Ocimum sanctum Linn: A Review on Phytopharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of Tulsi

World health organization (WHO) has advocated the evaluation of therapeutic potential of plants for diseases where we lack safe allopathic drugs. Ocimum sanctum described as sacred and medicinal plant in ancient literature, commonly known as Tulsi is derived from 'Sanskrit', which means "the incomparable one". This plant belongs to the family Lamiaceae which is native throughout the Old World tropics and cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes. Several medicinal properties have been attributed to the plant not only in Ayurveda and Siddha but also in Greek, Roman and Unani. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea. The chemical constituents isolated from various parts of the plant include eugenol, cardinene, cubenol, borneol, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitric acid, steric acid, Vallinin, Vicenin, Vitexin, Vallinin acid, Orientin, Circineol, Gallic Acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorous and iron. Ocimum sanctum has been shown to possess multifarious medicinal properties such analgesic activity, anti-ulcer activity, immunomodulatory activity, antiasthmatic activity, anticancer activity, anticonvulsant activity, antidiabetic activity, antihyperlipidemic activity, antistress activity in addition to possessing useful memory enhancer and neuroprotective activity. The present review article provides up-to-date information on the therapeutic potential of tulsi. This review article will help the scientists working in the area of traditional medicines and medicinal food in their research.