Tulsi: The Pharmacological significance

Abstract

The “Tulsi” plant or Indian basil occupies an important place in the Indian population. The plant grows in the wild in the tropics and other warm regions. The study followed an exhaustive literature survey and further concluded its uses in edibles as well as in therapeutic formulations. Leaves of Tulsi was found to be used in various pathological conditions like cough, respiratory disorders, eye disorders, depression and fever. Traditionally, tulsi is consumed as many practices like in dried powder, herbal tea and fresh leaf and/or mixed with ghee. Essential oil obtained from “Karpooratulasi” is commonly used for medicinal values as well as in herbal cosmetics.The active chemical constituents found in tulsi are eugenol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, linalool and β-caryophyllene.