Abstract:

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) herb has been known from as early as the Vedic period. Its extract has numerous pharmacological activities like hypoglycaemic, immunomodulatory, antistress, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, antihypertensive, CNS depressant, radioprotective, antitumour and antibacterial. The active constituents of the herb include volatile oil chiefly eugenol and β-caryophyllene, flavonoids and a number of other components present in fixed oil. This article outlines the present knowledge of pharmacological and other studies on this plant.