ABSTRACT
Essential oils extracted from traditional medicinal plants have been recently emerging for their promising pharmacological activities. Ocimum basilicum, common name basil, a perennial herb native to the Asian continent, has been widely used for its pharmacological properties including broad spectrum antibacterial, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of its various active chemical components 1,8 – cineole, linalool, eugenol, and chavicol. Studies have proven Ocimum oil also results in protective actions for neurons, liver, and heart. The study also covered many research findings; Ocimum oil extract has been found to prevent tumorigenesis and shows potent anticancer activity. Traditional use of Ocimum oil in various kidney problems, during childbirth as haemostyptic, menstrual cycle irregularities, malaria, and earache have been also reported. Furthermore, anxiolytic and sedative action of O. basilicum oil in mice was also investigated. On reviewing the various key research studies on Ocimum basilicum oil past studies revealed that Ocimum oil has potential pharmacological benefits with less toxicity, which leads to its commercial values. More research studies for its medicinal application need to be carried out.
