Basil: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb most often used for flavor in cooking. It grows from 20-40 cm tall and also has a history of use in medicine.

Basil contains vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also contains chemicals that might help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and fungi, and reduce symptoms in the stomach.

People use basil for acne, diarrhea, constipation, mental alertness, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse basil with holy basil. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Basil overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

When applied to the skin: Basil essential oil is possibly safe when used in concentrations of up to 6% for up to 12 weeks.

When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if basil is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Basil contains estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Children: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it possibly unsafe for children when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. Basil contains estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer .

Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Basil
Basil extract might lower blood pressure. Taking basil extract along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Basil
Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. Taking oils and extracts along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Basil is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, it's most often been used by adults in topical products such as gels and essential oils. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. 1st ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1999.

Yun, Y. S., Nakajima, Y., Iseda, E., and Kunugi, A. Determination of antioxidant activity of herbs by ESR. Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi 2003;44(1):59-62.

Tsai, P. J., Tsai, T. H., Yu, C. H., and Ho, S. C. Evaluation of NO-suppressing activity of several Mediterranean culinary spices. Food Chem.Toxicol. 2007;45(3):440-447.

Niture, S. K., Rao, U. S., and Srivenugopal, K. S. Chemopreventative strategies targeting the MGMT repair protein: augmented expression in human lymphocytes and tumor cells by ethanolic and aqueous extracts of several Indian medicinal plants. Int J Oncol. 2006;29(5):1269-1278.

Erler, F., Ulug, I., and Yalcinkaya, B. Repellent activity of five essential oils against Culex pipiens. Fitoterapia 2006;77(7-8):491-494.

Henning, S. M., Zhang, Y., Seeram, N. P., Lee, R. P., Wang, P., Bowerman, S., and Heber, D. Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content of herbs and spices in dry, fresh and blended herb paste form. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2011;62(3):219-225.

Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimaraes, L. G., Mendonca, L. Z., and Soares, M. J. Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of essential oils from Achillea millefolium L., Syzygium aromaticum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Exp.Parasitol. 2007;116(3):283-290.

Yi, C. G., Choi, B. R., Park, H. M., Park, C. G., and Ahn, Y. J. Fumigant toxicity of plant essential oils to Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Orius strigicollis (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). J Econ.Entomol. 2006;99(5):1733-1738.

Tuntipopipat, S., Muangnoi, C., and Failla, M. L. Anti-inflammatory activities of extracts of Thai spices and herbs with lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. J Med.Food 2009;12(6):1213-1220.

Siurin, S. A. [Effects of essential oil on lipid peroxidation and lipid metabolism in patients with chronic bronchitis]. Klin.Med (Mosk) 1997;75(10):43-45.

Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432.

Yamasaki, K., Nakano, M., Kawahata, T., Mori, H., Otake, T., Ueba, N., Oishi, I., Inami, R., Yamane, M., Nakamura, M., Murata, H., and Nakanishi, T. Anti-HIV-1 activity of herbs in Labiatae. Biol.Pharm Bull 1998;21(8):829-833.

Lalko, J. and Api, A. M. Investigation of the dermal sensitization potential of various essential oils in the local lymph node assay. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44(5):739-746.

Yadav, S., Mittal, P. K., Saxena, P. N., and Singh, R. K. Effect of synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the toxicity of some essential oils against mosquito larvae. J Commun.Dis. 2009;41(1):33-38.

Bozin, B., Mimica-Dukic, N., Simin, N., and Anackov, G. Characterization of the volatile composition of essential oils of some lamiaceae spices and the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the entire oils. J Agric.Food Chem. 3-8-2006;54(5):1822-1828.

Skrovankova, S., Misurcova, L., and Machu, L. Antioxidant activity and protecting health effects of common medicinal plants. Adv.Food Nutr Res 2012;67:75-139.

Varney, E. and Buckle, J. Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study. J Altern.Complement Med. 2013;19(1):69-71.

Renzulli, C., Galvano, F., Pierdomenico, L., Speroni, E., and Guerra, M. C. Effects of rosmarinic acid against aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin-A-induced cell damage in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2). J Appl Toxicol 2004;24(4):289-296.

Qiao, S., Li, W., Tsubouchi, R., Haneda, M., Murakami, K., Takeuchi, F., Nisimoto, Y., and Yoshino, M. Rosmarinic acid inhibits the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in RAW264.7 macrophages. Free Radic.Res 2005;39(9):995-1003.

Lee, K. G. and Shibamoto, T. Determination of antioxidant potential of volatile extracts isolated from various herbs and spices. J Agric.Food Chem 8-14-2002;50(17):4947-4952.

Pavela, R. Insecticidal activity of certain medicinal plants. Fitoterapia 2004;75(7-8):745-749.

Yousif, A. N., Scaman, C. H., Durance, T. D., and Girard, B. Flavor volatiles and physical properties of vacuum-microwave- and air-dried sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). J Agric.Food Chem. 1999;47(11):4777-4781.

Singh, S. Evaluation of gastric anti-ulcer activity of fixed oil of Ocimum basilicum Linn. and its possible mechanism of action. Indian J Exp.Biol. 1999;37(3):253-257.

Keita, S. M., Vincent, C., Schmit, J., Ramaswamy, S., and Belanger, A. Effect of various essential oils on Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). J Stored.Prod.Res 10-15-2000;36(4):355-364.

Miele, M., Dondero, R., Ciarallo, G., and Mazzei, M. Methyleugenol in Ocimum basilicum L. Cv. genovese gigante. J Agric.Food Chem. 2001;49(1):517-521.

Loughrin, J. H. and Kasperbauer, M. J. Light reflected from colored mulches affects aroma and phenol content of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves. J Agric.Food Chem. 2001;49(3):1331-1335.

Miele, M., Ledda, B., Falugi, C., and Mazzei, M. Methyleugenol and eugenol variation in Ocimum basilicum cv. Genovese gigante grown in greenhouse and in vitro. Boll.Soc.Ital.Biol.Sper. 2001;77(4-6):43-50.

Ioannidis, D., Bonner, L., and Johnson, C. B. UV-B is required for normal development of oil glands in Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil). Ann.Bot. 2002;90(4):453-460.

Opalchenova, G. and Obreshkova, D. Comparative studies on the activity of basil--an essential oil from Ocimum basilicum L.--against multidrug resistant clinical isolates of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas by using different test methods. J.Microbiol.Methods 2003;54(1):105-110.

Jayasinghe, C., Gotoh, N., Aoki, T., and Wada, S. Phenolics composition and antioxidant activity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). J Agric.Food Chem. 7-16-2003;51(15):4442-4449.

Dasgupta, T., Rao, A. R., and Yadava, P. K. Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis. Phytomedicine. 2004;11(2-3):139-151.

Sacchetti, G., Medici, A., Maietti, S., Radice, M., Muzzoli, M., Manfredini, S., Braccioli, E., and Bruni, R. Composition and functional properties of the essential oil of amazonian basil, Ocimum micranthum Willd., Labiatae in comparison with commercial essential oils. J Agric.Food Chem. 6-2-2004;52(11):3486-3491.

Rady, M. R. and Nazif, N. M. Rosmarinic acid content and RAPD analysis of in vitro regenerated basil (Ocimum americanum) plants. Fitoterapia 2005;76(6):525-533.

Chiang, L. C., Ng, L. T., Cheng, P. W., Chiang, W., and Lin, C. C. Antiviral activities of extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicum. Clin Exp.Pharmacol.Physiol 2005;32(10):811-816.

Tohti, I., Tursun, M., Umar, A., Turdi, S., Imin, H., and Moore, N. Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio--venous shunt thrombosis in vivo. Thromb.Res 2006;118(6):733-739.

Murugan, K., Murugan, P., and Noortheen, A. Larvicidal and repellent potential of Albizzia amara Boivin and Ocimum basilicum Linn against dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (Insecta:Diptera:Culicidae). Bioresour.Technol. 2007;98(1):198-201.

Gulcin, I., Elmastas, M., and Aboul-Enein, H. Y. Determination of antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. Family Lamiaceae) assayed by different methodologies. Phytother.Res 2007;21(4):354-361.

Li, Z., Wang, X., Chen, F., and Kim, H. J. Chemical changes and overexpressed genes in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) upon methyl jasmonate treatment. J Agric.Food Chem. 2-7-2007;55(3):706-713.

de, Almeida, I, Alviano, D. S., Vieira, D. P., Alves, P. B., Blank, A. F., Lopes, A. H., Alviano, C. S., and Rosa, Mdo S. Antigiardial activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil. Parasitol.Res 2007;101(2):443-452.

Pathak, A. K., Bhutani, M., Nair, A. S., Ahn, K. S., Chakraborty, A., Kadara, H., Guha, S., Sethi, G., and Aggarwal, B. B. Ursolic acid inhibits STAT3 activation pathway leading to suppression of proliferation and chemosensitization of human multiple myeloma cells. Mol.Cancer Res 2007;5(9):943-955.

Pavela, R. Larvicidal effects of various Euro-Asiatic plants against Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitol.Res 2008;102(3):555-559.

Zheljazkov, V. D., Callahan, A., and Cantrell, C. L. Yield and oil composition of 38 basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) accessions grown in Mississippi. J Agric.Food Chem. 1-9-2008;56(1):241-245.

Kostic, M., Popovic, Z., Brkic, D., Milanovic, S., Sivcev, I., and Stankovic, S. Larvicidal and antifeedant activity of some plant-derived compounds to Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Limantriidae). Bioresour.Technol. 2008;99(16):7897-7901.

Benedec, D., Parvu, A. E., Oniga, I., Toiu, A., and Tiperciuc, B. Effects of Ocimum basilicum L. extract on experimental acute inflammation. Rev.Med.Chir Soc.Med.Nat.Iasi 2007;111(4):1065-1069.

Del Fabbro, S. and Nazzi, F. Repellent effect of sweet basil compounds on Ixodes ricinus ticks. Exp.Appl.Acarol. 2008;45(3-4):219-228.

Danesi, F., Elementi, S., Neri, R., Maranesi, M., D'Antuono, L. F., and Bordoni, A. Effect of cultivar on the protection of cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress by essential oils and aqueous extracts of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). J Agric.Food Chem. 11-12-2008;56(21):9911-9917.

Chang, C. L., Cho, I. K., and Li, Q. X. Insecticidal activity of basil oil, trans-anethole, estragole, and linalool to adult fruit flies of Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis, and Bactrocera cucurbitae. J Econ.Entomol. 2009;102(1):203-209.

Amrani, S., Harnafi, H., Gadi, D., Mekhfi, H., Legssyer, A., Aziz, M., Martin-Nizard, F., and Bosca, L. Vasorelaxant and anti-platelet aggregation effects of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 8-17-2009;125(1):157-162.

Dorman, H. J. and Hiltunen, R. Ocimum basilicum L.: phenolic profile and antioxidant-related activity. Nat.Prod.Commun. 2010;5(1):65-72.

Alhusainy, W., Paini, A., Punt, A., Louisse, J., Spenkelink, A., Vervoort, J., Delatour, T., Scholz, G., Schilter, B., Adams, T., van Bladeren, P. J., and Rietjens, I. M. Identification of nevadensin as an important herb-based constituent inhibiting estragole bioactivation and physiology-based biokinetic modeling of its possible in vivo effect. Toxicol Appl.Pharmacol 6-1-2010;245(2):179-190.

Daly, T., Jiwan, M. A., O'Brien, N. M., and Aherne, S. A. Carotenoid content of commonly consumed herbs and assessment of their bioaccessibility using an in vitro digestion model. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 2010;65(2):164-169.

Umar, A., Imam, G., Yimin, W., Kerim, P., Tohti, I., Berke, B., and Moore, N. Antihypertensive effects of Ocimum basilicum L. (OBL) on blood pressure in renovascular hypertensive rats. Hypertens.Res 5-7-2010;

Phasomkusolsil, S. and Soonwera, M. Insect repellent activity of medicinal plant oils against Aedes aegypti (Linn.), Anopheles minimus (Theobald) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say based on protection time and biting rate. Southeast Asian J Trop.Med.Public Health 2010;41(4):831-840.

Matiz, G., Osorio, M. R., Camacho, F., Atencia, M., and Herazo, J. [Effectiveness of antimicrobial formulations for acne based on orange (Citrus sinensis) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) essential oils]. Biomedica. 2012;32(1):125-133.

Akhtar, M. S. and Munir, M. Evaluation of the gastric antiulcerogenic effects of Solanum nigrum, Brassica oleracea and Ocimum basilicum in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1989;27(1-2):163-176.

Balambal, R., Thiruvengadam, K. V., Kameswarant, L., Janaki, V. R., and Thambiah, A. S. Ocimum basilicum in acne vulgaris--a controlled comparison with a standard regime. J.Assoc.Physicians India 1985;33(8):507-508.

Kiec-Swierczynska M, Krecisz B, Chomiczewska D, et al. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by basil (Ocimum basilicum). Contact Dermatitis 2010;63(6):365-7.

Sakkas H, Papadopoulou C. Antimicrobial activity of basil, oregano, and thyme essential oils. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017;27(3):429-38.

Feriotto G, Marchetti N, Costa V, et al. Selected terpenes from leaves of Ocimum basilicum L. induce hemoglobin accumulation in human K562 cells. Fitoterapia. 2018 Jun;127:173-178.

Abd El-Ghffar EA, Al-Sayed E, Shehata SM, Eldahshan OA, Efferth T. The protective role of Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in mice: Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, motor deficits and anxiety-like behavior. Food Funct. 2018 Aug 15;9(8):4457-4468.

Ahmadifard M, Yarahmadi S, Ardalan A, Ebrahimzadeh F, Bahrami P, Sheikhi E. The Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind Study. Complement Med Res. 2020;27(5):310-318.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.