Areview on therapeutic potential of Ocimum basilicum.l

This review almost covers what is actually known to date about the basil and its constituents. Plants are one of the most important sources of medicines. Basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb. The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Ocimum basilicum, specifically for its chemical properties, therapeutic benefits and scientific studies. This review consists of all publications relevant to O. basilicum، that were identified by the authors through a systemic search of major computerized medical database. Studies indicate O. basilicum to possess, antioxidant, anticancer activities. The drug was also searched for its folkloric claims. It is used in traditional medicine as a tonic and vermifuge, and Basil tea taken hot is good for treating nausea, flatulence, and dysentery. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical composition and pharmacological activities of this plant.

کلیدواژه ها:

Basil ، Pharmacological studies ، Phytochemical studies ، antioxidant ، anticancer