Botanical Profile
Note: The current botanical classification is Salvia rosmarinus; Rosmarinus officinalis remains in common use as a historical synonym.
Ocimum tenuiflorum is an aromatic Lamiaceae species known as Tulsi or Holy Basil. Leaves and herb are used primarily; chemotypes, essential oil and phenolic fractions determine the raw-material profile.
Ocimum tenuiflorum is an aromatic herbaceous to slightly woody plant with opposite leaves, square stems and typical bilabiate flowers. The species is cultivated in India and many tropical regions and includes green-leaved and purple forms. Depending on chemotype, the intensely aromatic leaves may smell clove-like, warm-spicy, herbaceous, camphoraceous or slightly lemony. Botanically, Tulsi belongs to the Lamiaceae and must be distinguished from Ocimum basilicum and other basil species.
Phytochemistry
Tulsi contains essential oil, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid, triterpenes and other accompanying phenolic substances. Depending on chemotype, eugenol, methyl chavicol, linalool, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole and other volatile components may predominate. Aqueous or hydroalcoholic leaf extracts contain more polar phenolic components, whereas essential oil possesses a concentrated volatile profile.
Traditional Uses
Tulsi has outstanding significance in Indian culture and Ayurveda. The plant is cultivated in households, temple gardens and traditional preparations and is valued as an aromatic herb. Leaves are used for herbal teas, spice preparations and ritual contexts. Its traditional significance encompasses religious, cultural, culinary and herbal dimensions.
Current Research
Research on Ocimum tenuiflorum addresses essential oils, chemotypes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, antioxidant test systems, antimicrobial models, stress and metabolic models, and agronomic variability. Studies often fail to distinguish sufficiently among chemotypes, which limits comparability. Results from essential oil, isolated constituents or highly concentrated extracts must not be transferred directly to Tulsi tea or dried herb.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online: Ocimum tenuiflorum L.; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Specialist literature on Ocimum tenuiflorum, Tulsi chemotypes and essential oil.
- Ayurvedic and ethnobotanical specialist literature on Tulsi.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.