Basil and tulsi — pizza seasoning or sacred herb for stress?

Aim of the study: Ocimum species (family Lamiaceae) are among the most extensively utilized medicinal plants across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet their pharmacological evidence base has not been comprehensively synthesized within an LMIC healthcare framework. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a prospectively registered protocol (PROSPERO).

Results: was demonstrated in field trials. The safety profile was broadly favorable (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg). Ocimum species represent a pharmacologically credible and preclinically well-supported botanical resource with practical relevance for LMIC health systems, particularly in antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and vector-control applications. To realize their therapeutic potential, future research must prioritize LMIC-contextualized randomized controlled trials, standardized phytochemical reporting, and chemotype-aware product development.

Aim of the study: Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) encompass a group of chronic conditions, characterized by neuronal losses in large areas of the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral impairments.

Results: This review synthesizes experimental evidence regarding Ocimum species with neuroprotective potential in AD, particularly Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpenoids that synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, these extracts have demonstrated the ability to decrease β-amyloid accumulation and tau protein levels, key pathological features of AD. Even though additional research is required to fully assess their potential as therapeutic agents for NDs, by diving into the specific mechanisms through which they improve neurodegenerative processes, important steps can be made towards this endpoint.

Aim of the study: Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced in rats with 85, 200 and 300 mg/kg of isoproterenol (ISO) administered subcutaneously (sc) twice at an interval of 24 h. Shift in antioxidant parameters, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) together with morphological and histopathological changes were investigated.

Results: It also inhibited the lipid peroxidation as observed by the reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. In the present study Os at the dose of 50 mg/kg was found to demonstrate maximum cardioprotective effect. Above results were further confirmed by histopathological findings. Thus from the present study it is concluded that Os may be of therapeutic and prophylactic value in the treatment of MI.

Aim of the study: This research explored the antimicrobial, antifungal, and in vivo anticandidal activities of two herbal extracts: Ocimum basilicum (HEOB) and Ocimum sanctum (HEOS). Additionally, the study analyzed the phytochemical components of these extracts.

Results: HEOB and HEOS extracts possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, largely due to flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid and eugenol. In vivo experiments revealed that both extracts effectively reduced fungal load, increased survival rates, and alleviated immunosuppression in mice with systemic candidiasis. The extracts also exhibited significant immunomodulatory properties by boosting cellmediated immune responses. At higher concentrations, the antifungal performance of HEOB and HEOS was similar to that of ketoconazole. HEOB and HEOS exhibited strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anticandidal properties, showing significant effectiveness in treating systemic candidiasis. Their immunomodulatory effects and ability to boost cell-mediated immunity make these extracts promising options for addressing systemic candidiasis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Aim of the study: Hypertension is among the risk factors of death globally. Novel antihypertensive peptides are alternative choices of antihypertensive assistance.

Results: The levels of their glucose and liver function indicators increased as compared to normal rats. HT rats receiving antihypertensive drugs (HTD) showed higher low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein levels than HT rats. Peptide 1 seems to benefit the rat lipid profiles, liver functions, antioxidant, nitrite, nitrate, and angiotensin II peptide levels but not peptide 2. In conclusion, our findings indicate the antihypertensive potential related to vasodilation of peptides from green basil leaves.

Aim of the study: Ocimum spp. are the widely studied herbal plants because of their diverse biological activities.

Results: Among all the solvents, acetone provided a higher yield of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in all Ocimum species. Black Ocimum showed the maximum level of antioxidants. All Ocimum extracts exhibited a sufficient level of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicated that by using appropriate solvents, bioactive compounds from Ocimum species can be extracted and used as therapeutic agents with potential biological activities.

Aim of the study: The persistence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the emergence of new mutant strains continue to present a substantial threat with potential for future pandemics. Safe, effective, and readily available COVID-19 therapeutics are urgently needed to prepare for future coronavirus pandemics.

Results: tenuiflorum led to the identification of a sulfur-containing glyceroglycolipid, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG: 1), as a potent Mpro inhibitor that effectively inhibited Mpro activity (IC50: 0.42 µM). SQDG (1) also markedly suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication (EC50, 51.2 µM) in vitro while displaying no cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 µM). Further inhibition kinetic studies and docking simulations clearly demonstrated that SQDG strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in a competitive and mixed-inhibition manner. These findings highlight SQDG as a promising lead compound for COVID-19 therapy and emphasize the need to explore new drugs from natural sources.

Aim of the study: Infectious diseases and their vectors have remained a concern for human population from their historical origin. Microbial pathogens have also emerged as a potent threat to the healthcare systems even in developed countries.

Results: The antibacterial activity was high in OB and OG (p < 0.05) and the larvicidal activity was of higher sensitivity against Aedis and Culex, whereas Armigeres was more resistant. However, no sign of toxicity in the Allium cepa model or non-targeted organism Guppy fishes was observed. Overall, the UAE extracted Ocimum essential oils were found to be effective against various human pathogenic microbial organisms, with OB and OG being highly active. Likewise, the EOs was also able to induce mortality in the larval forms of various mosquito vectors.

Aim of the study: Essential oils of basil herbs such as nyazbo or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), holy basil or tulsi (O. tenuiflorum), and African or clove basil (O.

Results: tenuiflorum EO, while O. basilicum and O. gratissimum EOs showed inhibition against AFB2 at 0.50 µL mL- 1, and 1.0 µL mL- 1, respectively. The present study suggests that EOs of basil herbs could be a potential natural alternative of synthetic fungicides to inhibit the fungal growth and aflatoxin production.