Improved Varieties and Health Benefits of Tulsi

Author: Shailesh Kumar

Introduction:

Tulsi is one of the most sacred herbs of India, and is an integral part of ancient Hindu traditions. Plant is originated in India and is distributed and cultivated throughout the country. Genus Ocimum has varies species like Ocimum sanctum L (Tulsi), O. gratissimum (Ram Tulsi), O. canum (Dulal Tulsi), O. bascilicum (Ban Tulsi), O. kilimandschricum, O. americanum, O. camphora and O. micranthum. They are cultivated in different parts of the world and are widely known for their medicinal properties. Ocimums are important groups of aromatic and medicinal plants which yield many essential oils and aroma chemicals and find diverse uses in perfumery, cosmetic industries and also in indigenous systems of medicine. In view of great diversity, various species are classified into two broad groups, viz., basilicum and sanctum groups, In India mainly two types of O. sanctum are used for  cultivation; the green type – Sri tulsi (Ram tulsi) is the most common; the second type, Krishna tulsi bears purple leaves and is preferred in the trade for its higher potency of drug as it is rich in alkaloids. There are almost 160 species of Ocimum genus in the tropical regions of Asia.

Chemical composition

Some of the important alkaloids are constituents of tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%). Tulsi essential oil consists mostly of eugenol (~70%) βelemene (~11.0%), β-caryophyllene (~8%) and germacrene (~2%), with the balance being made up of various trace compounds, mostly terpenes.

Traditional uses and health benefits

Tulsi is a common herb grown in many households with a wide range of therapeutic properties. Tulsi has many traditional health uses, including treatment of common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis and aging effects. It is also used as an antibiotic, an immune system booster, an anti-inflammatory and a stress reducer. Insect repellent: For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects. Traditionally, Tulsi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with Honey or Ghee.

Improved verities

Released from CSIR-CIMAP- CIM-Ayu, CIM-Angna, CIM-Saumya, CIM-Snigdha, CIM-Surabhi. 

Address of author:

Dr. Shailesh Kumar (Assistant Professor, CBS&H, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar-848125, India)