Alcoholic extract of the leaves is reported to be anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-spasmodic, hypoglycemic, immunostimulant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal in experimental animals. It has shown significant anti-stress effect in several in vitro and in vivo assays. Animals that received the aqueous extracts in general showed a greater resistance. The seed-fixed oil is analgesic and aqueous extract reportedly potentiated sleeping time induced by hexobarbital. Also the leaf extract was found to be protective against acetyl salicylic acid induced gastric ulcers in in vivo studies. It reduces serum thyroxine concentration and inhibits hepatic lipid peroxidation.

Clinical studies have shown that aqueous extract of tulsi relieves labored breathing in asthma and there has been significant reduction of glucose levels by tulsi extracts when compared to control groups. It is also found to be effective in the treatment of viral hepatitis.

Marketed products

Traditional—Tribhuvana kirti rasa, muktadi mahanjana, mukta pancamrta rasa, multadi mahanjana, manasamitravataka. Proprietary—Organic tulasi, aller-breathe, bio-immune.

Valerian

Refers to underground parts of Valeriana officinalis L (Sensulato) Fam: Valerianaceae.