Introduction
Infectious diseases accounts for high proportion of health problems in the developing
countries including India. Microorganisms have developed resistance to many antibiotics and
as a result, immense clinical problem in the treatment of infectious diseases has been create.
The overuse of antibiotics and consequent antibiotic selection pressure is thought to be the
most important factor contributing to the appearance of different kinds of resistant microbes .
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest challenges facing global public health. The
emergence of multidrugresistant isolates in several infections, often referred to as the diseases
of poverty, has had its greatest toll in developing countries. Antibiotic resistance can occur
via three general mechanisms: prevention of interaction of the drug with target; efflux of the
antibiotic from the cell; and direct destruction or modification of the compound. The
increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance in pathogenic microorganisms, forced the
researchers to search for new antimicrobial substance from various sources including
medicinal plants (Bauer et al., 1996).
Plants are the primary source of medicines. Medicinal
plants are considered to be very rich sources of secondary metabolites and oils which are of
therapeutics importance. The important advantages of medicinal plants in various treatments
are: their safety besides being less expensive, efficacy and availability through out the
world (Ahmed M et al., 2002). Use of plants as a source of medicinal value is a very old
concept. Chinese were the first to used plants as therapeutics before 4000- 5000 B.C. In India
use of plants as a medicine appeared in Rigveda which has been written 3500 - 1600 B.C.
Properties of plants as a source of medicine were studied in detailed in Ayurveda which is
considered the foundation of all the medical sciences (Amrani S et al.,2006).
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system
of traditional medicine native to India and practiced in other parts of the world as a form
of alternative medicine(Chopra 2003). Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing. The
treatment is based on the inherent ability of the human body to rejuvenate, to heal and to
restore its natural balance. The treatment is done using only natural plants, herbs, fruits and
vegetables. Ayurvedic treatment goals include eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms,
increasing resistance to disease, and reducing worry and increasing harmony in the patient's
life. Popular Ayurvedic Herbs include -Ashwagandha, Boswellia, Coleus Forskohlii, Ginger,
Gotu Kola, Guggul, Gymnema Sylvestre, Licorice, Myrrh, Phyllanthus Niruri and Turmeric
are known to have medicinal properties. According to Ayurvedic tradition, Basil (ocimum
basilicum) is a stimulating diaphoretic and carminative. The leaves are especially fragrant
and aromatic, possessing antihelminitc properties. The juice of the leaves is dropped into the
ear to treat earache and dullness of hearing. Additionally, Tulsi is a febrifuge and a nervine
antispasmodic, and is a significantly strong antiseptic and antibacterial. It is used internally
for many conditions, such as asthma, cough, colds, sinus congestion, and headaches. In nasal
myosis is acts as a parasiticide. Other cases in which Basil is used are rheumatism, arthritis,
and abdominal distension. Recent research indicates Basil helps control blood sugar levels in
diabetics.
Essential oil present in Ocimum basilicum species is responsible for its antifungal,
antibacterial and antiviral properties. Microorganisms develop resistance against various
antibiotics and due to this an immense clinical problem develops in treatment of infectious
diseases. Medicinal plants can be used to overcome this problem. Tulsi leaves have been
reported to show strong antifungal activities against the Aspergillus species (Joglekar
GV.,1956). In vitro antifungal activity was also observed against Candida species.
Ocimum shows strong antibacterial activity against Klebisella (causes pneumonia and
urinary tract infections), E. coli, Proteus & Staphylococcus aureus . Essential oil
from Ocimum sp which contain eugenol, carvacrol, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene are
considered mainly to be responsible for various antimicrobial properties.
Scientific classification :
Kingdom Plantae
(unranked) Angiosperms
(unranked) Eudicots
Order Lamiales
Family Lamiaceae
Genus Ocimum
Species O. basilicum
Binomial name Ocimum basilicum
The other common names for the herb basil are Arjaka, Common Basil, French Basil,
Garden Basil, Luole, Royal Herb, St. Josephwort, Sweet Basil and Tulsi.
Basil is widely cultivated and
extensively used for food, perfumery, cosmetics, pesticides, medicine, and traditional rituals
because of their natural aroma and flavor and other properties (Alburquerque, 1996; Darrah,
1974). Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now cultivated
throughout Europe and the USA. The plant is an annual hairy herb growing up to 1 meter (3
feet). The flowers range from white to pink, depending on the species and attract swarms of
bees in summer time. Basilicum comes from the Greek word 'Basilicos' meaning 'king' or
'royal'. The essential oils of basil extracted via steam distillation from the leaves and
flavoring tops are used to flavor foods, dental and oral products, in fragrances, and in
traditional rituals and medicines . Extracted essential oils have also been shown to contain
biologically-active constituents that are insecticidal , nematicidal , fungistatic or which
have antimicrobial properties (Ntezurubanza et al. 1984) . These properties can frequently
be attributed to predominant essential oil constituents, such as methyl chavicol, eugenol
linalool, camphor, and methyl cinnamate. Two minor components of the essential oil of
sweet basil, juvocimene I and II, have been reported as potent juvenile hormone
analogs. The genus Ocimum undergoes abundant cross-pollination resulting in large
numbers of subspecies and varieties, which differ in essential oil composition and
morphological characteristics. Therefore, the taxonomy of the group is difficult. Basil oils
from different geographical origins have been classified (Lachowicz,1996). According to
the chemical composition and geographical origin classified them into three large groups:
European type, Exotic or Reunion type and African type. On the basis of more than 200
analyses of oils extracted from O. basilicum, Lawrence established four essential oil
chemotypes (methyl chavicol, linalool, methyl eugenol and methyl cinnamate) and also
numerous subtypes. According to the biosynthetic origins of major compounds, he
classified them as chemotypes with single or dual biosynthetic pathways. Other chemotypes
such as eugenol-rich and thymol-rich in O. gratissimum, sesquiterpenes-rich in O.
canum andO. sanctum, and terpinen-4-ol-rich, have been reported( [Link].,2003)
Chemical components:
There are 26 major components of basil essential oils –
The most abundant components observed are: methyl cinnamate (present in all the varieties,
9-80%); methyl chavicol (present in all the varieties, 0.4-12%); methyl eugenol (ranging from
0.3-26%); linalool ( ranging from 3-33% ); 1,8-cineol (ranging from 2-15%); terpinen-4-ol
(3-6%); (E)-caryophyllene (ranging from 0.3-43% ); and t-cadinol ( 0.7-8.3%). Moreover,
components such as limonene, g-cadinene and caryophyllene oxide occur in a high
percentage in some varieties (from 2.5-13.9%).
Traditional Uses of basil :
The leaf infusion or fresh leaf juice is commonly used in cough, mild upper respiratory
infections, bronchospasm, stress-related skin disorders and indigestion. It is combined with
ginger and maricha (black pepper) in bronchial asthma. It is given with honey in bronchitis
and cough. The leaf juice is taken internally and also applied directly on cutaneous lesions in
ringworm. The essential oil has been used in ear infections. The seeds are considered a
general nutritious tonic.
Health Benefits :
Research studies on basil have shown unique health-protecting effects in two basic areas:
basil's flavonoids and volatile oils.
DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties
The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at
the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of
particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of
basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based
damage. In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial
growth. These "anti-bacterial" properties of basil are not associated with its unique
flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which
contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene,myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies
show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria,
including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia
coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since
this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX).
Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including
aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by
inhibiting this same enzyme. This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies
basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with
symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid
arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Nutrients Essential for Cardiovascular Health
Basil is a very good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as
beta-carotene). Called "pro-vitamin A," since it can be converted into vitamin A, beta-
carotene is a more powerful anti-oxidant than vitamin A and not only protects epithelial
cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels)
from free radical damage, but also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in
the blood stream. Only after it has been oxidized does cholesterol build up in blood vessel
walls, initiating the development of atherosclerosis, whose end result can be a heart attack or
stroke. Free radical damage is a contributing factor in many other conditions as well,
including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The beta-carotene found in basil
may help to lessen the progression of these conditions while protecting cells from further
damage. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by
prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the
risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.
In addition to the health benefits and nutrients described above, basil also emerged from our
food ranking system as a very good source of iron, and calcium, and a good source of
potassium and vitamin C.
As an anticancer agent
Cancer has been a leading cause of death in the developing countries. With changing standard
of living and food habits and also due to availability of curative treatment for many infectious
diseases, cancer is surpassing other ailments as a principle cause of morbidity and mortality
even in developing countries. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy- the established
treatment modalities for various cancers are costly, mutilating, having serious side effects and
associated with residual morbidity as well as frequent relapses. In ayurveda, various plants
are used as a potential source of anticancer and antitumor properties.
It has been found that ethanolic extract of O. Basilicum mediated a significant reduction in
tumor cell size and an increase in lifespan of mice having Sarcoma-180 solid tumors . Similar
results were also obtained by others where anticancer activity of O. Basilicum in Lewis lung
carcinoma animal model has been reported . Urosolic acid and oleanlic acid possess
anticancer property. Ocimum has the ability to protect the DNA of the body from dangerous
radiations .
As an antifertility agent
One of the major constituents of the Tulsi leaves is ursolic acid and it has been reported that it
possess anti-fertility effect. This effect has been attributed to its anti-estrogenic activity which
may be responsible for arrest of spermatogenesis in males and due to inhibitory effect on
implantation of ovum in females. This constituent may prove to be a promising anti-fertility
agent devoid of side effects. In males, Tulsi leaves reduce spermatogenesis by retarding
sertoli cells activity . The leaves of O. Basilicum have been shown to possess anti-
implantation activity in experimental albino rats. Ursolic acid is responsible for its anti-
sterility property . Tulsi leaves have antiandrogenic property as well. Benzene extract of O.
sanctum in albino rats decreases the total sperm count and sperm motility .
Stress relieving agents
Stress is a common phenomenon that is experienced by every individual. Stress is defined as
“non specific result of any demand upon the body”. Stress can be either physical or
psychological. When stress becomes extreme, it is harmful for the body and, hence, needs to
be treated. Stress is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases that includes
psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, immunosuppression, endocrine
disorders including diabetes mellitus, male impotence, cognitive dysfunction, peptic ulcer,
hypertension and ulcerative colitis. Tulsi is an excellent rejuvenator, which has been known
to help reduce stress, relax the mind and assist the body in improving memory. Tulsi has
antihypoxic effect and it increases the survival time during anoxic stress . A study conducted
with rabbits has suggested that Tulsi decreased oxidative stress .
Tulsi leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown
that the leaves afford significant protection against stress . If taken twice a day, Tulsi is a
powerful calming herb. It also counteracts many troublesome effects of chronic stress,
including nervousness, sleeplessness, and digestive disorders. Animal research has verified
that extracts of Tulsi leaves prevented changes in plasma levels of the stress hormone
corticosterone induced by both acute and chronic noise stress ( Dr. Vinod N Singh.,2010).
Medicinal Applications :
Basil is used to aid relief from colds, influenza, stomach cramps, nausea, migraine, insomnia,
low spirits and exhaustion.
Sweet basil are used mainly for the treatment of different disorders of the digestive and the
nervous systems,
It is also used for the treatment of colic, and to treat cases of indigestion affecting people.
The remedies derived from the sweet basil are also used to treat intestinal worms in people
affected by such parasites.
The mildly sedative action of the sweet basil is used in the treatment of long term nervous
irritability, physical tiredness, and symptoms of depression, long term and short term anxiety
and to treat insomnia in different individuals.
The herbal remedies made from the sweet basil have also been used in the treatment of
disorders such as epilepsy, migraine whooping cough in children.
Basil helps in inducing lactation in nursing mothers.
The sweet basil herb is also used as a topical remedy for external application in the treatment
of various skin disorders, insect bites, acne and ringworm.
It is used as a gargle or mouthwash for thrush; as a bath herb for increased energy; and as
eyewash for tired eyes.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
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