“Tulsi” - the Wonder Herb (Pharmacological Activities of Ocimum Sanctum)

Ocimum sanctum is an annual herb belonging to the mint family with 150 varieties worldwide. Ocimum sanctum emits a spicy scent when bruised. It is believed to purify expectorants, and called the “wonder herb”. Tulsi is pungent and bitter in taste, pungent in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. The roots, leaves and seeds of Tulsi possess several medicinal properties. Ayurvedic texts categorise Tulsi as stimulant, aromatic and antipyretic. It has a variety of biological / pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti protozoal, anti malarial, anthelmentic, anti diarrhoeal, analgesic, antipyretic, anti inflammatory, anti allergic, antihypertensive, cardio protective, central nervous system (CNS) depressant, memory enhancer, antihypercholesterolaemic, hepatoprotective, anti diabetic, anti asthmatic, anti thyroidic, antioxidant, anticancer, chemopreventive, radio protective, immunomodulatory, anti fertility, antiulcer, anti arthritic, adaptogenic / anti stress, anti cataract, anti leucodermal and anticoagulant

Author(s): Sai Krishna. G, Bhavani Ramesh.T and Prem Kumar.P

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