Basil “Culinary Plant Of High Medical Value”: A Comprehensive Review Of Traditional, Medicinal And Pharmacological Potency

Abstract

Basil, a herb celebrated for its vibrant leaves and aromatic essence, transcends mere culinary delight to embody a multi-dimensional significance in our lives. Revered across cultures, it intertwines with rituals, traditions, and spiritual practices, often holding a sacred place in religious ceremonies. Beyond the kitchen, basil boasts a rich history in traditional medicine, acknowledged for its therapeutic properties. From soothing anxiousness to aiding digestion, its applications in holistic wellness have been valued for generations. This extensive review delves into the myriad therapeutic potentials of Ocimum basilicum, highlighting its diverse applications in various medical domains. The exploration spans its impact on antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, viral infections, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and wound healing. Studies showcased the efficacy of O. basilicum extracts in altering cancer cell viability and inducing apoptosis, underscoring its potential as an anticancer agent. Moreover, investigations revealed its anti-inflammatory properties, substantiated by its influence on cytokine expression and inhibition of nitric oxide production. The plant's antiviral activities against DNA and RNA viruses, along with its role in mitigating oxidative stress, hint at its broad-spectrum therapeutic capabilities. Notably, O. basilicum exhibited hypoglycemic effects, showcasing promise in diabetes management. Its hypolipidemic attributes further position it as a potential remedy for lipid disorders. Studies also highlighted its role in platelet aggregation inhibition and experimental thrombus reduction, showcasing its potential in cardiovascular health. The plant's impact extended to wound healing, where its application significantly accelerated the process and maintained wound sterility, emphasizing its efficacy in therapeutic interventions. Notably, combinations of O. basilicum extracts with other compounds demonstrated enhanced effects in certain studies, suggesting the potential for synergistic therapeutic approaches. Future research avenues include a deeper exploration of its molecular mechanisms, synergistic effects in combination therapies, and unexplored therapeutic facets. This work contributes significantly to the pharmaceutical landscape, laying the groundwork for novel drug discoveries and innovative therapeutic modalities, thereby highlighting nature's abundant pharmacological potential within Ocimum basilicum.

Historically, the leaves of the Basil plant have been consumed by a significant population. It has been regarded as the sovereign of all spices, well-known for its recuperating properties. A current study offers amazing proof that Basil decreases blood pressure, upgrades endurance, mitigates irritation, brings down cholesterol, wipes out poisons, ensures against radiation, forestalls gastric ulcers, brings down fevers, improves processing, and gives a rich stock of cancer prevention agents and different supplements. Basil is particularly compelling in supporting the heart, veins, liver, and lungs and controls pulse and glucose. Basil is cultivated for religious and traditional medicine purposes and it's an essential oil. It is widely used as a herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has a place within the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving holy basil plants or leaves. Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.  The Tulsi or Basil or holy basil, a medicinal herb, aromatic, culinary, native in India and Southeast Asia, it contains different chemicals as well as phytochemicals such as rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, oleanolic acid, β-caryophyllene etc. utilized as ayurveda practice and siddha practice. The Tulsi is characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, and it provides the treatment of asthma, anxiety, bronchitis, flu, respiratory infections, high sugar and cholesterol levels, etc.