Akankshya Sahu
1 
, Gayatree Nayak
1 , Sanat Kumar Bhuyan
3* , Ruchi Bhuyan
2 , Dattatreya Kar
2 , Ananya Kuanar
1* 1 Centre for Biotechnology, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Kalinga Nagar, Ghatikia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, 751003
2 Department of Medical Research, Health Science, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, 751003
3 Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, 751003
Abstract
The genus Ocimum has many species belonging to the Lamiaceae family that are used to treat various diseases and disorders. Ocimum basilicum has been found to contain over 200 chemical components in different plant parts. The bioactive components showed the presence of α-linalool, camphor, limonene, thymol, citral, β-linalool, estragole, etc. O. basilicum exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiviral, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, wound-healing activities, etc. They have also been used to treat fevers, digestive issues, stomach cramps, nausea, gastritis, migraine, diarrhea. This review aims to provide information about the chemical compounds and biological activities of O. basilicum var thyrsiflora (Thai basil). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review outlining the innovative ethnomedicinal approach to oral health care that, through its strong phytoconstituents, has the potential to improve modern medicine.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
The findings revealed the presence of vitamins, protein, minerals, electrolytes, phytonutrients, and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, etc. Essential oils and extracts have exhibited various pharmacological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiulcer, anti-dyspepsia, antigiardial, woundhealing, insecticidal, antiwormal, and cardiac stimulant effects on CNS, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, and inhibition in platelet aggregation. Hence, this plant has promising values for preparation of new drugs against these diseases.
Please cite this paper as: Sahu A, Nayak G, Bhuyan SK, Bhuyan R, Kar D, Kuanar A. A comprehensive review on nutritive value, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2023;12(1):1-12. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2023.01.