Holy Basil is a medically proven
antioxidant which fights against cancer
(NaturalNews) Holy basil (Ocimum
tenuiflorum), also known internationally as tulsi, is highly prized in the
natural healing community both for its heady scent and for its healing
properties. In the Hindu religion, holy basil is a sacred plant which is used
during meditation and is considered a staple in every home garden. Among herbalists,
holy basil is known as an adaptogen. This means the herb increases the body's
resistance to a variety of environmental threats or stressors. Holy basil's
antioxidant abilities makes the herb a favorite super-food. It has been
medically proven to combat cancer and heal neuropathy caused by surgery. Holy
basil oil may be used as a skin care treatment for acne.
In a 2007 clinical study
published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, scientists tested the effectiveness
of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)leaf extract in rats who exhibited oxidative
stress, DMBA-induced cancer, and an enzyme imbalance. DMBA is a powerful toxin
which is commonly used to initiate cancer tumors in laboratory animals for
cancer research purposes. Four different concentrations of holy basil leaf
extract were fed to rats over a five day period, then were injected with DMBA.
When cancer symptoms were positively identified, the scientists measured the
ability of holy basil to combat cancer. At a dosage of 300mg per kilgram of
body weight, holy basil leaf extract significantly reduced the formation of
cancerous micronuclei, enzymes which metabolize toxins in the body, and
oxidation in both proteins and fats. Antioxidant and healthy enzymatic activity
was increased.
Scientists prove that holy basil
heals neuropathy caused by surgery
The October 2008 issue of the
Journal of Ethnopharmacology reports a clinical study which was performed on
rats that had sciatic nerve neuropathy. The researchers severed the sciatic
nerve in the rats' paws, then measured the resulting neuropathy. Ocimum sanctum
(holy basil) extract was then administered for ten days following the
surgeries. The scientists observed that holy basil extract reduced the effects
of nerve degeneration, helped to make nerve receptors more sensitive to
stimuli, and aided in motor control after the surgery. The herb also curbed a
rise in TBARS, an indicator of oxidative stress, and increased the amount of
calcium and glutothione in the body of the rats.