Tulsi is a highly fragrant herb also known as holy basil. Native to India, tulsi is central to traditional Ayurvedic medicine and considered sacred in Hinduism. For thousands of years, tulsi has been used to treat malaria, heart disease, headache, inflammation and gastrointestinal complaints, including arsenic poisoning. In herbal medicine, the herb is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and remain stable. Because of the plant's anti-inflammatory and carminative effects, tulsi is reputed to be appropriate for treating colitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract. This herb is not suitable for everyone, however, so check with your doctor before self-treating your condition.
Plant Profile
The botanical name for holy basil is Ocimum tenuiflorum, which is synonomous with Ocimum sanctum. In Sanskrit, the latter translates to "sacred fragrant lipped basil," while tulsi means "the incomparable one." The plant is central to every Hindu household and kept in decorative pots in the home or given a special place in the outdoor garden. Tulsi is also known by several common names, including "queen of herbs" and "elixir of life."
Pharmacology
Tulsi contains various monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds and several fatty acids. The plant also contains eugenol, benzene, camphene, campesterol, stigmasterol, a-pinene, methyleugenol and cholesterol. According to a review published in the April 2005 issue of the "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology," eugenol and benzene fractions are responsible for many of the therapeutic effects of the herb, specifically a component identified as 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene. The pharmacological effects of tulsi include antispasmodic, analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiemetic properties. The authors of this study also credit the herb with promoting positive effects on the gastric system.
Gastrointestinal Effects
The exact cause of colitis is not known, although MayoClinic.com states that some scientists suspect it may be triggered by the invasion of bacteria or a virus. Similarly, there is no clinical evidence that tulsi effectively treats colitis. However, the antimicrobial properties of tulsi may help to prevent inflammation experienced with colitis by countering pathogens in the gut. The herb also seems to prevent ulcers, which is a characteristic of ulcerative colitis. The authors of a study published in the August 2010 issue of the "Indian Journal of Medical Research" report that a multi-herbal formula that included tulsi prevented the formation of gastric ulcers in rats by decreasing the volume and acidity of gastric juices and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. In fact, the researchers found tulsi as effective as the pharmaceutical antisecretory drug, omeprazole. According to a review published in the May 2007 issue of the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology," tulsi exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of linolenic acid, which may address abdominal pain and swelling of the large intestine or colon.
Safety Considerations
There are no significant side effects reported from the therapeutic use of holy basil, but safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you have diabetes or take other medications.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Colitis
- "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; Therapeutic Uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) With a Note on Eugenol and Its Pharmacological Actions: A Short Review; P. Prakash, N. Gupta; 2005
- "Indian Journal of Medical Research"; Evaluation of the Anti-Ulcer Activity of NR-ANX-C (a Polyherbal Formulation) in Aspirin & Pyloric Ligature Induced Gastric Ulcers in Albino Rats; V. Nair, et al; 2010
- "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology"; Biological Activities of Ocimum Sanctum L. Fixed Oil -- An Overview; S. Singh; 2007
