Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences

Online ISSN 2277 1808

Bull. Environ. Pharmacol. Life Sci.; Volume 1 [10] September 2012: 67 - 69
All Rights Reserved Academy for Environment and Life Sciences, India
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Usage of Holy Basil for Various Aspects

Raaz Maheshwari1, Bina Rani2, Rajesh Kumar Yadav3, Magan Prasad4
1Department
of Chemistry, SBRMGC, Nagaur, Rajasthan
2Department of Engineering Chemistry & Environmental Engineering, PCE. Sitapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan
3Deapartment of Environmental Science, SS Jain Subodh PG College, Jaipur, Rajasthan
4Department of Chemistry, MSJGC, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

ABSTRACT
The unique chemistry of Tulsi is highly complex. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds known as phyto-chemicals.
Working together, these compounds possess strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic, and immune-
enhancing properties that promote general health and support the body's natural defense against stress and diseases. The
essential oils in the leaves of Tulsi that contribute to the fragrance and refreshing flavor of Tulsi Tea, are a particularly rich
source of valuable phyto-chemicals. It acts as adaptogen (an adaptogen is an agent that helps the body adapt more
efficiently to stress. Adaptogens reduce the intensity and negative impact of the stress caused by mental tension, emotional
difficulties, poor lifestyle habits, disease and infection, pollution and other factors. Tulsi is one of the most effective
adaptogens known.), antioxidant (an antioxidants slow down the process of excess oxidation and protect cells from the
damage caused by free radicals. When cells are attacked by free radicals, excess oxidation occurs which damage and destroy
cells. Antioxidants stop this process. The cellular damage caused by free radicals can be responsible for causing and/or
accelerating many diseases. Tulsi is rich in antioxidants and is recommended to guard against free radicals and protect from
damaging excess oxidation.), and as an immuno-modulator which is an agent that balances and improves the immune
response of the body in fighting antigens (disease causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, microbes, allergens etc.) and
maintaining health. In this article various therapeutic applications of tulsi leaves have been delineated precisely.
Keywords: Antioxidant; Adaptogen; Immuno-modulator;Eugenol;Metabolism;COX-2

INTRODUCTION
"The Queen of Herbs" - is the most sacred herb of India. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), although also
known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Tulsi
has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit,
and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits. Some of Tulsi effects are quite
immediate, while others develop gradually after weeks of regular use. For example, you may feel
more relaxed and energized after the first cup. Although Tulsi has many specific effects on different
body systems, its main benefits arise from its impressive general capacity to assist the body's
natural process of healing and maintaining health. Tulsi overall health promotion and disease
prevention effects are powerful, but often subtle. For example, you may simply notice that you do
not seem to be bothered by stress or common illnesses, such as colds or flu, nearly as often as
before. Or you may notice that you generally tire less easily. As with many other herbal
supplements, it usually takes at least a week or so of consistent use for the body to experience
major benefits. Recent studies suggest tulsi may be a (cyclooxygenase-2) COX-2 inhibitor, like many
modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol [1]. One small study showed it to
reduce blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics when combined with hypoglycemic drugs [2]. The
same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with tulsi. Another study
showed its beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties [3].
Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning [4] and cataracts [5]. It has
anti-oxidant properties and can repair cells damaged by exposure to radiation. The fixed oil has
demonstrated antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effects in rats fed a high fat diet [6].
Experimental studies have shown an alcoholic extract of tulsi modulates immunity, thus promoting
immune system function [7]. Some of the main chemical constituents of tulsi are: oleanolic acid,
ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, -caryophyllene (about 8%), -elemene
(c.11.0%), and germacrene D (about 2%). -Elemene has been studied for its potential anticancer
properties, but human clinical trials have yet to confirm its effectiveness. O. sanctum extracts acts
against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa [8].

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF TULSI

Tulsi is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers, Tulsi has several benefits:
Relieves stress / adaptogen
Bolsters immunity
Enhances stamina
Provides support during cold season
Promotes healthy metabolism
A natural immuno-modulator
Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina,
relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents
gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and
other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs
and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.

DEFLUOREDATION OF CONTAMINATED WATER BY TULSI

Fluoride levels in drinking water in 196 districts of 19 Indian states are much higher than the
maximum concentration of 1.5 parts per million (ppm) deemed safe. Poor people in these areas do
not need expensive gadgets to get rid of the contaminant anymore. All they need is a tulsi plant.
Fluorosis, which causes dental and skeletal decay, is endemic in at least 25 countries across the
world. According to estimates by Fluoride Action Network, a US-based non-profit, 25 million
people are affected by fluorosis in India and another 66 million are at a risk. Its simple. All one
needs to do is either boil or shake a handful of holy basil or tulsi leaves with water for a while. This
is enough to decontaminate about 20 litres of water. To test the efficacy of the method, we
experimented with various water samples having different fluoride concentrations. When 75 mg of
fresh leaves were added to 100 ml of water with a fluoride concentration of 5 ppm, nearly 95 per
cent fluoride was removed in 20 minutes. Stems and dried leaves had a fluoride removal efficiency
of 74 to 78 per cent for the same water sample. During a study in 2009, it was found that 24 per
cent of water samples from Rajura tehsil in Chandrapur district have fluoride concentration higher
than the permissible limit. Most fluorosis victims here were poor. This prompted researchers to
work towards finding a fluoride removal method that is accessible even to those having little
money. It was thought that a locally available plant is the best option. Due to their proven
medicinal properties, tulsi leaves have been used since ages to consecrate drinking water during
festivals. It was decided to experiment with the plant and see if it can remove fluoride from water.
Its being planned to carry out the experiment on a larger scale. The method is safe and certainly
better than drinking untreated water but more studies are still needed to find out how tulsi leaves
absorb fluoride [9-13].

CONCLUSION
Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is
mentioned in the Charaka Samhita an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an
adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by
its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and
believed to promote longevity. Tulsi extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds,
headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and
malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed
with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in
herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations. For centuries, the dried leaves have been
mixed with stored grains to repel insects. Recently its use has been found in fighting fluorosis.

REFERENCES
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Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Nutritional
and Environmental Medicine, 7 (2), pp.113118.

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