Basil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the body. Extensive research is being done worldwide to find natural alternatives for anticancer therapies since the current line of treatment is associated with several side effects. In this trend, several studies associate basil with potential anticancer properties A preclinical study was done using the extract from basil and neem leaves. The study revealed that basil extract is effective in the prevention of stomach cancer. There was also a significant reduction in the abnormal growth of cells. Another research showed that basil contains ursolic and oleanolic acids which have anti-tumour activity.

Basil also has radioprotective ability which can protect the healthy cells from the harmful effects of radiation. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory property of basil prevents inflammation which is increasingly being associated with cancer.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage and results in various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular problems. Antioxidants are the natural substances that protect you from the damage caused due to the free radicals. So, it is essential to maintain a balance between the free radicals and antioxidants. An imbalance between these two is termed as oxidative stress. Several studies show that basil has the ability to protect the body from oxidative damage due to the high levels of antioxidants present in it.

An animal study indicates that a herbal powder containing basil as a primary ingredient exhibits significant antioxidant properties. Another preclinical study showed that basil extract had high levels of antioxidants such as catalase and glutathione transferase.

(Read more: Antioxidant food sources)

As people age, they tend to face issues not just with their skin, but also with their hair. Greying of hair, hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common issues that people face with age. Some of the common causes for these hair problems include stress, hormonal imbalance, hereditary problems and use of certain medicines. Basil is a storehouse of antioxidants which have been found to reduce hair greying and protect them from pollution and UV damage.

Androgenic alopecia is a condition characterised by excessive hair loss and baldness. A research revealed the potential of basil to prevent this condition. According to the research, the root culture of basil prevents the activity of the enzyme that is responsible for hair loss. The root culture also helped in the regrowth of hair. The study further indicated that hair loss had reduced by 31% after just two months of application.

Basil is anything but a blessing for the skin. Traditional medicine swears by the many skin healing benefits of basil. Several studies indicate the potential of basil to protect your skin from diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, leprosy and staph infections.

Basil extract is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. So, it acts as a great antiseptic for open wounds. In Ayurveda, the paste made from tulsi leaves is applied on the skin to prevent the irritation caused due to insect bites. The presence of ursolic acid in basil can prevent wrinkles, make the skin more elastic, heal wounds quickly and also helps prevent skin cancer.

Another study suggested that basil leaves are effective against S. aureus, the causative agent of skin infections. The antimicrobial activity of basil is attributed to the presence of components such as camphor, eucalyptol, eugenol, and β-caryophyllene.

Research suggests that chewing a few leaves of basil can help maintain dental hygiene. Tulsi is effective against a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans that causes dental caries. This is attributed to the presence of antibacterial agents such as Carracrol, Tetpene and Sesquiterpene b-caryophyllene in basil plant.

The presence of eugenol in basil makes it a good analgesic (painkiller) which can help reduce toothache. Sun-dried tulsi leaves can be powdered to be used as a tooth powder.

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that causes inflamed gums. Brushing the gums with tulsi powder can help prevent this disease.

Gastrointestinal disorders include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and anal fissures. Some of these conditions could be chronic and lead to more complicated problems such as colon cancer. Research indicates the potential of basil leaves to treat gastrointestinal disorders. A decoction made from tulsi is known to cure the illness faster. Basil also improves your appetite. Basil is known to have laxative properties which can help prevent constipation and keep the bowel movements regular.

Basil leaf juice can help prevent dysentery and inflammation of the digestive tract (dyspepsia). A preclinical study reported reduced acidity and gastric ulcers on consumption of basil.

Basil is considered a powerful anti-stress agent. Several studies have reported that basil is effective against physical, psychological, chemical as well as metabolic stress.

A preclinical study done to evaluate the antistress effect of basil showed that it was effective in preventing the increase of cortisol, the stress hormone of the body. The research further indicated that the presence of ursolic acid in basil is responsible for its antistress property.

(Read more: Stress treatment)

Eyes are one of the most important sensory organs. However, as we age, our vision tends to become weak and the probability of getting eye diseases increases sharply. Some of the most common eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract,  and glaucoma (buildup of pressure in the eye).

Ayurveda has always used basil as one of the most important ingredients in the preparation of eye medicines. According to Ayurveda, basil leaf extract, when used in the form of eye drops, can help prevent painful eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract and conjunctivitis.

Ear pain can be caused due to inflammation, injury or infection in the ear. Research suggests that basil could be effective in reducing ear pain and infection. Tulsi oil made using tulsi leaves and fresh garlic juice can be used to treat earaches.

Acute otitis media is a painful condition in which the middle ear becomes infected with a bacteria, Haemophilus influenzae. A preclinical study was done to access the antimicrobial activity of basil oil against acute otitis media. The research revealed that basil oil placed in the ear canal can be an effective treatment for the disease.