ocimum Basilicum on Functional Dyspepsia: a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study: / M. Rafieian-kopaei, K. Hosseini-asl / IJMS, September 2005; Vol 30, No 3: pp 134-137
(8)
Anthocyanins in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) / J. Agric. Food Chem., 1998, 46 (5), pp 1734–1738 DOI: 10.1021/jf970887r
(9)
Medicinal Plants for Livestock - Ocimum basilicum / Cornell University / Dept of Animal Science
(10)
Antioxidant Activity of Coleus Blumei, Orthosiphon Stamineus, Ocimum basilicum and Mentha arvensis from Lamiaceae Family
/ International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences 2 (1): 93-95, 2008
ISSN: 1307-1149, www.nobelonline.net
(11)
Prevention of Ethanol-induced Gastric Mucosal Injury by Ocimum basilicum Seed Extract in Rats / Mahmood A.A., and Sidik K. , and Fouad H.M., (2007)
/ ASM Science Journal, 1 (1). pp. 1-6. ISSN 1823-6782
(12)
Synergistic Effects of Alcholic Extract of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L) Leaves and Honey on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats / Intl Journ of Molec Med and Adv Sciences 1(3):220-224,2005
(13)
Vasorelaxant and anti-platelet aggregation effects of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract / Souliman Amrani et al / Journal of Ethnopharmacology, August 2009; Volume 125, Issue 1: pp 157-162 / doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.05.043
(14)
Potential Anti-inflammatory Properties of Crude Alcoholic Extract of O basilicum L. in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells / Chinnasamy Selvakkumar et al / Journal of Health Science, 2007; 53(4): pp 500-505
(15)
Chemomodulatory efficacy of Basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis / Dasgupta, T.; Rao, A.R.; Yadava, P.K. / Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology | February 1, 2004
(16)
IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM SPECIES: OCIMUM BASILICUM AND OCIMUM SANCTUM / B Ramesh / Journal of Cell and Tissue Research, April 1, 2010
(17)
Antibacterial and Antioxidant study of Ocimum basilicum Labiatae (sweet basil)
/ Dinanath D Patil, Dnyandeo K. Mhaske, Gurumeet C. Wadhawa / Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research 2: 104-112 (2011)
(18)
Essential Oil Composition of Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum minimum L. in Turkey
/ Musa Ozcan and Jean-clause Chalchat / Czech J. Food Sci. Vol. 20, No. 6: 223–228
(19)
|Sorting Ocimum names / Authorised by Prof. Snow Barlow / Maintained by: Michel H. Porcher / MULTILINGUAL MULTISCRIPT PLANT NAME DATABASE / Copyright © 1997 - 2000 The University of Melbourne.
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Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum basilicum L. on Benzene-Induced Hematotoxicity in Mice /
S. Saha, M. K. Mukhopadhyay, P. D. Ghosh, and D. Nath /
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2012 (2012) / doi:10.1155/2012/176385
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Essential oil from Ocimum basilicum (Omani Basil): a desert crop. / Al-Maskri AY, Hanif MA, Al-Maskari MY, Abraham AS, Al-sabahi JN, Al-Mantheri O./ Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Oct;6(10):1487-90.
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PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON OCIMUM BASILICUM LINN - A REVIEW / Alia Bilal, Nasreen Jahan, Ajij Ahmed, Saima Naaz Bilal, Shahida Habib, Syeda Hajra / IJCRR, 2012; 4(23)
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Optimisation study of gum extraction from Basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum L.) / Seyed M. A. Razavi, Seyed Ali Mortazavi, Lara Matia-Merino, Seyed H. Hosseini-Parvar, * Ali Motamedzadegan & Elham Khanipour / International Journal of Food Science and Technology 2009, 44, 1755–1762
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Anti-proliferative activity of essential oil extracted from Thai medicinal plants on KB and P388 cell lines / Cancer Letters, Vol 235, Issue 1, Pages 114-120 / J. Manosroi, P. Dhumtanom, A. Manosroi

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Central properties and chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum essential oil / Ismail M / Pharmaceutical biology • 2006, vol. 44, no8, pp. 619-626 / INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 1635, 35400013915583.0100
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The effects of green Ocimum basilicum hydroalcoholic extract on retention and retrieval of memory in mice / Shadi Sarahroodi, Somayyeh Esmaeili, Peyman Mikaili, Zahra Hemmati, Yousof Saberi / DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.107354 / Ancient Sci Life [serial online] 2012 [cited 2014 Mar 10];31:185-9.
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Hypoglycemic effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) aqueous extract is mediated through inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities- An in vitro study / HA El-Beshbishy, SA Bahashwan / doi: 10.1177/0748233711403193 / Toxicology and Industrial Health, June 2011, 28(1): pp 42-50
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Ocimum basilicum / Synonyms / The Plant List
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Hypnotic Effect of Ocimum basilicum on Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep in Mice. / Askari VR, Baradaran Rahimi V, Ghorbani A, Rakhshandeh H / Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2016 Mar 27;18(7):e24261. / doi: 10.5812/ircmj.24261.
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Ocimum basilicum: Antibacterial activity and association study with antibiotics against bacteria of clinical importance / Araújo SV, Pereira SJ, de Luna FPH, Fernanda RFA, Douglas MCH, Beuttenmuller NAL, Oliveira LE / Pharmaceutical biology, 2016; 54(5): 863-7.
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Comparative Study of Volatile Compounds from Genus Ocimum / S. Raseetha Vani, S.F. Cheng and C.H. Chuah / American Journal of Applied Sciences 6 (3): 523-528, 2009
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Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) from Western Ghats of North West Karnataka, India / Rajesh K. Joshi / Anc Sci Life, Jan-Mar 2014; 33(3): pp 151–156. / doi: 10.4103/0257-7941.144618
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The Effects of Ocimum Basilicum Ethanol Extract on Carrageenan Induced Paw Inflammation in Rats /
Maryam Rameshrad, Ronak Salehian, Fatemeh Fathiazad, Sanaz Hamedeyazdan, Mehraveh Garjani, Nasrin Maleki-Dizaji*, Reza Vosooghi / Pharmaceutical Sciences, March 2015, 20, 149-156
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Evaluation of basil extract ( Ocimum basilicum L.) on oxidative, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects in human leukocytes cell cultures exposed to challenging agents / Camila Martins Güez, Raul Oliveira de Souza, Paula Fischer, Maria Fernanda de Moura Leão, Jonathaline Apollo Duarte, Aline Augusti Boligon, Margareth Linde Athayde, Luísa Zuravski, Luís Flávio Souza de Oliveira, Michel Mansur Machado / Braz. J. Pharm. Sci., 2017; 53(1) São Paulo  / http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902017000115098
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STUDY THE ANALGESIC AND SEDATIVE EFFECT OF Ocimum basilicum ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT IN MALE RATS. / Seab Emad Sahib Al-Ghurabi / Diyala Agricultural Sciences Journal, 2014; 6( 1): pp 9 – 22
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Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves against Escherichia coli in experimentally infected Rats / Sarhan R. Sarhan* Orooba M.S. Ibrahim** / Kufa Journal For Veterinary Medical Sciences Vol. (5) No. (2) 2014
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Antihypertensive effects of Ocimum basilicum L. (OBL) on blood pressure in renovascular hypertensive rats / Anwar Umar, Guzelnur Imam, Wuliya Yimin, Parhat Kerim, Ibadet Tohti, Bénédicte Berké and Nicholas Moore / Hypertension Research (2010) 33, 727–730 / doi:10.1038/hr.2010.64
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Effect of leave extract of Ocimum basilicum on deltamethrin induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats / Saber A. Sakr and Wael M. Al-Amoudi / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02 (05); 2012: 22-27
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Phytochemical screening and evaluation of cardioprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) against isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats
/ Fatemeh Fathiazad, Amin MatlobiArash KhorramiSanaz HamedeyazdanHamid SorayaMojtaba HammamiNasrin Maleki-Dizaji and Alireza Garjani / DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2012, 20:87 / https://doi.org/10.1186/2008-2231-20-87
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The potential effects of Ocimum basilicum on health: a review of pharmacological and toxicological studies
/ Sestili P, Ismail T, Calcabrini C, Guescini M, Catanzaro E. Turrini E, Layla A. Akhtar S. Fimognari C / Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2018 Jul;14(7):679-692. doi: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1484450
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CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM THE LEAVES OF OCIMUM BASILICUM L. AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM L. (LAMIACEAE) / Festus B.C. Okoye, Wilfred O. Obonga, Felix A. Onyegbule, Okechukwu O. Ndu  and Chibueze P. Ihekwereme / INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES AND RESEARCH
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Major Compounds from Ocimum basilicum L. and their Antimicrobial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Thongchai Taechowisan, Jakkrit Jantiya, Nutthapol Mungchukeatsakul, and Waya S Phutdhawong / Biomed J Sci & Tech Res, 2018; 3(3) / DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.03.000910
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Chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil from different regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using Gas chromatography mass spectrometer / Amal MA Ladwani, Salman M and Abdel Hameed ES / Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies; 2018; 6(1): pp 14-19
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EVALUATION OF IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF OCIMUM BASILICUM AND MENTHA SPICATA EXTRACTS / SREENIVASAN SASIDHARAN, JEGATHAMBIGAI RAMESHWAR NAIDU, MANISH GUNJAN / Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, June 2016; 9(3): pp 131-134
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GC/MS Study of Phytocompounds from The Leaves of Sweet Basil / Uraku AJ / EC (ECronicon) Pharmaceutical Science, 2016; 2.2: pp 265-277
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Potential therapeutic phytochemicals from Ocimum basilicum for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases / Norazrina Azmi, Manali H Mohd-Zahid, Juriyati Jalil, Kok M Chan, Nor S Yaakob and Heng H Tee / 14th Meeting of the Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry.  /
DOI: 10.3389/conf.fncel.2016.36.00032
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Aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) protect against sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats / Gbadegesin M.A and Odunola O.A / Nig. J. Physio. Sci., 2010; 25: pp 29-36
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Preliminary antihyperglycemic activity-guided studies on the leaf extract and fractions of Ocimum basilicum L. / F. N. Mbaoji , C. O. Okoli and A. C. Ezike / J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2014, 6(4): pp 575-580
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Antiepileptic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of basil in mice
/ Mehrdad Modaresi, Arezoo Pouriyanzadeh, Majid Asadi-Samani / J HerbMed Pharmacol., 2014; 3(1): pp 57-60.
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SR: PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND MINERAL ELEMENTS COMPOSITION OF OCIMUM BASILICUM OBTAINED IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA. / DANIEL, V. N.; DANIANG, I. E. AND NIMYEL, N. D. / International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET-IJENS, 2011; 11(06): pp 161-165
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Aroma Content of Fresh Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Leaves Is Affected by Light Reflected from Colored Mulches / JOHN H. LOUGHRIN AND MICHAEL J. KASPERBAUER / J. Agric. Food Chem., 2003; 51: pp 2272−2276

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