Abstract

A REVIEW ON PHARMACEUTICAL CONSIDERATION OF OCIMUM SANCTUM

*Simanchal Panda and Dr. Sruti Ranjan Mishra

ABSTRACT

A deeper study revealed that O. sanctum has been attributed with actions that can increase pitta and body heat. It is mentioned to be a microbicidal agent. Because of its pungent taste and sharp and dry properties, it can increase pitta (one of the three doshas representing heat, transformation, digestion and metabolism) and should not be used in high doses or for a prolonged period in individuals with predominance of pitta or in diseases caused by derangement of pitta and rakta (blood), pungent substances with sharp and dry properties and hot potency are not generally considered to be good for fertility and should be used with care as O. sanctum has pungent taste. In the classical formulations the quantity of O. sanctum to be consumed per day varied from 0.74 mg to 86.14 mg. The plant Tulsi or Holy Basil (Botanical name Ocimum Sanctum) belongs to family Lamiaceae. It is a tropical plant which grows as weed and also cultivated. Tulsi is worshipped by Hindus and is an important symbol of Hindu religion. It is a very common sight to find Tulsi Vrindavan (A special structure where tulsi is grown) in houses of Hindus.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Cough, Fever, Fatigue, Phytochemical, Medicinal.