Chemical Constitutes and Health Importance of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): A Review

There is an increasing demand for natural compounds as a substitute for traditional medications, particularly with global health concerns such as drug resistance and the adverse effects of synthetic drugs. Plant extracts are being explored as an alternative because they are considered safer and have the potential to reduce side effects. This review is intended to cover the chemical constituents and health importance of this important medicinal herb. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a significant crop that contains essential oils, polyphenols, phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic acids. This annual plant belongs to the mint family and is indigenous to tropical regions. Traditionally, it has been used in kidney problems, as a hemostyptic in childbirth, earache, menstrual irregularities, arthritis, anorexia, treatment of colds and malaria. Sweet basil has been shown positive effects against viral, fungal, bacterial and some infections. Its leaves have been used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, flu, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and diarrhea. The most important pharmacological uses of sweet basil are anti-cancer activity, radioprotective activity, anti-microbial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory activity, anti-stress activity, anti-diabetic activity, antipyretic activity, anti-arthritic activity, anti-oxidant activity, as a prophylactic agent and in cardiovascular disease.