Tulsi

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L., syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is a sacred plant in India, revered in Ayurveda for its powerful healing properties. Commonly known as Holy Basil, Tulsi belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Tulsi, often hailed as the "Queen of Herbs," is highly valued in traditional medicine for its powerful adaptogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Tulsi Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: Ocimum sanctum L. (syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)

Tulsi Common Names

English: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Sanskrit: Tulasi
Hindi: Tulsi
Tamil: Thulasi
Telugu: Tulasi
Bengali: Tulsi
Marathi: Tulsi
Malayalam: Tulasi

Tulsi Uses

Respiratory Disorders - Acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator, helpful in asthma, bronchitis, cough, and cold.

Immunomodulatory and Adaptogenic - Enhances immunity and helps the body adapt to stress and fatigue.

Antimicrobial Properties - Effective against a range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to its essential oils.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic - Used to reduce inflammation, joint pain, and arthritis symptoms.

Cardioprotective and Antidiabetic - Helps regulate blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Skin and Wound Healing - Used externally for wounds, skin infections, and acne due to its antimicrobial properties.

Phytochemical Constituents

Tulsi contains numerous bioactive compounds responsible for its wide-ranging effects:

Essential Oils: Eugenol, Methyl eugenol, Caryophyllene, Linalool
Flavonoids: Apigenin, Orientin, Vicenin
Phenolic Compounds: Rosmarinic acid, Caffeic acid
Alkaloids: Triterpenoids such as Ursolic acid
Saponins and Tannins

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Part I, Vol. I. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Mondal, S., Mirdha, B.R., & Mahapatra, S.C. (2009). "The science behind sacredness of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.)". Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 53(4), 291–306.

Cohen, M. M. (2014). "Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons". Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), 251–259.

Prakash, P., & Gupta, N. (2005). "Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: A short review". Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 49(2), 125–131.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2013). Assessment report on Ocimum tenuiflorum L., herba.

Indian Pharmacopoeia. (2022). Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Chopra, R. N., Nayar, S. L., & Chopra, I. C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi.