Health benefits of basil leaves
Research indicates that there may be several health benefits associated with basil.
A study by researchers at Purdue University revealed that basil "contains a wide range of essential oils, rich in phenolic compounds and a wide array of other natural products including polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins."
Basil contains high quantities of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, according to research conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
A study published in the Journal of Bone Reports & Recommendations agreed that BCP might be useful in the treatment of certain diseases with an inflammatory component.
The investigation was carried out on arthritic rats; the team of researchers concluded: "The present study is suggestive that beta-caryophyllene has prominent anti-arthritic activity which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity."
Reduce inflammation and swelling
These effects on swelling were similar in extent to those seen with the drug diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medication that is widely used in the treatment of arthritis.
In their paper - Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review - the authors conclude:
"Our results supported the use of these traditional treatments in inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis."
Anti-aging properties
According to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester, basil also has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging.
Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain, and heart.
The researchers, led by Dr. Vaibhav Shinde from Poona College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra, India, studied the herb for antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Dr. Shinde said: "The study validates the traditional use of the herb as a youth-promoting substance in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It also helps describe how the herb acts at a cellular level."
Rich in antioxidants
Results of a study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research showed that ethanol extract Ocimum basilicum had more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants.
Antibacterial properties
Lab studies have demonstrated that basil has some antibacterial properties. These antibacterial properties are thought to be because of its volatile oils, which include estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene.
Basil restricts the growth of numerous bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
This could mean that adding fresh basil to a salad not only adds flavor, it also helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria on the plate.
Nutritional profile for basil
Nutritional value of basil per 100 g (3.5 oz)
| Energy - 94 kilojoules (22 kilocalorie) | Carbohydrates - 2.65 grams |
| Dietary fiber - 1.6 grams | Fat - 0.64 grams |
| Protein - 3.15 grams | Water - 92.06 grams |
| Vitamin A - 264 micrograms | Thiamine - 0.034 micrograms |
| Riboflavin - 0.076 milligrams | Niacin - 0.902 milligrams |
| Vitamin B6 - 0.155 micrograms | Folate - 68 micrograms |
| Choline - 11.4 milligrams | Vitamin C - 18.0 milligrams |
| Vitamin E - 0.80 milligrams | Vitamin K - 414.8 micrograms |
| Calcium - 177 milligrams | Iron - 3.17 milligrams |
| Magnesium - 64 milligrams | Manganese - 1.148 milligrams |
| Phosphorus - 56 milligrams | Potassium - 295 milligrams |
| Sodium - 4 milligrams | Zinc - 0.81 milligrams |
Source: USDA Nutrient Database5
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