# Surasa (Ocimum sanctum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/surasa
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil, Tulsi, Sacred Basil, Queen of Herbs, Vishnu Tulsi, Ram Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum

## Overview

Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) is an Ayurvedic herb containing eugenol as its primary bioactive compound, which demonstrates [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties through cell membrane disruption. The plant's rich antioxidant profile, including methyl-eugenol and rosmarinic acid, provides cellular protection against [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• Traditional use for malaria, diarrhea, and bronchial asthma (evidence quality: traditional use only, no clinical trials found) • Contains eugenol with potential [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties (evidence quality: chemical analysis only, no human studies) • Rich in [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including methyl-isoeugenol (evidence quality: in-vitro characterization only) • Essential oils show seasonal variation with higher yields in winter months (evidence quality: analytical study only) • Contains isocaryophyllene compounds (evidence quality: phytochemical analysis only, no clinical efficacy data)

## Mechanism of Action

Eugenol disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits biofilm formation, providing [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects. The herb's flavonoids and phenolic compounds scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Compounds may also modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Ocimum sanctum is primarily based on traditional use and in vitro studies, with no robust clinical trials available. Chemical analyses confirm the presence of bioactive compounds like eugenol and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) phenolics. Traditional applications include treatment of respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and fever, but these uses lack clinical validation. Human studies are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Surasa (Ocimum sanctum / Holy Basil) is valued primarily for its bioactive phytochemical profile rather than macronutrient content. **Macronutrients (per 100 g fresh leaves, approximate):** Water ~89 g; Protein ~3.0–4.2 g; Fat ~0.5–0.7 g; Carbohydrates ~4–5 g; Dietary fiber ~1.6–2.0 g; Energy ~23–30 kcal. **Minerals:** Calcium ~177–250 mg; Iron ~3.0–4.0 mg; Magnesium ~28–35 mg; Phosphorus ~35–50 mg; Potassium ~295–350 mg; Zinc ~0.8–1.2 mg; Manganese ~1.1–1.5 mg; Copper ~0.3–0.5 mg; Sodium ~4–8 mg. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~18–25 mg; Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) ~2500–3500 µg (RAE ~210–290 µg); Vitamin K ~170–415 µg (significant contribution to daily requirement); Folate ~60–70 µg; small amounts of thiamine (~0.02 mg), riboflavin (~0.07 mg), and niacin (~0.9 mg). **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • Eugenol (primary phenylpropanoid): 40–70% of essential oil content; total essential oil yield ~0.5–1.5% of dry weight, with eugenol concentrations approximately 3.5–10.5 mg/g dry leaf. Exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in vitro. Bioavailability: rapidly absorbed orally, undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic glucuronidation, resulting in moderate systemic bioavailability (~50–65% in animal models). • Methyl-eugenol: 5–12% of essential oil. • Methyl-isoeugenol: present in variable concentrations, contributing to [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). • Rosmarinic acid: ~3.0–13.0 mg/g dry weight (a major water-soluble polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; bioavailability is moderate but limited by rapid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and conjugation). • Ursolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid): ~1.0–4.5 mg/g dry weight; poorly water-soluble, low oral bioavailability (~6–8% in animal studies) unless formulated with lipid-based carriers. • Oleanolic acid: ~0.5–2.0 mg/g dry weight; similar bioavailability constraints as ursolic acid. • Apigenin and luteolin (flavonoids): ~0.2–1.5 mg/g dry weight each; bioavailability of apigenin is low (~2–5%) but may be enhanced by gut microbial metabolism. • Cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, isothymusin, and orientin (additional flavonoids/flavones): present in smaller concentrations (~0.1–0.8 mg/g dry weight). • β-caryophyllene (sesquiterpene): 5–15% of essential oil; exhibits anti-inflammatory properties via CB2 receptor interaction. • Linalool: 3–8% of essential oil (varies with chemotype). • Ocimumosides A and B (unique glycosides): trace to minor concentrations, proposed [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic activity. **Seasonal and Chemotype Variation:** Essential oil composition shows significant seasonal fluctuation—eugenol-rich (eugenol chemotype) vs. methyl-chavicol-rich chemotypes exist, affecting the therapeutic profile. Peak essential oil yield is generally during flowering season. **Bioavailability Notes:** Water-soluble polyphenols (rosmarinic acid) are best extracted via aqueous decoction (traditional method), while terpenoids and essential oil compounds benefit from lipid co-administration. Traditional preparations as fresh leaf juice (swarasa) or hot infusion (phanta) align with optimizing extraction of hydrophilic bioactives. The lipophilic triterpenoids (ursolic/oleanolic acid) have notably limited bioavailability without formulation enhancement. Overall, Surasa is a low-calorie herb contributing modest vitamins (especially vitamin K and vitamin C) and minerals (calcium, iron), but its primary pharmacological relevance derives from its diverse essential oil constituents and polyphenolic compounds.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardization details are available from the current research, which focuses on analytical methods rather than therapeutic dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ocimum sanctum is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data is limited. The herb may interact with anticoagulant medications due to eugenol's blood-thinning properties. Potential side effects include hypoglycemia in diabetic patients and increased bleeding risk during surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies.

## Scientific Research

The available research focuses exclusively on extraction methods and phytochemical analysis rather than clinical outcomes. No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier, with no PubMed PMIDs available for clinical studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Ocimum sanctum holds a special place in Hindu culture where it is revered as Tulsi, meaning 'the incomparable one.' It has been traditionally used in Indian medicine for conditions including malaria, diarrhea, and bronchial asthma, though specific traditional preparations are not detailed in available research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Ginger, Brahmi, Black Pepper

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Ocimum sanctum?

The primary bioactive compound is eugenol, which provides antimicrobial properties. The plant also contains significant levels of methyl-eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and various flavonoids that contribute to its antioxidant activity.

### How does Holy Basil differ from regular basil?

Ocimum sanctum contains higher concentrations of eugenol and specialized phenolic compounds compared to culinary basil species. It has distinct therapeutic properties and has been used medicinally in Ayurveda for centuries, unlike regular basil which is primarily culinary.

### What conditions was Ocimum sanctum traditionally used for?

Traditional Ayurvedic applications include malaria, diarrhea, and bronchial asthma treatment. It was also used for fever, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders, though these uses are based on historical practice rather than clinical evidence.

### Can Ocimum sanctum interact with medications?

Yes, it may interact with anticoagulant drugs due to eugenol's blood-thinning properties. Diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar levels as the herb may enhance hypoglycemic effects of diabetes medications.

### What is the evidence quality for Ocimum sanctum benefits?

Evidence is currently limited to traditional use and laboratory studies showing chemical composition and in vitro activity. No high-quality clinical trials have been conducted to validate therapeutic claims or establish effective dosages in humans.

### What is the best form of Surasa/Ocimum sanctum supplement — powder, extract, or essential oil?

Standardized leaf extracts are most commonly used in clinical research due to consistent active compound levels, while dried leaf powder offers whole-plant benefits with lower cost. Essential oils are concentrated but have significant seasonal variation in composition and require careful dosing due to potency. Leaf extracts generally provide better bioavailability than whole powder, though whole-plant forms may offer synergistic effects not yet fully characterized.

### Is Ocimum sanctum safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Traditional use data is limited, and no rigorous safety studies exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women, making safety status unclear. Some traditional systems use it cautiously during pregnancy, but modern clinical evidence to support this is absent. Women in these populations should consult healthcare providers before use due to the lack of established safety data.

### How does seasonal variation in Ocimum sanctum essential oils affect supplement effectiveness?

The essential oil composition of holy basil varies significantly by harvest season, with different ratios of eugenol and other bioactive compounds depending on growing conditions and timing. This variation can affect both the potency and consistency of supplements made from whole plant material or essential oil extracts. Standardized extracts may provide more consistent results than non-standardized products, though seasonal effects on standardized preparations have not been thoroughly studied.

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