basil
Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, is a widely cultivated herb traditionally used in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisines. While its traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, studies have shown that Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts at 5% and 7% concentrations can enhance basil plant growth and essential oil production. MgO-NPs at a concentration of 600 mg L-1 increased the essential oil concentration by 61%, but also reduced the plant's fresh weight, indicating potential variability in effects. Additionally, research has identified five distinct basil chemotypes with varying bioactive potentials and essential oil yields, which could be useful for breeding improved cultivars. However, scientific evidence regarding its specific medicinal applications is limited. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data, and there are no recorded drug interactions associated with sweet basil.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts at 5% and 7% increased basil plant growth and essential oil production.
- The study found that high doses of MgO-NPs increased essential oil concentration in sweet basil but reduced plant fresh weight.
- The study found that 5 µM KN was the most effective concentration, significantly influencing growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and essential oil biosynthesis in O. basilicum.
- The study identified five distinct basil genotypes with high bioactive potential and EO yields, contributing to germplasm characterization.
- PT reduced CO₂ assimilation and altered biometric traits, while ST impaired root growth and induced oxidative stress in basil plants.
- The study optimized a basil leaf extract nanoemulsion with weak antibacterial activity against P. acnes but showed potential as a natural acne treatment option.
Frequently asked questions
What is basil?
basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about basil?
6 sourced findings are recorded for basil; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts at 5% and 7% increased basil plant growth and essential oil production.
How strong is the evidence for basil?
The strongest finding for basil carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is basil safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for basil in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does basil interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for basil in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of basil?
basil is also known as: Базилик душистый, basilic.
Is basil a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Optimization and Formulation of Nanoemulsion Ex-tracts Basil Leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Testing of Anti-Acne Activity against Propionibacterium acnes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unraveling the regulatory role of kinetin (6-furfurylaminopurine) in modulating growth, physio-biochemical attributes, antioxidant defense, and essential oil biosynthesis in Ocimum basilicum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physiological and biochemical responses of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics exposure. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical profiling and chemotypic diversity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes: a large-scale evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of MgO Nanoparticle Foliar Treatment on the Early Stages of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Vegetation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of Kappaphycus alvarezii Biostimulant on Growth, Biochemistry, Essential Oil, and Rhizosphere of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Plants. literature abstract metadata