Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A Potent Adaptogen

Abstract

Tulsi or holy basil is a dedicated plant of India. It is a pungent plant in the family Lamiaceae which is mother to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Tulsi, one with a purple‑colored leaf or dark variety, commonly known as the Shyama or Krishna Tulsi and the second type with a green‑colored leaf or light variety known as Rama Tulsi or Sri Tulsi. The chemical composition of Tulsi is highly complex, containing many nutrients and other biologically active compounds. Tulsi also helps to check cancers caused by toxic compounds by reducing DNA damage. Tulsi has also been shown to boost defenses against infective threats by intensify immune responses in non-stressed and stressed animals and healthy humans. The O. sanctum fixed oil elongate clotting time, response being similar to aspirin. Basil juice is an effective medicament for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A

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