A General Review on Tulsi, Queen of Green Medicines: Biochemistry and Pathophysiology

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the oldest aromatic herbs of the family Lamiacaceae. It is popularly
known as “holy basil or sacred basil” and is present in almost every household in Indian sub-continent
due to its medicinal, nutritional and spiritual properties. It is also known as “the incomparable one,
mother of natural medicine and the queen of herbs.” It has great medicinal importance. The leaves
and flowers have good nutritional sources of fatty acid, β-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, and volatile
substances which maintain our body healthy. Hindus use the wood or seeds of tulsi to make garland,
which are strings of beads used to help in meditation, focusing of mind, chanting a devotional practice
which connects the body, mind, and spirit. This review focuses on the beneficial effects such as
medicinal, nutritional, and spiritual properties of Tulsi. It enhances the immune system to adopt in any
environment as adaptogen. It has many vital properties such as anti-stress, anti-cancers,
antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-radiation, insecticidal, insect repellent, flavoring,
coloring and many other uncountable properties. It has not only medicinal properties but also
nutritional, spiritual properties which are only present in this plant; thus, it is regarded as “Queen of
Green Medicines.”