Diversified potentials of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi): An exhaustive survey

Ocimum sanctum (also tulsi, tulasī, or Holy Basil is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which is native throughout the old world tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed. Tulsi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving tulsi plants or leaves. Eugenol (l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4allylbenzene), the active constituent present in Ocimum sanctum L., has been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials of Tulsi. In the present review, efforts have been made to sum up different aspects of scientific studies on this medicinal plant. Scientific evidences are available on various medicinal aspects i.e. antimicrobial, adaptogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, cardio-protective, etc. Thus, Ocimum sanctum contain several bioactive compounds may contribute to the health effects and are easily available for consumption to increase the nutritional status as well as act as safe guarding against possible deficiencies.