Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Surasa (Ocimum sanctum) (Ocimum sanctum)
Strong Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) is an Ayurvedic herb containing eugenol as its primary bioactive compound, which demonstrates antimicrobial properties through cell membrane disruption. The plant's rich antioxidant profile, including methyl-eugenol and rosmarinic acid, provides cellular protection against oxidative stress.
Surasa (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is an aromatic herb native to the Indian subcontinent, revered in Hindu culture as 'the incomparable one.' The leaves are typically collected, dried, and extracted using Soxhlet extraction with methanol or ethanol at 60-70°C, or through steam distillation for essential oils.
The available research focuses exclusively on extraction methods and phytochemical analysis rather than clinical outcomes. No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier, with no PubMed PMIDs available for clinical studies.
No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardization details are available from the current research, which focuses on analytical methods rather than therapeutic dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Surasa (Ocimum sanctum / Holy Basil) is valued primarily for its bioactive phytochemical profile rather than macronutrient content. **Macronutrients (per 100 g fresh leaves, approximate):** Water ~89 g; Protein ~3.0–4.2 g; Fat ~0.5–0.7 g; Carbohydrates ~4–5 g; Dietary fiber ~1.6–2.0 g; Energy ~23–30 kcal. **Minerals:** Calcium ~177–250 mg; Iron ~3.0–4.0 mg; Magnesium ~28–35 mg; Phosphorus ~35–50 mg; Potassium ~295–350 mg; Zinc ~0.8–1.2 mg; Manganese ~1.1–1.5 mg; Copper ~0.3–0.5 mg; Sodium ~4–8 mg. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~18–25 mg; Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~2500–3500 µg (RAE ~210–290 µg); Vitamin K ~170–415 µg (significant contribution to daily requirement); Folate ~60–70 µg; small amounts of thiamine (~0.02 mg), riboflavin (~0.07 mg), and niacin (~0.9 mg). **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • Eugenol (primary phenylpropanoid): 40–70% of essential oil content; total essential oil yield ~0.5–1.5% of dry weight, with eugenol concentrations approximately 3.5–10.5 mg/g dry leaf. Exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Bioavailability: rapidly absorbed orally, undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic glucuronidation, resulting in moderate systemic bioavailability (~50–65% in animal models). • Methyl-eugenol: 5–12% of essential oil. • Methyl-isoeugenol: present in variable concentrations, contributing to antioxidant activity. • Rosmarinic acid: ~3.0–13.0 mg/g dry weight (a major water-soluble polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; bioavailability is moderate but limited by rapid metabolism and conjugation). • Ursolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid): ~1.0–4.5 mg/g dry weight; poorly water-soluble, low oral bioavailability (~6–8% in animal studies) unless formulated with lipid-based carriers. • Oleanolic acid: ~0.5–2.0 mg/g dry weight; similar bioavailability constraints as ursolic acid. • Apigenin and luteolin (flavonoids): ~0.2–1.5 mg/g dry weight each; bioavailability of apigenin is low (~2–5%) but may be enhanced by gut microbial metabolism. • Cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, isothymusin, and orientin (additional flavonoids/flavones): present in smaller concentrations (~0.1–0.8 mg/g dry weight). • β-caryophyllene (sesquiterpene): 5–15% of essential oil; exhibits anti-inflammatory properties via CB2 receptor interaction. • Linalool: 3–8% of essential oil (varies with chemotype). • Ocimumosides A and B (unique glycosides): trace to minor concentrations, proposed adaptogenic activity. **Seasonal and Chemotype Variation:** Essential oil composition shows significant seasonal fluctuation—eugenol-rich (eugenol chemotype) vs. methyl-chavicol-rich chemotypes exist, affecting the therapeutic profile. Peak essential oil yield is generally during flowering season. **Bioavailability Notes:** Water-soluble polyphenols (rosmarinic acid) are best extracted via aqueous decoction (traditional method), while terpenoids and essential oil compounds benefit from lipid co-administration. Traditional preparations as fresh leaf juice (swarasa) or hot infusion (phanta) align with optimizing extraction of hydrophilic bioactives. The lipophilic triterpenoids (ursolic/oleanolic acid) have notably limited bioavailability without formulation enhancement. Overall, Surasa is a low-calorie herb contributing modest vitamins (especially vitamin K and vitamin C) and minerals (calcium, iron), but its primary pharmacological relevance derives from its diverse essential oil constituents and polyphenolic compounds.
Eugenol disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits biofilm formation, providing antimicrobial effects. The herb's flavonoids and phenolic compounds scavenge free radicals and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Compounds may also modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.
Current evidence for Ocimum sanctum is primarily based on traditional use and in vitro studies, with no robust clinical trials available. Chemical analyses confirm the presence of bioactive compounds like eugenol and antioxidant phenolics. Traditional applications include treatment of respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and fever, but these uses lack clinical validation. Human studies are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Ocimum sanctum is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data is limited. The herb may interact with anticoagulant medications due to eugenol's blood-thinning properties. Potential side effects include hypoglycemia in diabetic patients and increased bleeding risk during surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies.
