Ocimum Sanctum ( tulsi ) : Bio - pharmacological Activities

Abstract Medicinal plants are used by the practitioners and pharmacologists to prevent and cure many diseasesMedicinal plants are used by the practitioners and pharmacologists to prevent and cure many diseases for the last several thousand years. Tulsi is known as “Queen of plants” “The mother medicine of nature”. Tulsi i.e. Ocimum sanctum is a plant with enormous properties for curing and preventing diseases. It is regarded as deity in Indian subcontinent. The genus Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Labiateae or Lamiaceae) comprises 30 species which are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Leaves and flowering tops are used for extracting essential oil. Oil of O. sanctum has revealed the presence of five fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids). It is a good source of beta carotene, calcium, vitamin C and it also contains volatile substances (including estragol, linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol and small quantities of methyl cinnamate, cineole, and other terpenes), tannins, camphor, flavonoids, triterpene: urolic acid. Leaves are diaphoretic, anti-periodic; they are also used in bronchitis, gastric and hepatic disorders. Decoction of leaves is recommended for cough, malaise and in colds. It is a good mosquito repellant as well. Oil extracted from flowers is used in skin diseases and ring worm infection. Various studies have been performed with Ocimum sanctum for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiulceric, antimalarial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. Present review incorporates the description of chemical and bio-pharmacological properties of Ocimum species