# Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/clove-basil **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** African **Also Known As:** Ocimum gratissimum, African basil, Tree basil, Shrubby basil, Wild basil, Vana tulsi, Ram tulsi, Clove-scented basil ## Overview Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) contains eugenol and other phenolic compounds that exhibit [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties through COX enzyme inhibition. This African medicinal plant demonstrates hepato-renal protective effects and antidiabetic activity in preclinical studies. ## Health Benefits • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in animal models (preclinical evidence only) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against various pathogens shown in laboratory studies (in vitro evidence) • Antidiabetic properties observed in animal research models (preclinical evidence only) • Hepato-renal protective effects through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways (based on compound analysis) • Traditional use for digestive and respiratory ailments (historical evidence only) ## Mechanism of Action Clove basil's primary bioactive compound eugenol inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediator production. The plant's phenolic compounds disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with microbial enzyme systems. Antidiabetic effects occur through enhanced [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose uptake modulation via GLUT4 transporters. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for clove basil remains primarily preclinical, with animal studies showing 40-60% reduction in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers and significant [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against E. coli and Staphylococcus species. Laboratory studies demonstrate minimum inhibitory concentrations of 25-50 μg/mL against various pathogens. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted, limiting definitive therapeutic recommendations. ## Nutritional Profile Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) leaves contain the following per 100g dry weight basis where data is available: Crude protein approximately 20-25g, crude fiber approximately 10-15g, ash content approximately 10-12g, crude fat approximately 4-6g, carbohydrates approximately 40-50g. Moisture content in fresh leaves ranges 70-80%. Key minerals include calcium (1,200-2,100mg/100g dry weight), potassium (1,800-2,500mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (300-500mg/100g dry weight), phosphorus (200-400mg/100g dry weight), iron (15-30mg/100g dry weight), zinc (4-8mg/100g dry weight), and sodium (relatively low at 50-150mg/100g dry weight). Vitamin content includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at approximately 50-120mg/100g fresh weight, beta-carotene (provitamin A precursor) at approximately 2-5mg/100g fresh weight, and B-complex vitamins including riboflavin and niacin in modest quantities. Primary bioactive compounds are dominated by essential oil constituents: eugenol (the defining compound, comprising 40-80% of essential oil fraction), thymol, carvacrol, and linalool. Total essential oil yield from leaves is approximately 0.5-1.5% by fresh weight. Phenolic compounds include rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin-7-glucoside with total phenolic content estimated at 15-30mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight. Flavonoids include quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, total flavonoid content approximately 8-20mg rutin equivalents per gram dry weight. Tannins present at approximately 2-5% dry weight. Bioavailability note: Eugenol demonstrates reasonable oral bioavailability but is highly volatile; mineral bioavailability may be reduced by oxalate and phytate content typical of leafy African herbs. Data is primarily derived from regional laboratory analyses with limited standardized nutritional database representation. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Preclinical studies utilized 70% ethanolic extracts analyzed via LC-ESI-MS/MS, but standardization percentages for active compounds like rosmarinic acid or eugenol have not been established for human use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Clove basil is generally well-tolerated in culinary amounts but may cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals. High doses could interact with anticoagulant medications due to eugenol content. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate effects of antidiabetic medications, requiring [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) monitoring. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research for Ocimum gratissimum. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies including in vitro laboratory tests and animal models, along with phytochemical analyses of bioactive compounds. ## Historical & Cultural Context Ocimum gratissimum has been used for centuries in African and Asian traditional medicine systems to treat conditions including diabetes, cancer, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), anemia, diarrhea, pain, and infections. In Ayurvedic traditions, it is employed for its aromatic and bioactive properties, particularly for respiratory and digestive ailments. ## Synergistic Combinations Holy basil, Turmeric, Ginger, Black pepper, Ashwagandha ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the active compound in clove basil? Eugenol is the primary active compound in clove basil, typically comprising 20-40% of the essential oil. This phenolic compound is responsible for most of the plant's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. ### How much clove basil should I take daily? No standardized dosage exists for clove basil supplements due to limited human studies. Traditional use suggests 1-2 grams of dried leaves daily, while essential oil should not exceed 2-3 drops due to high eugenol concentration. ### Can clove basil help with diabetes? Animal studies show clove basil may reduce blood glucose levels by 30-40% through improved insulin sensitivity. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and establish safe therapeutic protocols. ### Is clove basil safe with blood thinners? Clove basil may enhance anticoagulant effects due to eugenol's blood-thinning properties. Patients taking warfarin or similar medications should consult healthcare providers before using clove basil supplements therapeutically. ### What's the difference between clove basil and sweet basil? Clove basil contains significantly higher eugenol levels (20-40%) compared to sweet basil (<1%), giving it a distinct clove-like aroma and stronger medicinal properties. Sweet basil primarily contains linalool and has milder therapeutic effects. ### Is clove basil safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? While clove basil has a long history of traditional use, there is insufficient clinical evidence to establish safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to the lack of robust human studies, pregnant and nursing women should consult with a healthcare provider before using clove basil supplements. Traditional use does not guarantee safety in these sensitive populations. ### What does research show about clove basil's effectiveness compared to its traditional uses? Most evidence for clove basil comes from preclinical studies in animals and laboratory settings rather than human clinical trials. While animal models show promise for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties, these results do not directly confirm effectiveness in humans. More rigorous clinical research is needed to validate traditional uses and determine practical efficacy. ### Does clove basil interact with diabetes medications or other common drugs? Clove basil may have additive effects with antidiabetic medications, potentially increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, so concurrent use should be monitored by a healthcare provider. As a plant containing bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, it could theoretically interact with immunosuppressive or antibiotic medications, though specific interaction data in humans is limited. Anyone taking prescription medications should discuss clove basil supplementation with their doctor before starting. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*