Synonyms:- Sacred basil, Holy basil, Tulsi.
Biological Source:- Tulsi consist of fresh and dried leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Family: Labiatae) and contains not less than 0.4% of eugenol on dried basis. It is considered sacred by Hindu.
Organoleptic Characters
It is much branched small herb about 30 to 75 cm in height. All parts of tulsi are used inmedicine, especially fresh and dried leaves. Shape The leaves are oblong, acute with entire or serrate margin, pubescent both sides and minutely gland-dotted.anColour The leaves are green in colour with aromatic flavour and slightly pungent taste.Leaves Leaves are 2.0-3.0 cm length and 1 to 2 cm in width. The flowers are purplish in colour in the form of racemes. Nut-lets are subglobose. slightly compressed, pale brown or red in colour. Seeds are reddish-black and sub-globose.
Chemical Constituents of Tulsi.
The leaves are found to contain bright, yellow coloured and pleasant volatile oil from 01 to 0.9 %. The oil content of the drug varies depending upon the type, place of cultivation and season of its collection. The oil is collected by steam distillation method from leaves and flowering tops Chemically, it contains approximately 70 % eugenol, carvacrol (3 %) and eugenol-methyl-ether (20 %), it also contains caryophyllin Seeds contain fixed oil with good drying properties.The plant is also reported to contain traces of alkaloids, saponin, tannin, an appreciable amount of vitamin C, and traces of maleic, citric and tartaric acid.
Uses:The fresh leaves, its juice and volatile oil are used for various purposes. The oil isantibacterial and insecticidal. The leaves are used as stimulant. Tulsi is called the queen of all herbs, it is used widely in Ayurvedic and naturopathic medicines which helps in the healing of the human body in a natural manner. Not only do Tulsi leaves benefit people, but their flowers too. Tulsi can help you get rid of many health problems ranging from fever to kidney stones. Ayurvedic texts have also categorised the wonder herb as a stimulant, antipyretic and aromatic in nature.
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