# Ceylon Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ceylon-clove-basil
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Ocimum gratissimum, African Basil, Tree Basil, Holy Basil, Clove Basil, Vana Tulsi, Ram Tulsi, Scent Leaf

## Overview

Ceylon clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) is a tropical herb whose primary bioactive compound, eugenol, inhibits bacterial cell membranes and suppresses pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators including COX-2 and NF-κB. Its essential oil demonstrates broad-spectrum [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and analgesic activity supported by preliminary in vitro and animal research.

## Health Benefits

• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against bacteria including S. aureus and E. coli (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies, MICs 12.5-50 mg/ml)
• Pain relief demonstrated in animal models at 20-40 mg/kg oral dosing (preliminary evidence, PMID: 26584457)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects suggested by traditional use and preclinical studies (evidence quality: traditional/preliminary)
• Potential antifungal properties with synergistic effects when combined with ketoconazole against C. albicans (preliminary in vitro evidence)
• Membrane-disrupting antimicrobial mechanism showing rapid killing within 5 seconds at 4x MIC (preliminary in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

The dominant volatile compound eugenol (often comprising 60-80% of the essential oil) disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity by intercalating into lipid bilayers, reducing membrane fluidity and causing leakage of intracellular contents, which explains minimum inhibitory concentrations of 12.5-50 mg/ml against pathogens like S. aureus and E. coli. Eugenol also inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity and suppresses NF-κB transcription factor signaling, reducing downstream synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6. Secondary phenylpropanoids including thymol and methyl eugenol may contribute additive [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects through similar membrane-disruption mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

Available evidence for Ceylon clove basil is limited to in vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies and rodent models, with no completed randomized controlled human trials published as of 2024. Antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated in disc-diffusion and broth microdilution assays against S. aureus, E. coli, and Candida species, with MICs ranging from 12.5 to 50 mg/ml for crude extracts. Analgesic effects were observed in murine models using oral doses of 20-40 mg/kg, showing statistically significant reductions in acetic acid-induced writhing comparable to reference analgesics in some studies (PMID: 26584457). The overall evidence base is preliminary, and efficacy and optimal dosing in humans remain unestablished.

## Nutritional Profile

Ocimum gratissimum leaves contain moderate moisture (70-80% fresh weight basis). Macronutrient composition per 100g dry weight: crude protein 10-15g, crude fiber 12-18g, crude fat 4-7g, ash 8-12g, carbohydrates approximately 50-60g. Key micronutrients include calcium (1,200-2,100mg/100g dry weight), potassium (800-1,500mg/100g), magnesium (200-400mg/100g), iron (28-50mg/100g), zinc (4-8mg/100g), and phosphorus (150-300mg/100g); mineral bioavailability is moderately reduced by presence of oxalates and tannins. Vitamin content includes ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at 50-150mg/100g fresh weight, beta-carotene (provitamin A precursor) at 2-5mg/100g, and small amounts of B vitamins including riboflavin and niacin. The dominant bioactive compounds are volatile essential oils comprising 0.5-3.5% of leaf dry weight, with thymol (up to 40-60% of essential oil fraction in some chemotypes), eugenol (15-30% in eugenol-dominant chemotypes), and geraniol as primary constituents; chemotype variation is significant and affects bioactive profile substantially. Non-volatile phenolics include rosmarinic acid (reported at 2-8mg/g dry weight), luteolin, apigenin, and orientin glycosides. Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid triterpenes are present at approximately 1-3mg/g dry weight. Bioavailability of phenolics is estimated at 10-30% based on related Ocimum species data; essential oil constituents such as eugenol and thymol demonstrate good oral absorption in animal models. Data on human bioavailability is limited and extrapolated primarily from related species.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages available. Animal studies used essential oil at 10-40 mg/kg orally (effective at 20-40 mg/kg for pain relief). In vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies report MICs of 12.5-50 mg/ml for crude extracts and 1.56-12.5% (w/v) for ethanol extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

High-dose or undiluted essential oil containing concentrated eugenol may cause oral mucosa irritation, contact dermatitis, and hepatotoxicity, as eugenol is metabolized hepatically via glucuronidation and sulfation pathways. Because eugenol inhibits platelet aggregation by suppressing thromboxane A2 synthesis, concurrent use with anticoagulants such as warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and clopidogrel may increase bleeding risk. Eugenol-rich preparations may also inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially elevating plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these pathways. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been formally evaluated; traditional use suggests caution, and high-dose supplemental forms should be avoided during pregnancy.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Ocimum gratissimum; all evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies. One animal study (PMID: 26584457) in C57BL/6J mice showed antihypernociceptive effects at 20-40 mg/kg oral dosing, while in vitro studies demonstrated [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity with MICs of 12.5-50 mg/ml against various bacteria.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In traditional medicine systems across Africa and Asia, Ocimum gratissimum treats diabetes, cancer, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), anaemia, diarrhoea, pains, fungal infections, and bacterial ailments. It has been historically used as both a spice and herbal remedy for microbial infections, particularly those caused by E. coli and S. aureus.

## Synergistic Combinations

Eugenol, Myrcene, Ketoconazole (for antifungal), Ampicillin (for antibacterial), Traditional African herbs

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Ceylon clove basil responsible for its antimicrobial effects?

Eugenol is the primary bioactive compound, typically comprising 60-80% of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil. It disrupts bacterial cell membranes by intercalating into phospholipid bilayers, causing ion leakage and cell death, which accounts for observed MICs of 12.5-50 mg/ml against common pathogens like S. aureus and E. coli in laboratory studies.

### Does Ceylon clove basil help with pain relief?

Animal model research (PMID: 26584457) demonstrated significant analgesic effects at oral doses of 20-40 mg/kg, reducing acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The mechanism is attributed to eugenol's inhibition of COX-2 and reduced prostaglandin E2 synthesis. No controlled human trials have confirmed these effects, so clinical pain-relief claims remain unproven.

### Is Ceylon clove basil safe to take as a supplement?

Culinary use of the herb is generally considered safe, but concentrated essential oil or high-dose extracts carry risks including oral irritation, contact dermatitis, and potential hepatotoxicity due to eugenol metabolism by the liver. People on blood thinners or anticoagulant medications should exercise caution, as eugenol can inhibit platelet aggregation and may amplify bleeding risk.

### What is the difference between Ceylon clove basil and regular basil?

Ceylon clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) is a distinct species from common sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and contains significantly higher concentrations of eugenol and thymol, giving it a clove-like aroma rather than the sweeter anise profile of culinary basil. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia and is used medicinally in Ayurvedic and African traditional medicine systems, unlike sweet basil which is primarily a culinary herb.

### How does Ceylon clove basil interact with medications?

Eugenol in Ceylon clove basil can inhibit hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, potentially raising plasma levels of drugs metabolized by these pathways, including certain statins, benzodiazepines, and macrolide antibiotics. Additionally, its antiplatelet activity may potentiate the effects of warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, increasing hemorrhagic risk. Consult a healthcare provider before combining supplemental doses with prescription medications.

### What is the current quality of clinical evidence for Ceylon clove basil supplementation?

Most evidence for Ceylon clove basil comes from in vitro (test tube) studies and animal models rather than human clinical trials. Antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated in laboratory settings at concentrations of 12.5-50 mg/ml against bacteria like S. aureus and E. coli, while pain relief was shown in animal studies at 20-40 mg/kg doses. Anti-inflammatory effects are primarily supported by traditional use and preliminary preclinical research, meaning more rigorous human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in people.

### Is Ceylon clove basil safe for children or pregnant women?

Safety data specifically for Ceylon clove basil in children and pregnant women is limited and not well-established in clinical literature. Given that most research is preliminary and animal-based, supplementation during pregnancy or in pediatric populations should only occur under direct medical supervision. Individuals in these groups should consult a healthcare provider before use, as concentrated herbal supplements may carry different risk profiles than culinary amounts of the plant.

### How should Ceylon clove basil be dosed based on available research?

Clinical dosing guidelines for Ceylon clove basil supplements in humans have not been established from rigorous human trials. Animal studies showing efficacy used 20-40 mg/kg oral doses, but direct translation to human supplementation is not scientifically validated and may differ significantly based on body weight, form (extract vs. whole plant), and individual factors. Without standardized human dosing data, supplement dosing recommendations should follow manufacturer guidance, though such recommendations may lack strong scientific support.

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