Holy Basil
Holy basil, or tulsi, refers to plants including Ocimum tenuiflorum, also called Ocimum sanctum, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Also listed as Ocimum sanctum, Green Tulsi, Sacred Basil, Tulsi
Can it make stress feel more manageable?
In a 2022 trial, 100 adults experiencing stress received a standardized extract at 125 mg twice daily or placebo for eight weeks. Stress and insomnia questionnaire scores improved more with the extract. Hair cortisol and some responses to a laboratory stress test also fell. The extract manufacturer funded the study. 1
What about blood sugar?
A 2017 systematic review identified 24 human studies, including metabolic research with favorable blood-glucose findings. Preparations and study quality varied, and much of the evidence concerned laboratory measures. 2
These findings give researchers a useful question to pursue. They do not establish prevention of diabetes complications or justify replacing diabetes treatment. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Stress & Mood3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Holy Basil, newest first.