Barg-e-Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) in Unani Medicine: Bridging Classical Therapeutics with Contemporary Pharmacological Evidence

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Abid Nadeem Nomani,

  1. Research Officer, Clinical Research Unit (U), (CCRUM), Goa, India

Abstract

In the Unani System of Medicine (USM), Barg-e-Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), commonly known as Tulsi or Holy Basil, is a highly valued medicinal herb that has been extensively used for centuries in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. It occupies an important place in traditional Unani therapeutics due to its broad spectrum of medicinal properties and its effectiveness in managing respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and infectious disorders. Classical Unani scholars described Tulsi as possessing several pharmacological actions, including Munaffis-e-Balgham (expectorant), which facilitates the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract, Muqawwi Dimagh (brain tonic), which strengthens cognitive and nervous functions and Daf-e-Humma (antipyretic), which helps reduce fever and associated symptoms. In addition, it has been traditionally prescribed for cough, asthma, indigestion, headache, and febrile conditions. Recent scientific research has provided substantial evidence supporting many of these traditional claims. Phytochemical investigations have identified a variety of bioactive constituents in Tulsi, including eugenol, ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and essential oils, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that Tulsi exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities. These pharmacological properties not only validate its traditional uses but also suggest its potential role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. The growing body of scientific evidence highlights the importance of Tulsi as an evidence-based herbal medicine and supports its integration into contemporary healthcare practices. This review aims to examine the relationship between classical Unani concepts and modern scientific findings, emphasizing the therapeutic significance of Tulsi and its potential for future research, drug development, and integrative healthcare applications.

Keywords: Ocimum sanctum Linn.; Barg-e-Tulsi; Unani medicine; Traditional medicine; Pharmacological activities; Phytoconstituents; Herbal therapeutics; Evidence-based review.

How to cite this article:
Abid Nadeem Nomani. Barg-e-Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) in Unani Medicine: Bridging Classical Therapeutics with Contemporary Pharmacological Evidence. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 13(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Abid Nadeem Nomani. Barg-e-Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) in Unani Medicine: Bridging Classical Therapeutics with Contemporary Pharmacological Evidence. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 13(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoush/article=2026/view=248088


References

1. Ansari MA, Khan MA, Ahmad S. Unani concept of temperament and its relevance in modern medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021;268:113590. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113590.
2. Cohen MM. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(3):367–374. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.10.001.
3. Kumar A, Singh S, Tripathi P. Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of Tulsi. Phytother Res. 2021;35(6):3025–3035. doi:10.1002/ptr.7012.
4. Pattanayak P, Behera P, Das D, Panda SK. Ocimum sanctum Linn: A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):95–105.
5. Singh N, Hoette Y, Miller R. Tulsi in respiratory health. J Herbal Med. 2022;31:100500. doi:10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100500.
6. Sharma N, Mishra KP, Ganju L. Immunomodulatory potential of Tulsi. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021;90:107180. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107180.
7. Mondal S, Varma S, Bamola VD, et al. Scientific basis for therapeutic use of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.). Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009;53(4):291–306.
8. Gupta R, Sharma A, Verma P. Cardioprotective effects of Tulsi. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;146:112552. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112552.
9. Bhattacharyya D, Sur TK, Jana U, Debnath PK. Adaptogenic effects of Ocimum sanctum. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;120(1):62–68.
10. Singh N, Nath R, Gupta ML. Neuroprotective effects of Tulsi. Indian J Exp Biol. 1999;37(2):194–200.
11. Verma S, Patel D, Shah K. Gastroprotective activity of Tulsi. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1187654. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1187654.
12. Rai V, Mani UV, Iyer UM. Effect of Tulsi on lipid profile. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997;54(1):9–13.
13. Gupta SK, Prakash J, Srivastava S. Antidiabetic effects of Tulsi. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;81(3):393–396.
14. Suvagiya V. A review on ethnomedical uses of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi). Int Res J Pharm. 2024. Available from: https://irjponline.org/index.php/irjp/article/view/1893.
15. Thakur S, Choudhary S, Walia B. Tulsi: A review based upon its Ayurvedic and modern therapeutic uses. Int J Res Rev. 2021;8(5):263–272. doi:10.52403/ijrr.20210534.
16. Sareen A, Shah S, Patil S. A review on Indian plant Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and its medicinal uses. Syst Rev Pharm. 2024;15(5):176–182. doi:10.31858/0975-8453.15.5.176-182.
17. Rao SK, Sharma A, Jain D. A review medicinal and traditional uses on Tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum). World J Biol Pharm Health Sci. 2023;13(1):450–456. doi:10.30574/wjbphs.2023.13.1.0058.
18. Arya R, et al. Antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic properties of Ocimum sanctum. Plants (Basel). 2024;13(24):3516. doi:10.3390/plants13243516.
19. Kabiruddin M. Makhzan-ul-Mufradat. New Delhi: Idara Kitab-ul-Shifa; 2007.
20. Ibn Sina. Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine). New Delhi: Idara Kitab-ul-Shifa; Reprint Edition.
21. Pattanayak P, Behera P, Das D, Panda SK. Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):95–105.
22. Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(4):251–259.
23. Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The clinical efficacy and safety of Tulsi in humans: A systematic review of the literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9217567.
24. Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: A short review. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005;49(2):125–131.
25. Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The clinical efficacy and safety of Tulsi in humans: A systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9217567
26. Pattanayak P, Behera P, Das D, Panda SK. Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):95–105.

Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
02
Received 15/06/2026
Accepted 28/06/2026
Published 30/06/2026
Publication Time 15 Days
38

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics