Hoary Basil

Generic name: Ocimum Americanum, Ocimum Canum Sims
Brand names: American Basil, Hoary Basil

Usage of Hoary Basil

Limited studies using extracts of hoary basil have been conducted; experiments and evaluations of uses are similar to those conducted with sweet basil and Holy Basil.

Anesthetic activity

Animal data

Anesthetic activity of the essential oil has been demonstrated in koi carp fish, with inhibition of sodium channels (the major cause of excitability blockade) by the chemical constituent methyl chavicol proposed as a potential mechanism of action.(Khumpirapang 2018) The chemical compound linalool from O. americanum has also been shown to have anesthetic properties in fish.(Silva 2017)

Antibacterial activity

In vitro data

Antibacterial potential of the essential oil against cariogenic Streptococci bacteria has been demonstrated, largely though in vitro studies.(Freires 2015, Vyry Wouatsa 2014)

Anticholinesterase activity

In vitro data

In an in vitro study investigating methanol extracts of 4 Ocimum species, including O. americanum, major identified phenolics (ie, rosmarinic, caftaric, and chlorogenic acids) were suggested to have a role in mediating anticholinesterase effects.(Farag 2016)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal and in vitro data

O. canum showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan, prostaglandin E2, leukotriene, and arachidonic acid–induced paw edema.(Singh 1998) Anti-inflammatory activity may be associated with the essential oils and linolenic acid content, which can block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism.(Setty 2005, Singh 1998) In vitro antioxidant activity has also been demonstrated.(George 2009, Saeio 2011)

In a study in mice evaluating effects of O. canum essential oil on induced arthritis and paw edema, reductions in cytokine expression and edema were observed; histological studies suggested a protective effect against leukocyte influx and cartilage destruction in the joints.(Yamada 2013)

Antimicrobial activity

In vitro data

Antibacterial potential of the essential oil against cariogenic Streptococci bacteria has been demonstrated, largely though in vitro studies.(Freires 2015, Vyry Wouatsa 2014) In vitro, the oil from O. canum leaves, but not the flowers, was active against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria(Bassole 2005, Cimanga 2002, Tajo 1999, Vyry Wouatsa 2014) and also possessed antifungal activity.(Yadav 1994)

Antioxidant activity

Animal and in vitro data

Antioxidant activity of O. canum crude methanolic extract and its fractions has been observed in vitro and supported by results in diabetic rats and nondiabetic controls.(Bayala 2014, Ononamadu 2019, Selvi 2015) O. canum methanol extract was also hepatoprotective against alcohol-induced oxidative stress in a study of rats.(George 2008)

Cancer

Animal and in vitro data

In a study in mice administered aqueous leaf extracts of 5 Ocimum species, including O. canum, antimelanoma and radioprotective activity against B16F10 metastatic melanoma cell line–induced metastasis was demonstrated.(Monga 2011) In an in vitro study, essential oil isolated from leaves of O. canum demonstrated significant cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells(Selvi 2015); however, the chemical constituent estragole is considered carcinogenic.(De Vincenzi 2000)

Diabetes

Animal and in vitro data

In a study in diabetic mice, reductions in fasting blood glucose measures as well as improved lipid profiles were observed following administration of supplemental O. canum aqueous leaf extract for 13 weeks.(Nyarko 2003) The authors suggested that the extract promotes release of insulin from pancreatic islet cells.(Nyarko 2002) Methanolic whole extracts have demonstrated in vitro inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity.(Smita 2018) Compared to acarbose, the methanolic crude extract of O. canum and its fractions exhibited poor inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. In contrast, the crude extract given for 28 days demonstrated a dose-Dependent significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (P<0.05) that was similar to glibenclimide (ie, glyburide) in a diabetic rat model.(Ononamadu 2019)

Dyslipidemia

Animal data

In a study in diabetic mice, O. canum decreased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.(Nyarko 2003)

Clinical data

One small (N=30), 12-week clinical study examined the clinical outcome of nutrition counseling with O. canum seed supplementation (15 g daily) on serum lipid levels, finding no benefit to the lipid profile.(Kangsadalampai 2007)

Insecticidal activity

In vitro data

Insecticidal activity of the essential oil has been described, with methanolic extracts and powder preparations demonstrating activity against adults and larvae of Aedes aegypti and other disease vector mosquitos.(Madhiyazhagan 2014, Murugan 2016, Wangrawa 2018) The plant and essential oil are used in Africa to protect agricultural crops from insect damage(Belmain 2001, Khanom 2000, Lehman 2007, Pandey 1994) and as a mosquito repellent.(Pålsson 1999, Seyoum 2002, Seyoum 2002, Tawatsin 2001)

Hoary Basil side effects

Data are limited. A 12-week clinical trial documented abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and constipation in hypercholesterolemic patients consuming 15 g/day of O. canum seeds.(Kangsadalampai 2007) Few adverse reactions have been reported in clinical studies evaluating other members of the basil genus.

Before taking Hoary Basil

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Emmenagogue and abortifacient effects have been reported for the related species O. basilicum.Duke 2002, Ernst 2002

How to use Hoary Basil

Clinical studies are lacking to provide dosing recommendations.

Warnings

Information is limited. The chemical constituent estragole is considered carcinogenic.(De Vincenzi 2000) The median lethal dose (LD50) of O. canum ethanolic extract in rats was more than 5,000 mg/kg, which is considered nontoxic.(Ononamadu 2019)

What other drugs will affect Hoary Basil

None well documented. Case reports are lacking.

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