Basil

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A tincture made from the leaves of the Basil (Ocimum basilicum) plant

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Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Traditional Medicine, Regional Names, and Safety Profile

Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, is more than just a culinary herb—it has a rich history of medicinal use spanning thousands of years across diverse cultures. This comprehensive report explores basil's traditional medicinal applications, its various names and important safety considerations based on published scientific research.

Traditional Medicinal Uses of Basil Leaves

The therapeutic applications of basil leaves demonstrate remarkable diversity across ancient healing systems and traditional medicine practices worldwide.

Digestive System Applications

Basil leaves have been extensively used to treat various digestive disorders across multiple traditional medicine systems. They are known to act principally on the digestive system, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic, and indigestion^[1]. In Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional practices, basil is used to treat digestive system disorders including stomach ache, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis^[2]^[3]. The leaves can be fermented as tea to alleviate diarrhea, nausea, and gas^[4].

Respiratory and Immune System Benefits

Basil has traditional applications for respiratory ailments, serving as an expectorant and being used to treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis^[5]^[6]. In Chinese herbalism, basil is used to combat colds, while in Ayurveda, particularly holy basil or Tulsi (a related species), is utilized for respiratory conditions^[6]. The plant's immunomodulatory properties have been recognized in traditional Indian and Asian medicine for thousands of years^[7].

Anti-inflammatory and Pain Management

Historically, basil has been valued as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and analgesic (pain reliever)^[7]. The leaves are traditionally used for treating headaches, migraines, and various inflammatory conditions^[5]^[3]. In folk medicine, basil is employed as an antispasmodic agent that can relieve muscle spasms and associated pain^[8].

Stress and Nervous System Support

Basil functions as an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and its symptoms, including lethargy, anxiety, headaches, and irritability^[5]. In European folk medicine, it has been traditionally used as a calming herb to soothe nerves and treat symptoms of depression^[6]. The herb is also used to address insomnia, low spirits, anxiety, and exhaustion^[3]^[5].

Additional Traditional Applications

Beyond these primary uses, basil has been traditionally employed for numerous other conditions:

· Treatment of eye diseases^[4]

· Management of kidney disorders and support for the urinary system^[5]^[8]

· Antimicrobial applications against bacterial infections and intestinal parasites^[3]

· As a natural febrifuge to reduce and prevent fevers^[5]^[3]

· Treatment of cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine^[4]

· In China, the polysaccharide component has been used to treat cancer^[4]

· Topical application for skin conditions, acne, insect stings, and skin infections^[3]

Other Names for Basil (Particularly in South Africa)

Basil is known by various names across different languages and regions:

South African Names

· In Afrikaans: "basilikum" or "Basilie"^[9]

· In Zulu: "I-Basil"^[10]

Common International Names

· Sweet Basil^[7]^[11]

· Common Basil^[12]

· Genovese Basil^[12]

· Great Basil^[12]

· Garden Basil^[5]

· Saint-Joseph's-wort^[12]

Related Species and Cultivars

· BASIL SWEET - THAI (Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen') - a specific cultivar grown in South Africa^[3]

· African Basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) - also known as: Clove Basil, East Indian Basil, Nchanwu Leaf, Russian Basil, Shrubby Basil, Tree Basil, and Wild Basil (in Hawaii)^[13]

Side Effects

While basil is generally considered safe when consumed in culinary amounts, published research has identified potential side effects when used medicinally:

General Safety Profile

· Basil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts^[14]

· Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as medicine short-term^[14]

· In some people, basil can cause low blood sugar^[14]

Potential Toxicity Concerns

· The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as medicine long-term because they contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of liver cancer^[14]

· Toxicity studies found that while the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of subjects) of Ocimum basilicum in acute studies was high (>5 mg/kg), sub-chronic studies showed reductions in hematocrit, platelets, and red blood cell count in laboratory animals, though no adverse effects on other parameters were observed^[15]

· At recommended doses, the oil of O. basilicum is considered safe for humans according to animal studies^[15]

Allergic Reactions

· Although rare, allergic reactions to basil may occur in some individuals, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling^[16]

Contraindications

Published research indicates several situations where basil use should be avoided or approached with caution:

Special Populations

· Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts, but larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE due to the estragole content, which has shown carcinogenic effects in laboratory studies^[14]. Emmenagogue and abortifacient effects have been reported for O. basilicum, suggesting it should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in amounts larger than those used in cooking^[12]^[13]

· Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts, but larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE due to the same concerns regarding estragole^[14]

Medical Conditions

· Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase bleeding, potentially worsening bleeding disorders^[14]

· Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure and could make blood pressure become too low in people with already low blood pressure^[14]

· Pre-surgical considerations: Due to its potential effects on blood clotting, basil use should be discontinued at least two weeks before scheduled surgical procedures^[14]

· Hypersensitivity: Individuals with known hypersensitivity to any components of the plant species should avoid basil use^[13]

Drug Interactions

Published research has identified several potential interactions between basil and pharmaceutical medications:

Cardiovascular Medications

· Antihypertensive drugs: Basil extract might decrease blood pressure, potentially causing hypotension when combined with medications for lowering high blood pressure. Examples include captopril, enalapril, losartan, valsartan, diltiazem, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and others^[14]

Blood-Clotting Medications

· Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting, increasing the chances of bruising and bleeding when taken alongside medications with similar effects. Examples include aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin, and others^[14]

· Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin^[16]

Metabolism-Related Interactions

· CYP enzyme interactions: O. basilicum extracts may cause clinically relevant herb-drug interactions with CYP2B6 enzyme substrates. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed reversible and time-dependent inhibition of CYP2B6^[17]^[18]

· Rifampicin metabolism: Basil extracts can affect the metabolism of rifampicin (an important tuberculosis medication) by inhibiting its conversion to 25-O-desacetyl rifampicin. This suggests potential interactions with tuberculosis treatments^[17]^[18]

· Enzyme induction effects: The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of basil moderately induced CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 mRNA expression, suggesting potential interactions with drugs metabolized by these enzymes^[17]

Conclusion

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has an extensive history of traditional medicinal use across various cultures, particularly for digestive, respiratory, inflammatory, and nervous system conditions. In South Africa, it is known by different names in local languages, including "basilikum" or "Basilie" in Afrikaans and "I-Basil" in Zulu. While generally safe in culinary amounts, published research indicates potential side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions when used medicinally, particularly concerning blood clotting, blood pressure regulation, pregnancy, and drug metabolism. Individuals considering medicinal use of basil should consult healthcare providers, especially those with existing health conditions or those taking medications that might interact with this herb.

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1. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ocimum+basilicum

2. https://medcraveonline.com/JBMOA/ocimum-basilicum-basiltulsi-a-herbal-sustainable-treasure-and-its-therapeutic-potency.html

3. https://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/herbinfo.php?id=321

4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X241247640

5. https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/basil/

6. https://sacredplantco.com/blogs/growing-guides/basils-medicinal-qualities-and-traditional-uses

7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10237160/

8. https://dsps.lib.uiowa.edu/roots/basil/

9. https://glosbe.com/en/af/basil

10. https://southafrica.co.za/zu/ibasil.html

11. https://southafrica.co.za/basil.html