OCIMUM SANCTUM:An Updated Review

Ocimum sanctum (OS) Linn (family: Labiatae) is known for its medicinal values in various traditional medicines in India and other Asian nations. Different parts of this plant have been claimed to be valuable in a wide spectrum of diseases. Leaves of OS are used in cold, cough, fever, respiratory disorders, as a tonic rejuvenator and in non-healing ulcers. Recently it has been shown that OS has antistress, antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, radioprotective, analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflamatory, anticarcinogenic, antifertility and abortifacient properties. This review describes phytochemical, pharmacognostical, pharmacological properties and clinical studies conducted on OS.