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A review on Krishna tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.

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Palla Ravi
Palla Ravi
Palla Ravi
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A.Elumalai . at Anurag Parmacy College
A.Elumalai .
Maram Chinnaeswaraiah at Anurag Parmacy College
Maram Chinnaeswaraiah
Raju Kasarla
Raju Kasarla
Raju Kasarla
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Ocimum tenuiflorum is the most sacred herb in India and it is otherwise called as Krishna tulsi. O.tenuiflorum belongs to Lamiaceae family, which posses various healing medicinal properties for human life. Traditionally the various parts like leaves, flowers and stems are being used in the treatment various disorders such as skin diseases, cold, cough, fever, vomiting, swelling etc. Into this, O.tenuiflorum was reported to have anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immuno-stimulatory properties. The main chemical constituents present in O.tenuiflorum are eugenol, methyl cinnamate, camphor and thymol. The aim of this work is to highlight the updated review consists of scientifically proved medicinal activities against various disorders.
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Palla Ravi et al / IJRAP 3(2), Mar – Apr 2012
291
Review Article
www.ijrap.net
A REVIEW ON KRISHNA TULSI, OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM LINN.
Palla Ravi*, A.Elumalai, M.Chinna Eswaraiah, Raju Kasarla
Department of Pharmacognosy, Anurag Pharmacy College, Ananthagiri (V), Kodad (M), Nalgonda (DT), Andhra
Pradesh, India
Received on: 02/01/12 Revised on: 18/02/12 Accepted on: 12/03/12
*Corresponding author
Palla Ravi, Student. Email: palla.ravi42@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Ocimum tenuiflorum is the most sacred herb in India and it is otherwise called a s Krishna tulsi. O.tenuiflorum belongs to La miaceae family, which
posses various healing medicinal properties for human life. Traditionally the various parts like leaves, flowers and stems are being used in the
treatment various disorders such as skin diseases, cold, cough, fever, vomiting, swelling etc. Into this, O.tenuiflorum was reported t o have anti-cancer,
antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immuno-stimulatory properties. The main chemical
constituents present in O.tenuiflorum are eugenol, methyl cinnamate, camphor and thymol. The aim of this work is t o highlight the updated review
consists of scientifically proved medicinal activities against various disorders.
Key Words: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Lamiaceae, Traditional uses, updated review.
INTRODUCTION
There is rising interest of herbal drugs in the health and
their benefits. The beneficial reason is that they might
offer a natural safeguard against the development of
certain conditions and be a reputed treatment for some
diseases or ailments. At the present time, the practice of
using herbal drugs has become main stream throughout
the world. The herbal preparations are considered
moderate in efficacy and are less toxic than the most
commonly used pharmaceutical drugs1. India has been
identified as one of the top twelve mega bio-diversity
centre of the world. This is because India has a vast area
with wide variation in climate, soil, altitude and latitude.
India with its biggest repository of medicinal plants in the
world may maintain an important position in the
production of raw materials either directly for crude drugs
or as the bioactive compounds in the formulation of
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Botanical study
O.tenuiflorum is native throughout the old world tropics
and widely cultivating for its medicinal value2. It is an
erect, much branched sub shrub, 30–60 cm tall, leaf
arrangement: opposite arrangement, stipule: absent,
petioles: 5 mm, leaf: dark green to green in colour, ovate,
margin: serrate, inflorescence: raceme type, floral bracts:
caudiform in shape, flowers: vertical, 5-7 mm in length,
calyx: greenish in colour; 5 in number, corolla: bilabiate
in shape and covered with scattered hairs, white petals,
stamens: 4, filament length is 1 mm. filament colour is
white, ovary: absent, style: single style; colour is white,
fruit: none seed: plant is a prolific producer of seed; the
seed is very small, white in colour, stem: stem are covered
with minute hairs.
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.
Traditional uses
In traditional medicine, aqueous extract of O.tenuiflorum
leaves is used for common colds and fever. Whole
powder is also used for treating jaundice and for
alleviating blood pressure.
Chemical constituents
The main chemical constituents present in O.tenuiflorum
are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol,
carvacrol, Linalool, and β-caryophyllene.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Antimicrobial Activity
Sermakkani and Thangapandian reported the anti-
microbial activity of hexane, acetone and ethanol extracts
of leaves of O.tenuiflorum by disc diffusion method
against certain Gram-positive and Gram negative bacterial
pathogens and some fungus. The acetone extracts showed
a wide range of antibacterial activity against bacterial and
fungal pathogens than the hexane extract, where as
ethanol extract were slightly lower antimicrobial activity
than acetone extract. The preliminary chemical tests
performed in all extracts showed the presence of
saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides,
steroids, phenols and tannins4.
Anti-oxidant Activity
Balaji et al reported the antioxidant activities and total
phenolic assay in methanolic extracts of stem and leaves
of Ocimum tenuiflorum by using BHT (Butylated
hydroxyl toluene) and ascorbic acid as standard
antioxidant. Total phenolic content was estimated in both
extracts, leaf extract showed more activity (3.66g/100gm)
than stem. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free
radical scavenging activity was assayed; leaf showed 71%
higher activity than stem, in leaf extract showed more
(82%) of Superoxide anion scavenging activity than stem.
Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was assayed leaf
showed 69.2% higher activity than stem. Determination
of carotenoids showed 26.5g/100gm higher in leaf extract.
Quantification of ascorbic acid showed higher in leaf
extract 6.4g/100gm than stem. This study reveals that
Palla Ravi et al / IJRAP 3(2), Mar – Apr 2012
292
O.tenuiflorum would exert several beneficial effects by
virtue of their antioxidant activity5.
Anti-diabetic activity
Ameeta et al reported the hypoglycaemic activity on 123
plants. In that one of these plants was O.tenuiflorum.
They evaluated the anti-diabetic activity by the inhibition
of PPA (porcine pancreatic a-amylase) using the
chromogenic DNSA (3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid) method.
Of the 126 extracts obtained from 17 plants, 17 extracts
exhibited PPA inhibitory potential to varying degrees
(10%-60.5%) while 4 extracts showed low inhibition (<
10%). However, strong porcine pancreatic amylase
inhibitory activity (> 50%) was obtained with 3 extracts.
All these 3 extracts exhibited concentration dependent
inhibition with IC50 values, viz., seeds of Linum
usitatisumum (540 μgml-1), leaves of Morus alba (1440
μgml-1) and O.tenuiflorum (8.9 μgml-1). Acarbose as the
standard inhibitor exhibited an IC50 (half maximal
inhibitory concentration) value of 10.2 μgml-1.
Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of
alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids,
saponins and steroids6.
Cardiac activity
Praveen Kumar et al had reported the cardiac effects of
extracts derived from the leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum,
Ocimum sanctum, stem of Cissus quadrangularis, leaves
of Trachyspermum ammi, Azadirachta indica and flowers
of Alangium salvifolium by Frog’s isolated perfused heart
and Frog’s hypodynamic heart (frog heart perfusion using
syme’s cannula) method. The leaves of O.tenuiflorum,
Ocimum sanctum, stem of C.quadrangularis, T.ammi,
A.indica and A.salvifolium were screened for their effects
on frog-heart in situ preparation. The extracts produced
significant positive ionotropic and negative chronotropic
actions on frog heart. The leaves of O.tenuiflorum
exhibited more cardiotonic and cardiac stimulant effect
than other plants7.
Anti-fertility activity
Jhori et al reported the anti-fertility activity in pet ether
extracts of fresh leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum. The
maximum activity showed at a dose of 250mg/kg. The
treatment was continued upto 7th day of post-mating
period. The extract can affect the oestrous cycle by
blocking the biogenesis of ovarian steroids in high
percentage at any intermediary stage along with the
remarkable imbalance of ascorbic acid and cholesterol
contents in ovary and exhibited them as significant
contraceptive, anti-estrogenic and anti-progestational
activities8.
Anti-cancer Activity
Gajula et al reported the anti-cancer activity in leaf
powder of O.tenuiflorum in azoxymethane induced colon
tumours in fisher 344 male rats. Carcinogenesis was
induced by subcutaneous administration of azoxymethane
(16mg/kg body weight in saline) at 7th and 8th week.
Tumors/tumour bearing rat’s ratio was reduced by 78% in
rats. The reduction in hepatic enzymes like Glutathione-S-
Transferase, Superoxide dismutase and catalase by
O.tenuiflorum compared with control diet. Thus extracts
showed higher chemoprotective agent9.
Larvicidal activity
Rushikesh et al reported the larvicidal activity in hydro
distillated oil obtained from fresh leaves of O.tenuiflorum
in Aedes aegypti Instar III mosquito larvae. The volatile
oil showed IC50 value of about 291.29 ppm. The
maximum activity showed at a concentration of 500µg/ml
about 64%. Thus the essential oil was being very useful
in preventing the mosquito borne diseases such as
malaria, dengue, etc10.
Nootropic Activity
Joshi and Parle reported the nootropic activity in
methanolic extract of whole plant part of Ocimum
tenuiflorum by inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase in mice.
Scopolamine at a dose of 0.4mg/kg was used as standard.
The extracts of O.tenuiflorum at a dose of 200mg/kg
showed maximum step down latency about 253.62. Thus
the cholinergic system plays an important role in learning
and memory11.
Biochemical estimation
Archana sharma et al reported the biochemical estimation
of primary metabolites in vivo plant parts (leaves, stem
and root) and in vitro (callus)of Ocimum tenuiflorum like
total soluble sugar, starch, lipid, protein and phenol. The
plant parts varied in composition of their primary
metabolites. The results showed that the maximum
content of total soluble sugar (3.5±0.08 mg/gfw), lipid
(2.6±011 mg/gfw), protein (3.6±0.65 mg/gfw) and phenol
(1.8±0.456 mg/gfw) and maximum starch found in root
(2.1±.014 mg/gfw) 12.
Figure 1: Oleanolic acid
Figure 2: Ursolic acid
Figure 3: Rosmarinic acid
Palla Ravi et al / IJRAP 3(2), Mar – Apr 2012
293
Figure 4: Ocimum tenuiflorum
CONCLUSION
The extensive literature survey revealed that Ocimum
tenuiflorum is important medicinal plant with diverse
pharmacological spectrum. The plant shows the presence
of many chemical constituents which are responsible for
varied pharmacological and medicinal property. The
evaluation needs to be carried out on Ocimum tenuiflorum
in order to its uses and formulation of the plant in their
practical clinical applications, which can be used for the
welfare of the mankind.
REFERENCES
1. Memory Elvin-Lewis: Should we be concerned about herbal
remedies? Journal of Ethno pharmacology 2001; 75:141-164.
2. Warrier PK. Indian Medicinal Plants. Orient Longman. 1995;168.
3. Simon J E, Quinn J, Murray R G. Basil: a source of essential oils.
In: Janick J, Simon J E. (Eds). Advanced in New Crops. Timber
Press, Portland, 1999:484-489.
4. Sermakkani M and Thangapandian V. Studies on preliminary
phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Ocimum
tenuiflorum L leaves. International Journal of Institutional
Pharmacy and Life Sciences 2011; 1(1):1-12.
5. Balaji R, Prakash G, Suganya devi P, Aravinthan K M, Antioxidant
activity of methanol extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum (dried leaf and
stem), IJPRD 2011; 3(1):20-27.
6. Sudha P, Smita S Zinjar de, Shobha Y Bhargava, Ameeta R Kumar,
Potent a -amylase inhibitory activity of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal
plants. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011;
11(5):1-10.
7. Praveen Kumar P, Prabhakara MC, Satyavathi K, Anil Kumar S,
Evaluation of cardiac activity of some traditionally used backyard
Indian medicinal plants. RJPBCS, 2010; 1(4):641-654.
8. Johri PK, Divya Tiwari and Reeta Johri, Screening of some
indigenous medicinal plants for antiimplantation / anti- fertility
activity in female albino rats. Biochem Cell 2009; 9(2):175-178.
9. Gajula D, Verghese, Boateng J, Shackelford, Mentreddy SR, Sims
C, Asiamah D, Walker LT, Basil reduces azoxymethane induced
colon tumours in fisher 344 male rats. Research Journal of
Phytochemistry 2010:1-10.
10. Rushikesh S. Ghule, R. Venkatnarayanan, Vishal N. Zope, Umesh
M. Upadhyay, Lar vicidal activity of essential oil obtained from
different species of genus Ocimum against mosquito vector. Deccan
J Natural Products 2010; 1(2):6-8.
11. Joshi and Parle, C holinergic basis of memory improving activity of
Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. International Journal of Pharmaceutical
sciences 2006; 68(3):364-365.
12. Archana Sharma, Anju Meena and Rishi Kesh Meena, Biochemical
estimation of primary metabolites in Ocimum tenuiflorum. The
Bioscan 2011; 6(3):463-465.
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  • RJPBCS
To evaluate the cardiac effects and anti diabetic activity of extracts derived from the leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum , Ocimum sanctum (also Sri tulsi, krishna tulsi), stem of Cissus quadrangularis (Nalleru), leaves of Trachyspermum ammi (Vamu), Azadirachta indica A. (Neem flowers) and flowers of Alangium salvifolium. The leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum (also Sri tulsi, krishna tulsi), stem of Cissus quadrangularis (Nalleru), leaves of Trachyspermum ammi (Vamu), Azadirachta indica A. (Neem flowers) and flowers of Alangium salvifolium were extracted with Frog ringer's solution.. The extracts were screened for their effects on frog-heart in situ preparation. The extracts produced significant positive ionotropic and negative chronotropic actions on frog heart. The leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum exhibited more cardiotonic and cardiac stimulant effect than other plants. The extraction of flowers of Alangium salvifolium exhibited anti diabetic principles.
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Evaluation of cardiac activity of some traditionally used backyard Indian medicinal plants
Article
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To evaluate the cardiac effects and anti diabetic activity of extracts derived from the leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum , Ocimum sanctum (also Sri tulsi, krishna tulsi), stem of Cissus quadrangularis (Nalleru), leaves of Trachyspermum ammi (Vamu), Azadirachta indica A. (Neem flowers) and flowers of Alangium salvifolium. The leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum (also Sri tulsi, krishna tulsi), stem of Cissus quadrangularis (Nalleru), leaves of Trachyspermum ammi (Vamu), Azadirachta indica A. (Neem flowers) and flowers of Alangium salvifolium were extracted with Frog ringer's solution.. The extracts were screened for their effects on frog-heart in situ preparation. The extracts produced significant positive ionotropic and negative chronotropic actions on frog heart. The leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum exhibited more cardiotonic and cardiac stimulant effect than other plants. The extraction of flowers of Alangium salvifolium exhibited anti diabetic principles.
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Full-text available
  • Jan 1990
Since 1984, we have been characterizing the chemical diversity of Ocimum spp. to identify chemotypes of potential commercial interest. Genetic and breeding studies have been initiated to increase the total essential oil content (concentration) of commercial basil chemotypes and to increase the content of specific oil constituents in other chemotypes such as those high in methyl chavicol and methyl cinnamate. A germplasm collection of basil (Ocimum spp.) consisting of more than 100 accessions from the USDA Plant Introduction Station which include O. basilicum, O. canum, O. gratissimum, O. kilimandscharicum, O. citriodorium, O. micranthum, O. sanctum plus other commercial and noncommercial seed sources were field grown in central Indiana and were initially screened organoleptically for aroma and flavor differences. Each accession and cultivar was harvested during full bloom.
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Potent α-amylase inhibitory activity of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plants
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2011
  • BMC Compl Alternative Med
Background Indian medicinal plants used in the Ayurvedic traditional system to treat diabetes are a valuable source of novel anti-diabetic agents. Pancreatic α-amylase inhibitors offer an effective strategy to lower the levels of post-prandial hyperglycemia via control of starch breakdown. In this study, seventeen Indian medicinal plants with known hypoglycemic properties were subjected to sequential solvent extraction and tested for α-amylase inhibition, in order to assess and evaluate their inhibitory potential on PPA (porcine pancreatic α-amylase). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the lead extracts was performed in order to determine the probable constituents. Methods Analysis of the 126 extracts, obtained from 17 plants (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Adansonia digitata L., Allium sativum L., Casia fistula L., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don., Cinnamomum verum Persl., Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt., Linum usitatisumum L., Mangifera indica L., Morus alba L., Nerium oleander L., Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Piper nigrum L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., Zingiber officinale Rosc.) for PPA inhibition was initially performed qualitatively by starch-iodine colour assay. The lead extracts were further quantified with respect to PPA inhibition using the chromogenic DNSA (3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid) method. Phytochemical constituents of the extracts exhibiting≥ 50% inhibition were analysed qualitatively as well as by GC-MS (Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry). Results Of the 126 extracts obtained from 17 plants, 17 extracts exhibited PPA inhibitory potential to varying degrees (10%-60.5%) while 4 extracts showed low inhibition (< 10%). However, strong porcine pancreatic amylase inhibitory activity (> 50%) was obtained with 3 isopropanol extracts. All these 3 extracts exhibited concentration dependent inhibition with IC50 values, viz., seeds of Linum usitatisumum (540 μgml-1), leaves of Morus alba (1440 μgml-1) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (8.9 μgml-1). Acarbose as the standard inhibitor exhibited an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration)value of 10.2 μgml-1. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and steroids with the major phytoconstituents being identified by GC-MS. Conclusions This study endorses the use of these plants for further studies to determine their potential for type 2 diabetes management. Results suggests that extracts of Linum usitatisumum, Morus alba and Ocimum tenuiflorum act effectively as PPA inhibitors leading to a reduction in starch hydrolysis and hence eventually to lowered glucose levels.
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Cholinergic basis of memory improving effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2006
  • Indian J Pharmaceut Sci
Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer′s disease. Nootropic agents are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Ethanol extract of dried whole plant of O. tenuiflorum Linn. ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging-induced memory deficits in mice. Passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioural model. O. tenuiflorum extract increased step-down latency and acetyl cholinesterase inhibition significantly. Hence, O. tenuiflorum can be employed in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer′s disease.
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum) Reduces Azoxymethane Induced Colon Tumors in Fisher 344 Male Rats
Article
  • Mar 2010
  • Res J Phytochemistry
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three varieties of ocimum tenuifiorum (Holy Basil) (Denmark (HBD), Cuba (HBC), India (HBI)) and one variety of ocimum basilicum (Culinary Basil) (CB) on Azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumors in Fisher 344 male rats. After a 1 week period of acclimatization, rats were divided into groups. Basil leaf powder was mixed at 1 % level in an ATN 93G/M based diet. Rats were administered 2 injections of AOM (s/c injections at 16 mg kg -1 body weight in saline) at 7 and 8 week of age to induce colon carcinogenesis. Rats were killed by CO2 asphyxiation and samples of colon, cecum and liver, were collected. Colon tumors were characterized according to number, size, location and tumors per tumor bearing rat ratio. Feeding Basil (1%) resulted in significantly lower tumor incidence compared to rats fed the control diet. Tumors/rumor bearing rat ratio was reduced by 78% in rats fed Basil diets compared to rats fed the control diet. Tumor size (mm) was significantly (p<0.05) smaller in treatment diets (CB: 1.20, HBD: 0.8, HBC: 0.8, HBI: 0.6 and control: 3.72) compared to control diet. Selected hepatic enzyme activities (Glutathione-S-Transferase, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the rats fed Basil compared to rats fed the control diet. Results showed that feeding Holy and Culinary Basil significantly (p<0.05) reduced the number of AOM-induced colon tumors in Fisher 344 male rats and therefore may have implications in food industry as a potential chemopreventive agent.
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Should we be concerned about herbal remedies
Article
  • Jun 2001
  • J ETHNOPHARMACOL
During the latter part of this century the practice of herbalism has become mainstream throughout the world. This is due in part to the recognition of the value of traditional medical systems, particularly of Asian origin, and the identification of medicinal plants from indigenous pharmacopeias that have been shown to have significant healing power, either in their natural state or as the source of new pharmaceuticals. Generally these formulations are considered moderate in efficacy and thus less toxic than most pharmaceutical agents. In the Western world, in particular, the developing concept that 'natural' is better than 'chemical' or 'synthetic' has led to the evolution of Neo-Western herbalism that is the basis of an ever expanding industry. In the US, often guised as food, or food supplements, known as nutriceuticals, these formulations are readily available for those that wish to self-medicate. Within this system, in particular, are plants that lack ethnomedical verification of efficacy or safety. Unfortunately there is no universal regulatory system in place that insures that any of these plant remedies are what they say they are, do what is claimed, or most importantly are safe. Data will be presented in this context, outlining how adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life-threatening or lethal.
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Studies on preliminary phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Ocimum tenuiflorum L leaves
  • Jan 2011
  • 1-12
  • M Sermakkani
  • V Thangapandian
Sermakkani M and Thangapandian V. Studies on preliminary phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Ocimum tenuiflorum L leaves. International Journal of Institutional Pharmacy and Life Sciences 2011; 1(1):1-12.