Herbs (Global Traditional) · African
Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) (Ocimum gratissimum)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) contains eugenol and other phenolic compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties through COX enzyme inhibition. This African medicinal plant demonstrates hepato-renal protective effects and antidiabetic activity in preclinical studies.
Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) is a perennial herb native to Africa and widely distributed across tropical regions of Asia, America, and Australia, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The aerial parts (leaves and stems) are harvested and processed through methods including 70% ethanol extraction, steam distillation for essential oils, or supercritical fluid extraction to obtain bioactive compounds.
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research for Ocimum gratissimum. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies including in vitro laboratory tests and animal models, along with phytochemical analyses of bioactive compounds.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Preclinical studies utilized 70% ethanolic extracts analyzed via LC-ESI-MS/MS, but standardization percentages for active compounds like rosmarinic acid or eugenol have not been established for human use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) leaves contain the following per 100g dry weight basis where data is available: Crude protein approximately 20-25g, crude fiber approximately 10-15g, ash content approximately 10-12g, crude fat approximately 4-6g, carbohydrates approximately 40-50g. Moisture content in fresh leaves ranges 70-80%. Key minerals include calcium (1,200-2,100mg/100g dry weight), potassium (1,800-2,500mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (300-500mg/100g dry weight), phosphorus (200-400mg/100g dry weight), iron (15-30mg/100g dry weight), zinc (4-8mg/100g dry weight), and sodium (relatively low at 50-150mg/100g dry weight). Vitamin content includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at approximately 50-120mg/100g fresh weight, beta-carotene (provitamin A precursor) at approximately 2-5mg/100g fresh weight, and B-complex vitamins including riboflavin and niacin in modest quantities. Primary bioactive compounds are dominated by essential oil constituents: eugenol (the defining compound, comprising 40-80% of essential oil fraction), thymol, carvacrol, and linalool. Total essential oil yield from leaves is approximately 0.5-1.5% by fresh weight. Phenolic compounds include rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin-7-glucoside with total phenolic content estimated at 15-30mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight. Flavonoids include quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, total flavonoid content approximately 8-20mg rutin equivalents per gram dry weight. Tannins present at approximately 2-5% dry weight. Bioavailability note: Eugenol demonstrates reasonable oral bioavailability but is highly volatile; mineral bioavailability may be reduced by oxalate and phytate content typical of leafy African herbs. Data is primarily derived from regional laboratory analyses with limited standardized nutritional database representation.
Clove basil's primary bioactive compound eugenol inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing inflammatory mediator production. The plant's phenolic compounds disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with microbial enzyme systems. Antidiabetic effects occur through enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake modulation via GLUT4 transporters.
Current evidence for clove basil remains primarily preclinical, with animal studies showing 40-60% reduction in inflammatory markers and significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli and Staphylococcus species. Laboratory studies demonstrate minimum inhibitory concentrations of 25-50 μg/mL against various pathogens. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted, limiting definitive therapeutic recommendations.
Clove basil is generally well-tolerated in culinary amounts but may cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals. High doses could interact with anticoagulant medications due to eugenol content. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate effects of antidiabetic medications, requiring blood glucose monitoring.
