Biological and Pharmacological Properties of the Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) a member of Lamiaceae family, is native throughout the old World and cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes. Basil was originated in Asia and Africa. Basil is used in both Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine and is also popular for its culinary and ornamental uses. Various parts of the plant of sweet basil have been widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves and flowers of basil are used in folk medicine as a tonic and vermifuge. Basil tea is good for treating nausea, flatulence and dysentery. The oil of the plant has been found to be beneficial for the alleviation of mental fatigue, colds, spasm, rhinitis, and as a first aid treatment for wasp stings and snakebites. Studies showed that basil possesses central nervous system (CNS) depressant, anticancer, cardiac stimulant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcerogenic, chemomodulatory and larvicidal activities. The present review article provides up-to-date information on basil chemical properties, therapeutic benefits and pharmacological studies.