Tulsi - A Review Based Upon Its Ayurvedic and Modern Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Herbal plants are considered as the most significant source of medicines. These herbal plants are in practice from ancient times. Traditionally, all the parts of the plant are used for curing various diseases. One of the most important herbal plants is the Ocimum sanctum also called tulsi. This plant is considered a sacred plant in Indian culture and used for holy purposes as well. The name Tulsi comes from Sanskrit word which means "the incomparable one". Tulsi plant is not only used in ayurvedic medicines but also used in other medicinal systems in Greek, Roman and Unani. Apart from this, the Tulsi plant possesses different therapeutical properties due to the presence of several phytochemical constituents in its roots, stem, fruit, and leaves due to the presence of eugenol, vallinin, gallic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and many more. These phytochemicals are extracted from the plant and used to cure various types of diseases. Tulsi is reported to have properties like anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, analgesic, antistress, anti-asthmatic, antifertility, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activity. Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, phytochemicals, Eugenol, Tulsi, Ayurveda.