Shirish S. Pingale et al.

/ Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220

Review Article Available online through
ISSN: 0974-6943 www.jpronline.info
Therapeutic activities of Ocimum tenuiflorum accounted in last decade: A review
Shirish S. Pingalea*, Narayan P. Firke b and Anil G. Markandeya b
a*
Department of Chemistry, Gramonnati Mandal’s ACS College, Narayangaon, Pune 410 504, India
b
Department of Chemistry, Deccan Education Societies Fergusson College, (Affiliated to University of Pune),Pune 411 004, India
Received on:11-01-2012; Revised on: 17-02-2012; Accepted on:19-04-2012

ABSTRACT
Ocimum tenuiflorum is broadly distributed in Asia and occurred almost in all the seasons. Ocimum tenuiflorum synonym: Ocimum sanctum (English: Holy
Basil) belongs to family Lamiaceae; Labiatae. The essential oil of fresh leaves from Ocimum tenuiflorum is found to contain Eugenol, ß-caryophyllene, ß-
elemene and germacrene D as major phytochemical constituents. Recently, the extract of the Ocimum tenuiflorum has been established as potent in
radioprotective activity. The review accounts for anthelmintic, antiaflatoxigenic, antibacterial, anticancer, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antifungal/anticandidal,
antimetastatic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antistress, antiviral, anxiety, cardio protective, chemoprotective, cognition improvement,
hepatosupression, hyperlipidemia, immunomodulatory, noise stress release, renal damage recovery and wound healing activities.

Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, eugenol, anticancer, antidiabetic radioprotective, silver and gold nano-particles.

INTRODUCTION:
Since ancient time the plant Ocimum tenuiflorum synonym: Ocimum sanc-
tum (Tulsi) family: Lamiaceae; Labiatae, the most sacred herb (English name:
Holy Basil) of India is well known for its enormous therapeutic activities and
prevention against diseases. Ocimum tenuiflorum plant is an admired deity
herb native to India, extensively dispersed, cultivated over the globe[1]. It
was the Rig-Veda (3500-1600 B.C.), the first and earliest reference found in
India quoting the medicinal plant was used as therapeutic medicine[2]. The
medicinal plant is claimed for its therapeutic application not only because
they are safe but also easily available, economical and effective. The Ocimum
tenuiflorum, plant as a whole (Leaves, stem, flower, root and seed) had been
used in several traditional medicine system like Ayurveda, Greek, Siddha,
Roman, Unani for its range of therapeutic activities. The therapeutic activi-
ties such as analgesic, anticancer, antiasthmatic, antimetic, diaphoretic, an-
tidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, hypolipidmic and
antistress have been attributed to Ocimum tenuiflorum[3-5].
Here is an opportunity to discuss about newly biosynthesized nanoparticles.
Recently silver and gold nano-particles were biosynthesized using Krishna
tulsi leaves. The method renders the hexagonal gold, silver nano-particles
having size around 30 nm and 10-20 nm respectively. The water soluble
ingredients present in the leaf extract of Krishna tulsi were responsible for
the reduction of silver and gold metal ions and capping of nanoparticles[6]. In
another such rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles, using dried basil and its
antibacterial activity has been reported. The silver particle obtained using
extract of sun dried root and stem were spherical and of sizes 10±2 and 5±1.5
nm respectively. The biomolecules present in the extract capped the silver
nanoparticles and control the size of it. It was observed that the size of silver
particle synthesized from stem extract were 62% more uniform than that
from the root (30%), thus in conclusion phenolic and flavonoids play a key
role in formation of silver particles[7]. In biosynthesis of stable silver
nanoparticles was done using Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract. These
biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized with the help of UV-Vis
spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Dynamic light
scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spec-
troscopy (FTIR), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sta-
bility of bio-reduced silver nanoparticles was analyzed using UV-vis absorp-
tion spectra, and their antimicrobial activity was screened against both gram-
negative and gram-positive microorganisms. It was observed that biosynthe-
sis of stable silver nanoparticles of size range 4-30 nm possess antimicrobial
activity[8].

Traditionally, Ocimum sanctum was used and known in treatment of bron-

chitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, dermal aliments, oph-
thalmic problems, insect bites. Ocimum sanctum, ethnomedicine has been
known for its use as antifertility drug and its therapeutic activity[3, 9, 10]

Therapeutic Activities:
Anthelmintic Activity: Anthelmintic is also known as vermicide. Benzimida-
zoles have been kown for anthelmintic activity. Albenodazole, Fenbendazole,
Mebendazole, Thiabendazole are few known as effective anthelmintic. In
Figure 1. Ocimum tenuiflorum (Ocimum sanctum) this context, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol were tested in
vitro and exhibits potent anthelmintic activity in the Caenorhabditis elegans
*Corresponding author.
model. Eugenol exhibited an effective dose ED(50) of 62.1 µg/ml. Eugenol
Shirish S. Pingale
being the predominant component of the essential oil, suggested as the po-
Department of Chemistry,
tential candidate for anthelmintic activity[11].
Gramonnati Mandal’s ACS College,
Narayangaon, Pune 410 504, India
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012 2215-2220
 Shirish S. Pingale et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220
Anti-aflatoxigenic Activity: Aflatoxigenic is the activity of fungi and bacte-
ria to ferment the food stuff into non-edible form. The Ocimum sanctum
essential oil and its major component, eugenol found active against the fungi
causing biodeterioration of food stuffs during storage. Ocimum sanctum and
eugenol were found effective in inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus flavus
NKDHV8; and, their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were re-
corded as 0.3 and 0.2 µg·ml-1 respectively. The LD (50) value of Ocimum
sanctum essential oil on mice was found to be 4571.43 µg·kg-1 and suggested
its non-toxic nature[12].
Antibacterial/Antimicrobial Activity:
With advance in medicinal chemistry, most of the antibiotics are synthetic or
modified form of the naturally occurring compounds; however this does not
restrict the quest for the new naturally occurring drug compounds. The
aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves was investigated for its antibac-
terial and therapeutic potential against bovine sub clinical mastitis[13]. The
isolation and characterization of the component/s of Ocimum sanctum was
carried out with activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae[14]. Escherichia Coli
is the common bacteria found in the stock water bodies. The conventional
chemical constituents of various plants were screened for evaluation of their
efficiency for antibacterial activity. Ocimum sanctum is effective against
Escherichia Coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus, Vibrio
Cholerae, Shigella dysenteriae and Proteus Vulgaris within specified contact
time. Ocimum sanctum extract was found effective against Escherichia Coli
with increase in specified contact time[15,16]. Methanol extract of Ocimum
sanctum was found to have comparatively higher activity than other organic
and aqueous extracts. Grampositive bacteria showed variable susceptibili-
ties while Gram-negative Salmonella typhi has shown to be completely resis-
tant to all the tested extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentration data showed
hopeful results as some of the extracts exhibited significant inhibitions of
bacteria even at low concentrations[17]. The chemical constituents of decoc-
tion (individual) and concoction (mixed) of ethanolic leaf extracts from
Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) were analyzed by
gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The mixed extract
had a high level of antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens as indicated
by zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bac-
tericidal concentration[18,19].
Anticancer Activity:
Recent research on finding the cause of cancer reveals that the damage caused
by free radical to DNA is the one of the reasons for carcinogenesis. The
Ocimum sanctum has been well known for its antioxidant property with
active ingredient such as eugenol and hence the plant has been studied for its
anticancer activity. The protective effect of alcoholic extract of the leaves of
Ocimum sanctum on 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA), 7,12-dimethyl-benzan-
thracene (DMBA) and aflatoxin B, (AFB(1)) induced skin tumorigenesis in
a mouse model was investigated. The leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum pro-
vides protection against chemical carcinogenesis in one or more of the fol-
lowing mechanisms: (i) by acting as an antioxidant; (ii) by modulating phase
I and II enzymes; (iii) by exhibiting antiproliferative activity[20]. Mechanism
for ethanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum as antitumor of was studied in A549
cells in vitro and the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) animal model. Overall,
results demonstrate that ethanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum induces
apoptosis in A549 cells via a mitochondria caspase dependent pathway and
inhibits the in vivo growth of LLC, suggesting that ethanol extracts of Ocimum
sanctum can be applied to lung carcinoma as a chemopreventive candidate[21].
Ocimum sanctum had been investigated against human fibrosarcoma cells
(HFS cells) in culture. Administration of aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 50
µg/ml of Ocimum sanctum to mice bearing Sarcoma-180 solid tumors medi-
ated a significant reduction in tumor volume and an increase in lifespan.
These observations conclude Ocimum sanctum extracts possess anticancer
activity[22].
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012
Antidepressant Activity:
Anxiety and depression are the major psychological disorder found in people
all over the globe. Fluoxetine and venlafaxine have show greater efficacy than
other known antidepressant in treatment of severe depression. The study
was carried out for evaluation of comparative antidepressant activity of
Ocimum sanctum and imipramine using animal models of depression. Imi-
pramine (15 mg/kg/i.p) and herbal extract of Ocimum sanctum (500 mg/kg/
o.p) were subjected for its antidepressant activity using four different animal
models of depression, viz: Forced Swimming Test (FST), Reserpine Rever-
sal Test (RRT), Haloperidol-Induced Catalepsy (HIC) and Pentobarbitone
Sleeping Time (PST) in male wistar rats. The results indicated the potential
for use of Ocimum sanctum as a substitute in the treatment of depression[23].
Antidiabetic Activity:
Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorder in which person has high sugar in
blood either because body does not produce insulin which controls the sugar
level or because cell fails to respond to the insulin that is produced. The
mechanism of antidiabetic activity of potential drug can be evaluated by
studying the various physiological pathways. Hannan et al. studied the
effect of ethanolic extract and five partition fraction of Ocimum sanctum on
insulin secretion from perfused pancreas. It was observed that ethanolic
extract of Ocimum sanctum stimulate the physiological pathway of insulin
secretion which may lie beneath its earlier reported antidiabetic activity[24].
The effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves were assessed on
three important enzymes glucokinase (GK) (EC 2.7.1.2), hexokinase (HK)
(EC 2.7.1.1) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) (EC 2.7.1.11) along with gly-
cogen content of insulin-dependent and insulin-independent tissues from
kidney and brain. It was found that the ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum
attenuates the activity of enzymes studied without affecting the content of
glycogen in any tissue[25]. The extract of Ocimum sanctum along with other
two plant extracts was found to decrease the serum concentration of cortisol
and glucose and hence could be a potential drug for curing corticosteroid
induced diabetes mellitus[26]. The isolation and characterization of antidia-
betic component from hydro alcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum’s aerial
part. Ten fractions (F1 - F10) were isolated from hydro alcoholic extract of
Ocimum sanctum aerial part by column chromatography. All the fractions F1
to F10 were screened for antidiabetic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats
by estimating serum glucose level and lipid parameters. The bioactive frac-
tion (F5) was found to be potent antidiabetic by ameliorating glucose and
lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low and high density lipo-
protein cholesterol). The extensive spectroscopic data analysis reveals, the
isolated bioactive compound elucidated as tetracyclic triterpenoid [16-Hy-
droxy-4,4,10,13-tetramethyl-17-(4-methyl-pentyl)-hexadecahydro-
cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one]. The study concluded that, tetracyclic
triterpenoid isolated from aerial part of Ocimum sanctum has a great anti-
diabetic potential[27].
Antifungal/anticandidal Activity:
Mycosis is the common fungal infection caused in human and animal by
inhalation of fungal spores or contact of fungal colony with skin. The fungal
infection can be avoided by keeping the body hygienic. However, there is
need for natural fungicide. The GC-MS analysis of Ocimum sanctum essen-
tial oil showed a high content of methyl chavicol (44.63%) and linalool
(21.84%). Study revealed that Ocimum sanctum essential oil has significant
antifungal activity against Candida and hence it can be applied in treatment
of fungal infections[28, 29]. The antifungal activity of Ocimum sanctum essen-
tial oil enhanced by its synergy with established azole antimycotics-fluconazole
and ketoconazole. In seventy four fluconazole-sensitive and sixteen
fluconazole–resist Candida the antifungal activity were studied and signify a
promising candidature of Ocimum sanctum essential oil extract as antifungal
agent in combination treatment of candiodosis[30]. The combination of ethanolic
2215-2220
 Shirish S. Pingale et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220
extracts of leaves of Cassia alata and Ocimum sanctum had been reported for
anti-Cryptococcus activity even at higher temperature and acidic pH[31]. The
antifungal activity of Ocimum sanctum leaves was investigated against der-
matophytic fungi by 38 A NCCLS method and observed 200 mu g/mL as a
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concen-
tration (MFC)[32]. In another mechanism, the extract of Ocimum sanctum
acts as antifungal activity by disturbing egosterol biosynthesis and mem-
brane integrity[33].
Anti-metastatic Activity:
Metastatic is spread of diseases from an organ to part or no-adjacent part of
the body. Metastatic progression of tumor cell is associated with change in
anti-oxidant enzymes. The ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum investi-
gated for its anti-metastatic activity via activation of anti-oxidative enzymes
and inactivation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The ethanolic extract put
cytotoxicity against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells [34].
Antioxidant Activity:
The hydroalcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves was investigated for
its antioxidant activity in animal models of peptic ulcer. The antioxidant
activity was evaluated by estimating plasma MDA (Malondialdehyde bis
Dimethyl Acetal) in ethanol treated rats and histamine treated guinea pigs.
Whereas SOD (Superoxide dismutase) was estimated in pyloric ligated rats
and histamine treated guinea pigs. In ethanol treated rats Ocimum sanctum
leaves extract significantly decreased the level of MDA in comparison to the
control (diseased rat) and similar results were observed in level of SOD in
histamine treated guinea pig groups[35]. Another study describes the anti-
oxidant activity of Ocimum sanctum extract by evaluating with six different
in vitro anti-oxidant-testing system like scavenging superoxide anion radical,
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, hydrogen
peroxide, chelating ferrous ion and ferric ion reducing potential[36]. The study
include effect of concentration, heat treatment and pH on the antioxidant
activity of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum and Galangal shows that
Ocimum sanctum ethanolic extract has good heat stability (80 °C, 1h) and
anti-oxidative stability in neutral and acidic pH[37]. The fresh leaves and
stems extract of Ocimum sanctum owing compounds; cirsilineol, cirsimaritin,
isothymusin, isothymonin, apigenin, rosmarinic acid, and appreciable quan-
tities of eugenol. Isolated compounds found exhibited good antioxidant activ-
ity even at 10-µM concentration. Eugenol demonstrated 97% and other
shows 58% anti-inflammatory activity at 1000-µM concentrations[38]. Pro-
long oral administration of Ocimum sanctum enhance cardiac endogenous
antioxidants and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis in rats[39,
40]
. The anti-oxidant property of Ocimum sanctum has been studied by noise
exposure in case of mice[41].
Antiprotozoal Activity:
Leishmaniasis is a group of tropical diseases caused by a number of species
of protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. This ailment
affects millions of peoples all over the globe and it is estimated that there are
about two to three million new cases each year. In the course of screening
leishmanicidal active compounds from Asian and South American medicinal
plants, a Nepalese medicinal plant, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), showed
strong activity[42].
Antistress Activity:
Defiance to desire creates stress in human, which is the common problem in
developing country. The Ocimum sanctum was also tested for the stress
relief property, since it is previously well known for its number of therapeu-
tic applications. Ocimumosides A, ocimumosides B and ocimarin are the
three compounds isolated from an extract of leaves Ocimum sanctum with
eight other known substance, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside,
apignin-7-O-ß-D-glucuronic acid 6’’-methyl ester, luteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucu-
ronic acid 6’’-methyl ester, leuteolin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, leuteolin-5-
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012
O-ß-D-glucopyranoside and 4-allyl-1-O-ß-D-glucopyronosyl-2-
hydroxybenzene and two known cerebrosides. Ocimumosides A shows prom-
ising Antistress effect by normalizing hyperglycemia, plasma corticoster-
one, plasma creatine kinase and adrenal hypertrophy, whereas ocimumosides
B and ocimarin were also effective in normalizing most of these param-
eters[43]. Fresh leaves of Ocimum sanctum were evaluated for antistress ac-
tivity against experimentally induced oxidative stress in albino rabbits. Ani-
mals of the test group received supplementation of 2 g fresh leaves of Ocimum
sanctum per rabbit for 30 days. Anemic hypoxia was induced chemically by
injecting the rabbits with 15 mg sodium nitrite per 100 g body weight intra-
peritoneally. The results of this study suggest that the potential antistressor
activity of Ocimum sanctum is partly attributable to its antioxidant proper-
ties[44]. The study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorative effects of
Ocimum sanctum and Camellia sinensis on stress-induced anxiety and de-
pression. It was found that Ocimum sanctum and Camellia sinensis possess
anxiolytic and antidepressant activities[45].
Antiviral Activity:
A virus is a minute infectious agent, which lacks independent metabolism and
replicate only in host living cell. There are thousands of viruses reported
after the discovery of first tobacco mosaic virus and there are millions of
them in each ecosystem. Medicinal plants are traditionally used for various
diseases and there is rising need of substances for the treatment infectious
diseases. The study demonstrated anti-herpes simplex virus activity of
dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum
basilicum L. and Ocimum americanum L. Dichloromethane and methanol
extracts of Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum
americanum L. showed anti-HSV activities at various steps of the viral mul-
tiplication cycle[46].
Anxiety Activity:
Recent studies introduced the concept of mixed anxiety and depressive
disorders (MADD). The study evaluated the ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum
sanctum, a prominent medicinal plant, against both anxiety and depressive
disorder, to evaluate its potency in combating MADD. The Ocimum sanc-
tum extracts show antianxiety and antidepressant properties at the same
dose and can be a potential therapeutic agent against mixed anxiety and
depressive syndrome[47].
Cardio protective Activity:
The study investigates the cardioprotective activity of a combined treatment
of Ginkgo biloba phytosomes (GBP) and Ocimum sanctum extract in iso-
proterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. However, the com-
bined treatment failed to enhance cardioprotective activity of either herb
when used alone[48].
Chemoprotective Activity:
Ocimum sanctum extract had found to inhibit the DNA–binding activity of
7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rat heptocytes in vitro. Study elaborates
the culture of rat hepatocytes were treated with 0-500 µg of Ocimum sanc-
tum extract for 24 hr and then DMBA (10 or 50 µg) for 18 hr. On harvesting
the DNA and studying its 32P-postlabeling it was found that Ocimum sanc-
tum extract inhibits or suppress the events responsible for chemical carcino-
genesis[49].
Cognition improvement Activity:
Along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity the methanolic of Ocimum
sanctum cognition-enhancement properties has been studied and it was found
that Ocimum sanctum may be useful in treatment of cerebral reperfusion
injury and cerebrovascular insufficiency states[50]. Giridhar et al. investigated
the effects of the aqueous (300 and 500 mg/kg) and alcoholic (300 and 500
2215-2220
 Shirish S. Pingale et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220
mg/kg) extracts of Ocimum sanctum leaves as an antidementic, anticholinest-
erase and immunostimulant agent in rats. The rats were given electroshock,
atropine, and cyclosporine to induce dementia. The study concluded as
potential candidature of Ocimum sanctum in treatment of cognitive dysfunc-
tions in rats[51].
Hepatosupression Activity:
Ocimum sanctum has been reported to exhibit hepatoprotection against the
CCl4 induced liver dysfunction in rat. The investigation on the potential
hepatoprotective action of Ocimum sanctum whole plant powder against
CCl4 induced liver damaged wistar rat model shows very high potential in
healing liver parenchyma as well as regeneration of liver cells. The overall
effect of Ocimum sanctum whole plant powder is compared with Silymarin
by using standard protocol and is found to have better hepatoprotective
action[52].
Hyperlipidemia:
It has been reported that Ocimum sanctum L. leaves decrease serum lipid
profile in normal and diabetic animals. However no experimental evidences
support the anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidative actions against hypercho-
lesterolemia. Moreover the identities of the specific chemical ingredients in
Ocimum sanctum leaves responsible for these pharmacological effects are
unknown. Since Ocimum sanctum leaves are rich in essential oil. The study
was conducted to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidative ac-
tivities of essential oil extracted from Ocimum sanctum leaves in rats fed
with high cholesterol diet. Eugenol that is contained in essential oil likely
contributes to these pharmacological effects[53].
Immunomodulatory Activity:
An aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum were administered in wistar albino
rats for 45 days at doses 100, 200 mg/day. The Immunomodulatory effect
and biochemical and haematological changes were studied against control. An
oral administration of Ocimum sanctum extract showed stimulation in anti-
body production in dose dependent manner without altering the biochemical
parameter, wherein enhancement of WBC, RBC and Haemoglobin[54]. The
seed oil of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated on some immunological param-
eter in both stressed and non-stressed animals and it was found that the oil
shows immunomodulatory effect may via GABAergic pathways[55]. The
effect of leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum was investigated for specific and
non-specific response in Oreochromis mossambicus and found disease re-
sistance against Aeromonas hydrophila. The Ocimum sanctum has been
suggested for its immunostimulating activity in maintenance of finfish aquac-
ulture[56]. In another such study it was revealed that aqueous extract of
Ocimum sanctum enhances the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index[57].
Tirpathy et al. observed the modulatory effect Ocimum sanctum on
cyclophasphamide-induced immunosupression in rats. The extract of Ocimum
sanctum showed significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation in rats[58].
Noise stress release Activity: The white noise exposure (100 dB) in wistar
male albino rats significantly increased the level of dopamine (DA), seroto-
nin (5-HT) and 5-HT turnover in many of the discrete brain region. This
increasing change in the biogenic amine prevented by intraperotoneal admin-
istration of 70% ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum at the dosage of 100
mg /Kg. The study indicates Ocimum sanctum can be a probable herbal
remedy for noise stress release[59].
Radioprotective Activity:
The tsunami disaster followed by the radioactive material exposure in Japan
March 2011, the protection from the radioactive substance became a serious
concern all over the globe. An exposure to the radioactive material cause
change in DNA (mutation) leading to cancer or tuberculosis. This damage has
been explained through the high level of free radicals that are generated after
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012
the radioactive exposure. As in many traditional reports the Ocimum sanc-
tum has been well recognized anti-oxidant.
The study investigated the radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum on the
salivary gland of rats administered radioiodine 131I and compared its efficacy
with a known radioprotectant, amifostine. The study indicates possible
radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum and amifostine against high-dose
131
I exposure[60]. The antioxidant activity of two polysaccharides isolated
from the Indian medicinal plants, Ocimum sanctum and Tinospora malabarica,
was studied. Only the Ocimum sanctum polysaccharide showed significant
activity and could prevent oxidative damage to liposomal lipids and plasmid
DNA induced by various oxidants such as iron, AAPH and gamma-radiation,
besides scavenging important ROS such as the superoxide radical and hydro-
gen peroxide and inhibiting xanthine oxidase. In addition, Ocimum sanctum
polysaccharide could prevent gamma-radiation-mediated cell deaths in mouse
splenocytes[61].
Renal damage recovery Activity:
In most animals’ species, including human the kidney is one of the main sites
of deposition of inorganic mercury and target organ for its toxicity. The
investigation reports protection against mercury-induced toxicity by Ocimum
sanctum Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups. (i) Control group-
only vehicle (0.9% NaCI) was given (ii) HgCI2-treated group-5.0 mg/kg b.w.
HgCI2 administered as i.p. (iii) Ocimum treated group-10 mg/kg b.w. Ocimum
leaves extract was administered orally. (iv) combination of group-Ocimum
leaves extract was administered 10 days prior to mercuric chloride adminis-
tration and continued upto 30 days after mercuric chloride administration
(5.0 mg/kg b.w.). The animals were autopsied on day 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 after
treatment. The results suggested that pre-and post-treatment of Ocimum
sanctum leaves extract can significantly protect the renal damage against
mercuric chloride-induced toxicity[62].
Wound healing Activity:
The extract of Ocimum sanctum was studied for wound healing and anti-
oxidant property. An increased per cent wound contraction was observed in
case of extract administrated rats. The study suggested that extract can be
useful in the abnormal healing such as keloids and hypertropic scars[63] In
another study during wound healing phase TNF-a level was found to be up
regulated by Ocimum sanctum treatment[64, 65].
CONCLUSION:
The review discuss critical on therapeutic activity of Ocimum tenuiflorum
(Ocimum sanctum) merely reported in last decades. The most of the activi-
ties expressed for Ocimum tenuiflorum are because of the antioxidant ingre-
dient present in the plant extract. The therapeutically active ingredients
eugenol, ß-caryophyllene, ß-elemene, germacrene D, flavonoids and glyco-
sides were found in Ocimum tenuiflorum. The recently isolated Ocimumosides
A, constituent of Ocimum sanctum has been found promising in anti-stress
activity. In all the aspect, it has been observed that the anti-oxidant property
bear by Ocimum sanctum is responsible for its therapeutic application. The
extracts of the Ocimum sanctum alone and its combination with customary
drugs or other plant extract have been found potential for therapeutic activ-
ity. Among the enlisted disease Ocimum sanctum has prominently antican-
cer, antidiabetic, cardio protective activities; these diseases are most chal-
lenging for medicinal development.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors are thankful to the Principal, Fergusson College for their continuous
encouragement, Board of Colleges and University Development (BCUD),
Pune University, Pune, India and University Grant Commission (UGC),
New Delhi, India for their financial support.
2215-2220
 Shirish S. Pingale et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220
REFERENCES
1. Farooqi AA, Sreeramu BS, Sreeramu BS, Cultivation of Medicinal
And Aromatic Crops, Universities Press (India) Pvt. Ltd, India, 2,
Hydrabad, 2004, 529-534.
2. Sirkar NN, Pharmacological basis of ayurvedic therapeutics In:
Cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants. Editors Atal CK
and Kapoor BM, PIDCSIR, New Delhi, 1982, 515-517.
3. Prakash P, Gupta N, Therapeutic use of Ocimum sanctum Linn
(Tulsi) with note on eugenol and its pharmacological action, A
short review, Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 49, 2005, 125-131.
4. Singh S, Taneja M, Majumdar DK, Biological activities of Ocimum
sanctum L. fixed oil - An overview, Indian J. Exp. Biol., 45, 2007:
403-412.
5. Singh S, Majumdar DK, Evaluation of the gastric antiulcer activity
of fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil). Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 65, 1999, 13-19.
6. Philip D, Unni C, Extracellular biosynthesis of gold and silver
nanoparticles using Krishna tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf, Physica
E, 43(7), 2011, 1318-1322.
7. Ahmad N, Sharma S, Alam, MK, Singh VN, Shamsi SF, Mehta BR,
Fatma A, Rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles using dried me-
dicinal plant of basil. Colloids and Sufaces B: Biointerfaces, 81,
2010, 81-86.
8. Singhal, G., Bhavesh, R., Kasariya, K., Sharma, A. R. and Singh, R.
P. (2011): Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum sanc-
tum (Tulsi) leaf extract and screening its antimicrobial activity. J.
Nanopart. Res., 13: 2981-2988.
9. Mukherjee M, Datta AK, The basils - A review. Plant Archives, 7,
2007, 473-483.
10. Pattanayak P, Bahera, P, Das D, Panda S, Ocimum sanctum Linn.
A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview,
Pharmacogn. Rev., 4, 201095-105.
11. Asha MK, Prashanth D, Murali B, Padmaja R, Amit A, Anthelm-
intic activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol,
Fitoterapia, 72, 2001, 669-670.
12. Kumar A, Shukla R, Singh P, Dubey NK, Chemical composition,
antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities of Ocimum sanctum L.
essential oil and its safety assessment as plant based antimicrobial,
Food and Chem. Toxicol., 48, 2010, 539-543.
13. Mukherjee R, Antibacterial and therapeutic potential of Ocimum
sanctum in bovine sub clinical mastitis. Indian Vet. J., 83, 2006,
522-524.
14. Shokeen P, Bala M, Singh M, Tandon V, In vitro activity of eu-
genol, an active component from Ocimum sanctum, against mul-
tiresistant and susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Int. J.
Antimicrob. Ag., 32, 2008, 174-179.
15. Parag S, Vijyayshree N, Ranu B, Patil BR, Antibacterial Activity
of Ocimum sanctum Linn. and its application in Water Purifica-
tion. Res. J. Chem. Environ., 14, 2010, 46-50.
16. Ghasemi E, Golshahi H, Mehranzade E, Antibacterial activity of
Ocimum sanctum extract against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Clin. Biochem., 44, 2011, S352-S352.
17. Goyal P, Kaushik P, In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of
various crude leaf extracts of indian sacred plant, Ocimum sanctum
L. Brit. Microbiol. Res. J., 1, 2011, 70-88.
18. Harikrishnan R, Kim MC, Kim JS, Balasundaram C, Jawahar S,
Heo MS, Identification and antimicrobial activity of combined
extract from Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum. Isr. J.
Aquacult-Bamid., 62, 2010, 85-95.
19. Manikandan P, Vidjaya LP, Prathiba D, Nagini S, Combinatorial
chemopreventive effect of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanc-
tum on oxidant-antioxidant status, cell proliferation, apoptosis
and angiogenesis in a rat forestomach carcinogenesis model.
Singapore Med. J., 49, 2008, 814-822.
20. Rastogi S, Shukla Y, Paul BN, Chowdhuri DK, Khanna SK, Das
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012
M, Protective effect of Ocimum sanctum on 3-methylcholanthrene,
7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and aflatoxin B1 induced skin
tumorigenesis in mice. Toxicol. Appl. Pharm., 224, 2007, 228-240.
21. Magesh V, Lee JC, Ahn KS, Lee HJ, Lee EO, Shim BS, Jung HJ,
Kim JS, Kim DK, Choi SH, Kim SH, Ocimum sanctum induces
apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells and suppresses the in vivo
growth of lewis lung carcinoma cells, Phytothe. Res., 23, 2009,
1385-1391.
22. Karthikeyan K, Gunasekaran P, Ramamurthy N, Govindasamy S,
Anticancer activity of Ocimum sanctum, Pharm. Biol., 37(4), 1999,
285-290.
23. Moinuddin G, Devi K, Satish H, Khajuria DK, Comparative phar-
macological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum and imipramine for
antidepressant activity, Lat. Am. J. Pharm., 30, 2011, 435-439.
24. Hannan JMA, Marenah L, Ali L, Rokeya B, Flatt PR, Abdel-
Wahab YHA, Ocimum sanctum leaf extracts stimulate insulin se-
cretion from perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancre-
atic ß-cells, J. Endocrinol., 189, 2006, 127-136.
25. Vats V, Yadav SP, Grover JK, Ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanc-
tum leaves partially attenuates streptozotocin-induced alterations
in glycogen content and carbohydrate metabolism in rats, J.
Ethnopharmacol., 90, 2004, 155-160.
26. Gholap S, Kar A. Hypoglycaemic effects of some plant extracts
are possibly mediated through inhibition in corticosteroid concen-
tration, Pharmazie, 59, 2004, 876-878.
27. Patil R, Ahirwar B, Ahirwar D, Isolation and characterization of
anti-diabetic component (bioactivity-guided fractionation) from
Ocimum sanctum L. (Lamiaceae) aerial part, Asian Pac. J. Trop.
Med., 4, 2011, 278-282.
28. Khan A, Ahmad A, Manzoor N, Khan LA, Antifungal activities of
Ocimum sanctum essential oil and its lead molecules, Nat. Prod.
Commun., 5, 2010, 345-349.
29. Das A, Kumar MNS, Gupta S, Elango K, Vadivelan R, Antony AS,
Sethi N, Rajanandh MG, Jayasankar K, Suresh B, In vitro and in
vivo activity of Ocimum sanctum against experimental systemic
candidiasis in normal and immunocompromised mice, Indian J,
Pharmacol., 40, 2008, 79-79.
30. Amber K, Aijaz A, Immaculata X, Luqman KA, Nikhat M,
Anticandidal effect of Ocimum sanctum essential oil and its syn-
ergy with fluconazole and ketoconazole, Phytomedicine, 17, 2010,
921-925.
31. Ranganathan S, Balajee SAM, Anti-Cryptococcus activity of com-
bination of extracts of Cassia alata and Ocimum sanctum, My-
coses, 43, 2000, 299-301.
32. Balakumar S, Rajan S, Thirunalasundari T, Jeeva S, Antifungal
activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Lamiaceae) on clinically iso-
lated dermatophytic fungi, Asian Pac. J. Trop. Med., 4, 2011,
654-657.
33. Khan A, Ahmad A, Akhtar F, Yousuf S, Xess I, Khan LA, Manzoor
N, Ocimum sanctum essential oil and its active principles exert
their antifungal activity by disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis and
membrane integrity, Res. Microbiol., 161, 2010, 816-823.
34. Kim SC, Magesh V, Jeong SJ, Lee HJ, Ahn KS, Lee EO, Kim SH,
Lee MH, Kim JH Ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum exerts anti-
metastatic activity through inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase-
9 and enhancement of anti-oxidant enzymes, Food and Chem.
Toxicol., 48, 2010, 1478-1482.
35. Gupta RK, Kath RK, Antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic ex-
tract of Ocimum sanctum in animal models of peptic ulcer, Indian
J. physiol. Pharmacol., 50, 2006, 391-396.
36. Hakkim FL, Shankar CG, Girua S, Chemical composition and anti-
oxidant property of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) leaves, stems,
and inflorescence and their in vitro callus cultures, J. Agr. Food
Chem., 55, 2007, 9109-9117.
2215-2220
 Shirish S. Pingale et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2215-2220
37. Juntachote T, Bergofer E, Antioxidative properties and stability of
ethanolic extracts of Holy basil and Galangal, Food Chem., 92,
2005, 193-202.
38. Kelm, MA, Nair MG, Strasburg GM, DeWitt DL, Antioxidant
and cyclooxygenase inhibitory phenolic compounds from Ocimum
sanctum Linn, Phytomedicine, 7, 2000, 7-13.
39. Sood, S, Narang D, Dinda AK, Maulik SK, Chronic oral adminis-
tration of Ocimum sanctum Linn· augments cardiac endogenous
antioxidants and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial ne-
crosis in rats, J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 57, 2005, 127-133.
40. Gupta DK, Tripathi AK, Rajora VS, Gupta GC, Shukla SK, Evalu-
ation of antioiddant activity of Ocimum sanctum and Emblica
offIcinalis in rats, Indian J. of Anim. Sci., 77, 2007, 563-565.
41. Suzuki A, Shirota O, Mori K, Sekita S, Fuchino H, Takano A,
Kuroyanagi M, Leishmanicidal Active Constituents from Nepalese
Medicinal Plant Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), Chem. Pharm. Bull.,
57, 2009, 245-251.
42. Ravindran R, Samson J, Sheeladevi R, Oxidative stress in brain and
antioxidant activity of Ocimum sanctum in noise exposure.
Neurotoxicology, 28, 2007, 679-685.
43. Gupta P, Yadav DK, Siripurapu KB, Palit G, Maurya R, Constitu-
ents of Ocimum sanctum with antistress activity, J. Nat. Prod., 70,
2007: 1410-1416.
44. Jyoti S, Satendra S, Sushma S, Anjana T, Shashi S, Antistressor
activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) against experimentally in-
duced oxidative stress in rabbits, Method. Find. Exp. Clin., 29,
2007, 411-416.
45. Tabassum I, Siddiqui ZN, Rizvi SJ, Effects of Ocimum sanctum
and Camellia sinensis on stress-induced anxiety and depression in
male albino Rattus norvegicus, Indian J. Pharmacol., 42, 2010,
283-288.
46. Yucharoen R, Anuchapreeda S, Tragoolpua Y, Anti-herpes simplex
virus activity of extracts from the culinary herbs Ocimum sanctum
L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum americanum L., Afr. J.
Biotech., 10, 2011, 860-866.
47. Chatterjee M, Verma P, Maurya R, Palit G, Evaluation of ethanol
leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in experimental models of anxiety
and depression, Pharm. Biol., 49, 2011, 477-483.
48. Panda VS, Naik SR, Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of
Ginkgo biloba and Ocimum sanctum in Rodents. Alternat. Med.
Rev., 14, 2009, 161-171.
49. Prashar R, Kumar A, Hewer A, Cole KJ, Davis W, Philips DH,
Inhibition by an extract of Ocimum sanctum of DNA-binding ac-
tivity of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in rat hepatocytes in
vitro, Cancer Lett., 128, 1998, 155-160.
50. Yanpallewar SU, Rai S, Kumar M. Acharya SB, Evaluation of
antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum on
transient cerebral ischemia and long-term cerebral hypoperfusion,
Pharmacol. Biochem. Be., 79, 2004, 155-164.
51. Giridharan VV, Thandavarayan RA, Mani V, Dundapa TA, Watanabe
Source of support: UGC,India; Conflict of interest: None Declared
Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.5 Issue 4.April 2012
K, Konishi T, Ocimum sanctum Linn. leaf extracts inhibit acetyl-
cholinesterase and improve cognition in rats with experimentally
induced dementia, J. Med. Food, 14, 2011, 912-919.
52. Pingale SS, Evaluation of hepatosupression efficacy of Ocimum
sanctum, J. Pharm. Res. 3, 2010, 1077-1081.
53. Suanarunsawat T, Ayutthaya WDN, Songsak T, Thirawarapan S,
Poungshompoo S, Antioxidant Activity and Lipid-Lowering Ef-
fect of Essential Oils Extracted from Ocimum sanctum L. Leaves
in Rats Fed with a High Cholesterol Diet, J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr.,
46, 2010, 52-59.
54. Jeba RC, Vaidyanathan R, Rameshkumar G, Immunomodulatory
activity of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum in rat, Int. J. Pharm.
Biomed. Res., 2, 2011, 33-38.
55. Mediratta PK, Sharma KK, Singh S, Evaluation of
immunomodulatory potential of Ocimum sanctum seed oil and its
possible mechanism of action, J. Ethnopharmacol., 80, 2002, 15-
20.
56. Logambal SM, Venkatalakshmi S, Michael RD, Immunostimulatory
effect of leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. in Oreochromis
mossambicus (Peters), Hydrobiologia, 430, 2000, 113-120.
57. Mukherjee R, Dash PK, Ram GC, Immunotherapeutic potential
of Ocimum sanctum (L) in bovine subdinical mastitis, Res. Vet.
Sci., 79, 2005, 37-43.
58. Tripathi AK, Rajora VS, Gupta DK, Shukla, SK,
Immunomodulatory activity of Ocimum sanctum and its influence
on cyclophosphamide induced immunosupression, Indian J. Anim.
Sci., 78, 2008, 33-36.
59. Ravindran R, Devi RS, Samson J, Senthilvelan M, Noise-stress-
induced brain neurotransmitter changes and the effect of Ocimum
sanctum (Linn) treatment in albino rats, J. Pharmacol. Sci., 98,
2005, 354-360.
60. Joseph LJ, Raut YS, Hawaldar RW, Nayak Y, Pawar YP, Jambhekar
NA, Rajan MG. Radioprotective effect of Ocimum sanctum and
amifostine on the salivary gland of rats after therapeutic radioiod-
ine exposure, Cancer Biother. Radiopharm., 26, 2011, 737-743.
61. Subramanian M, Chintalwar GJ, Chattopadhyay S. Antioxidant
and radioprotective properties of an Ocimum sanctum polysac-
charide, Redox Rep., 10, 2005, 257-264.
62. Sharma MK, Kumar M, Kumar A, Protection against mercury-
induced renal damage in Swiss albino mice by Ocimum sanctum,
Environ. Toxicol. Phar., 19, 2005, 161-167.
63. Shetty S, Udupa S, Udupa L, Evaluation of antioxidant and wound
healing effects of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Ocimum sanc-
tum Linn in rats, Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med., 5,
2008, 95-101.
64. Goel A, Kumar S, Singh DK, Bhatia, AK, Wound healing potential
of Ocimum sanctum Linn. with induction of tumor necrosis factor-
alpha, Indian J. Exp. Biol., 48, 2010, 402-406.
65. Prakash J, Gupta SK, Chemopreventive activity of Ocimum sanc-
tum seed oil, Journal of Ethnopharmacol., 72, 2000: 29-34.
2215-2220