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
What side effects were reported?
The eight-week trial reported no serious adverse events, but one participant taking the extract withdrew because of agitation. The 2017 review found that the longest included trial lasted 13 weeks. These short observations leave long-term safety open. 1 2
Who was not represented?
The stress trial excluded pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes and several other medical conditions, and largely excluded medication use. It therefore cannot establish safety for these situations or for combinations with medicines. 1
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.