Ocibest
Also known as: Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil, Tulsi, OciBest, Ocimum tenuiflorum
Overview
OciBest is a proprietary standardized extract derived from Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is primarily utilized for its adaptogenic properties, aiming to support stress management, enhance cognitive function, and improve sleep quality. The extract contains key bioactive compounds such as eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Research on OciBest and Ocimum tenuiflorum is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly in stress reduction and sleep improvement. While promising, further large-scale studies are needed to solidify definitive conclusions.
Benefits
OciBest offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in stress reduction and sleep improvement. Clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in general stress symptoms, including forgetfulness, exhaustion, and sleep disturbances, with one study reporting a 39% greater improvement over placebo after 6 weeks of 1200 mg/day OciBest supplementation. Another RCT demonstrated statistically significant reductions in perceived stress scores (p=0.003) and insomnia severity (p=0.025) after 8 weeks. These benefits are supported by reductions in objective stress biomarkers such as hair cortisol, salivary cortisol, and salivary amylase, indicating a buffered physiological response to stress. Secondary benefits include potential improvements in blood pressure under stress conditions and enhanced subjective sleep quality. These effects are most pronounced in adults experiencing general stress and mild sleep disturbances, with benefits typically observed within 6 to 8 weeks of daily supplementation. The strength of evidence is moderate to good, with well-conducted RCTs supporting these claims.
How it works
OciBest primarily functions as an adaptogen by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is central to the body's stress response. This modulation helps to reduce excessive cortisol secretion and enhance overall stress resilience. The bioactive compounds within Ocimum tenuiflorum, such as eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially offering neuroprotection and supporting cognitive function. Furthermore, OciBest influences the balance of the autonomic nervous system, reducing sympathetic overactivity, as evidenced by lowered salivary amylase and improved blood pressure responses during stress. The oral bioavailability of key compounds like eugenol is moderate, and standardized extracts ensure consistent delivery of active components.
Side effects
OciBest and other *Ocimum tenuiflorum* extracts are generally well tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Common side effects are rare and mild, showing no significant difference from placebo groups. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been identified in the reviewed studies. However, specific risk factors or interactions with medications have not been extensively studied, so caution is advised, especially for individuals on prescription drugs. Data on special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are limited, and therefore, use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable for healthy adults within recommended dosages.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of OciBest identified in clinical trials is 1200 mg/day of the standardized extract. The optimal dosage range for achieving efficacy in stress reduction and sleep improvement is consistently reported as 1200 mg/day, typically administered for 6 to 8 weeks. There is no established maximum safe dose beyond the amounts used in clinical trials, so adherence to these studied dosages is recommended. For best results, OciBest should be taken daily, ideally at a consistent time to maintain steady bioavailability. It is typically available in standardized extract capsules or tablets. While absorption may be enhanced with food, no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is OciBest safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials have demonstrated good safety for up to 8 weeks of use. Longer-term safety data are currently limited, so consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
How soon can I expect to see benefits from OciBest?
Some individuals may notice initial improvements in symptoms by 4 weeks, with significant and more consistent benefits typically observed after 6 to 8 weeks of daily supplementation.
Can OciBest be taken with other supplements or medications?
No significant adverse interactions with other supplements have been reported. However, if you are taking prescription medications, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before combining OciBest.
Does OciBest directly improve sleep quality?
Evidence suggests OciBest can improve subjective sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. While promising, objective sleep data are still preliminary and require further research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3185238/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy of an Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (OciBest) in 150 adults with general stress. It found that OciBest significantly reduced stress symptoms by 39% more than placebo over 6 weeks, improving forgetfulness, exhaustion, and sleep problems without adverse events.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Efficacy-of-an-Extract-of-Ocimum-tenuiflorum-in-the-Saxena-Singh/1ae4ee2a53c3b8b86e3271b63521fe41b0141e61 – This paper, likely the full text or a detailed report of the Saxena et al. 2011 study, provides further details on the efficacy of Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (OciBest) in reducing general stress symptoms. It supports the finding of a 39% greater improvement in stress-related symptoms compared to placebo over a 6-week period.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9524226/ – This high-quality randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 79 healthy but stressed adults demonstrated that an Ocimum tenuiflorum extract significantly reduced perceived stress (p=0.003), insomnia (p=0.025), and objective stress biomarkers like hair cortisol (p=0.025) over 8 weeks, also improving blood pressure and subjective stress ratings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/9217567 – This systematic review by Jamshidi & Cohen (2017) analyzed 24 studies on Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), concluding that it exhibits adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. The review supports clinical evidence for stress reduction and metabolic benefits, noting a favorable safety profile, though it highlights the need for more large-scale RCTs.