Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTIC ACCOUNT OF TULSI

*Priyanka Vyavahare, Narhari Patil, Prapti Musale, Nikita Marakad, Shweta Basawade, Sanket Kare

Abstract

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum [OS] Linn.) is an aromatic plant belongs to family Lamiaceae. It is traditionally used for preparation of various Ayurvedic formulations for treatment of bronchitis, influenza, and asthma. Hot concoction of Tulsi leaves is usually provided for immediate relief in cold, sneezing nose, cough, malaria, and dengue. This article explains the biological effectiveness of OS against diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, arthritis, various microbes, and parasites. Tulsi extracts and its various bio-organic constituents showed antioxidant activity, anti-atherogenic effect, antiaging, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antistress, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, antihelmintic, repellent and larvicidal activity. Tulsi active ingredients showed antiinflammatory properties and also play a role in modulation of both cellular and humeral immunity. Plant shows healing properties in hepatic injury and gastric ulcer. It relieves from stress, restore and improve body immunity and digestion. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the botanical, phytochemical, ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and toxicological information on Ocimum sanctum Linn. (OS, Tulsi), a medicinal herb used in the indigenous system of medicine. OS hasbeen adored in almost all ancient ayurvedic texts for its extraordinary medicinal properties. It is pungent and bitter in taste and hot, light and dry in effect. Its seeds are considered to be cold in effect. The roots, leaves and seeds of Tulsi possess several medicinalproperties. Tulsi is an important symbol of the Hindu religious tradition. Although the word „Tulsi‟ gives the connotation of the incomparable one, its other name, Vishnupriya means the one that pleases Lord Vishnu. Found in most of the Indian homes and worshipped, its legend has permeated Indian ethos down the ages. Known in English as Holy Basil and botanically called Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi belongs to plant family Lamiaceae.

Keywords: Ocimum sanctum; Tulsi; Anti-microbial; Pharmacological Activities.