Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM SANCTUM (TULSI): A REVIEW

Parvati D. Shere*, Apeksha B. Korde, Maya M. Sonwane, Gitanjali Chavan and Naresh Jaiswal

Abstract

In present review, an attempt has made to assemble the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological information of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (OS, Tulsi), a medicinal herb uses in the indigenous system of medication. OS has been worshiped in nearly all ancient ayurvedic texts intended for its extraordinary medicinal properties. pungent and bitter in taste and hot, light & dry in effect. Its seeds are considered too cold in effect. The roots, leaves and seeds of Tulsi have several medicinal properties. Ayurvedic texts categorise OS as stimulant, fragrant and antipyretic. While improving kapha and vata, it worsens pitta. It has a wide range of action on the human body mainly as a cough alleviant, a sweat-inducer and a mitigator of indigestion and anorexia. OS has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antihypertensive, central nervous system (CNS) depressant, memory enhancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antioxidant, anticancer, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, antifertility, antistress, antileucodermal and anticoagulant activities. This review will definitely benefit for the researchers as dealing with O. sanctum to know its proper usage as this herb is appeared to be highly valuable, having many pharmacological properties.

Keywords: Medicinal properties, Ocimum sanctum (OS, Tulsi), Pharmacological activities.