The potential effects of Ocimum basilicum on health: a review of pharmacological and toxicological studies

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L., OB) is a plant world widely used as a spice and a typical ingredient of the healthy Mediterranean diet. In traditional medicine, OB is indicated for many maladies and conditions; OB-containing nutritional supplements are increasingly sold. Conversely, safety concerns have been raised about the promutagens and procarcinogens alkenylbenzenes contained in OB. Areas covered: A critical review of the current status of OB as a nutraceutical, the pharmacology of its bioactive components, the rationale for its indications, and its safety. Expert opinion: Due to the polyphenolic and flavonoidic content, OB can be considered as an important ingredient in healthy diets; OB preparations may be effective as chemopreventive agents or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of different clinical conditions. From a toxicological perspective, since the tumorigenic potential of alkenylbenzenes is counteracted by other OB constituents such as nevadensin, it can be concluded that OB consumption in food and preparations is safe. The only concern relates to OB essential oils: in this case, a concentration limit for alkenylbenzenes should be precautionary defined, and the use of plant chemotypes with no or low levels of these alkylbenzenes for the preparation of essential oils should be made compulsory.

The ameliorative potential of the ethanol extract of the plant Ocimum basilicum on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to the insecticide Bestacid

“…Ocimum basilicum is a widely distributed plant, used as aaspice in the Mediterranean diet. Due to the polyphenolic and flavonoid contents, it can be used as chemopreventive agents or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of different clinical conditions (Sestili et al, 2018). Moreover, O. basilicum ethanolic extract has antioxidant activity and phenolic content and can be used for curative purposes (Aydemir and Becerik, 2011).…”

Plants-Derived Biomolecules as Potent Antiviral Phytomedicines: New Insights on Ethnobotanical Evidences against Coronaviruses

“…This medicinal herb belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and it is also known as sweet basil [ 149 , 181 ]. It is mostly used in industries as food, perfumes and cosmetics [ 181 ] due to its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities [ 180 , 181 , 183 , 184 ]. Moreover, it contains several bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanin extracted from the whole plant of O. basilicum [ 182 , 183 , 184 ].…”

“…It is mostly used in industries as food, perfumes and cosmetics [ 181 ] due to its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities [ 180 , 181 , 183 , 184 ]. Moreover, it contains several bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanin extracted from the whole plant of O. basilicum [ 182 , 183 , 184 ]. This herb has been used for HIV treatment and showed very good potential to inhibit the replication of the HIV virus, and blocks further viral processing [ 149 , 181 ].…”

Phytochemical profile and protective effect of Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract in doxorubicin/irradiation-induced testicular injury

“…Among foremost problems facing cancer research is finding non‐toxic and cytoprotective agents that would preferentially protect normal tissues during therapy. Numerous studies revealed that plant‐based dietary supplements such as Ocimum basilicum L. (OB), which is commonly known as sweet basil are beneficial in hampering associated tissues damage . It is considered as a rich source of phenolic compounds especially phenolic acids and flavonol‐glycosides .…”