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| HOLY BASIL TINCTURE (tinctura Ocimum sanctum) from AMAZON HERBS® |
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OverviewHoly basil (Tulsi), an herb native to India is regarded as one of the most important plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is an erect, much branched sub-shrub 40 - 90 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented. Traditionally it is used in bronchial asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, malarial fevers, gastric disorders and in hepatic infections. The leaves are used against bronchitis, ringworm and earache. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties. It promotes general health and supports the body's natural defense against stress and illness. It seems to increases endurance, inhibits ulcer formation, and protects against gamma radiation. The leaves may improve pancreatic beta cell function and enhance insulin secretion. A tincture and infused of the dried whole plant is made. Pharmacological studies have established a scientific basis for therapeutic uses of this plant. Constituents Essential oils (eugenol, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene); sesquiterpenes & monoterpenes viz., bornyl acetate, ß-elemene, methyleugenol, neral, ß-pinene, camphene, a-pinene etc. : ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol and methyl esters of common fatty acids. Pharmacology Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to the high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene). One study showed it to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels when using Holy basil. Another study showed the beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties. Holy basil also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts. The alcoholic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum was tested for analgesic activity. The results of the study suggest that the analgesic action is exerted both centrally as well as peripherally and involves an interplay between various neurotransmitter systems. The protective effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum on haloperidol induced catalepsy was evaluated. The results suggest that Ocimum has a protective effect against haloperidol-induced catalepsy, which is comparable to the standard drugs (scopolamine and ondansetron) used for the same purpose. The study indicates that Holy basil could be used to prevent drug-induced extrapyramidal side effects. Ocimum sanctum leaves have been reported to reduce blood glucose when administered humans with diabetes. Findings indicate that constituents of O. sanctum leaf extracts have stimulatory effects on physiological pathways of insulin secretion which may underlie its reported antidiabetic action. Applications Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, analgesic, anti-tumor & antibacterial. Dosage Tincture: 1 - 2 ml, two times daily Infusion: 1 - 2 cups daily Reference Anticancer Activity of Ocimum Sanctum Karthikeyan K.; Gunasekaran P.; Ramamurthy N.; Govindasamy S. Pharmaceutical Biology (Formerly International Journal of Pharmacognosy), Volume 37, No 4, October 1999 , pp. 285-290 Ocimum sanctum leaf extracts stimulate insulin secretion from perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancreatic ß-cells. J M A Hannan, L Marenah, L Ali¹, B Rokeya¹, P R Flatt and Y H A Abdel-Wahab Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK ¹ Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Research Group, BIRDEM, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over - the - counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and / or pharmacist for any health problem and before using dietary supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. |
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