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Tulasi Root Extract

Also known as: Tulasi, Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum

Overview

Tulasi root extract is derived from the roots of *Ocimum sanctum*, a revered plant in Ayurvedic medicine. While closely related to extracts from leaves and whole plant parts, this specific extract focuses on the unique constituents found within the roots. It is primarily recognized for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress, and its significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial effects. Although much of the high-quality clinical research on *Ocimum sanctum* has focused on leaf or whole plant extracts, the root extract is understood to share many of these beneficial properties due to similar bioactive compounds. Its traditional use and emerging scientific evidence support its role in supporting overall health and well-being, particularly in metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Benefits

Tulasi root extract, along with other *Ocimum sanctum* extracts, offers several evidence-based benefits. It has shown significant **metabolic effects**, with clinical trials and systematic reviews indicating improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, reducing blood glucose and HbA1c levels. For instance, 300 mg of leaf extract combined with glibenclamide improved glycemic markers over 12 weeks, and similar effects were seen with 2g of powdered leaves. In terms of **cardiovascular health**, studies report improved blood pressure regulation and lipid profiles in adults, with doses ranging from 250 mg to 3 g daily over 4–12 weeks. Its **antimicrobial activity** is notable, with in vitro studies demonstrating effectiveness against oral pathogens comparable to chlorhexidine. Furthermore, both root and leaf extracts exhibit strong **antioxidant and cardioprotective effects**, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against myocardial injury, as evidenced by animal studies. Ursolic acid, a compound found in the roots, contributes to this protective action. While much of the human clinical data pertains to leaf or whole plant extracts, the shared phytochemical profile suggests similar benefits for the root extract, supported by mechanistic and animal studies.

How it works

Tulasi root extract exerts its therapeutic effects through a complex interplay of bioactive compounds, including ursolic acid, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and various flavonoids. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, effectively scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Mechanistically, it modulates metabolic pathways by enhancing insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity, which contributes to its glucose-lowering effects. Its cardioprotective actions involve reducing myocardial oxidative damage and bolstering cellular antioxidant defenses. The antimicrobial properties are likely due to the disruption of bacterial cell walls and inhibition of biofilm formation. The bioavailability of these active compounds can be enhanced in hydroalcoholic extracts, allowing for more efficient absorption and utilization within the body.

Side effects

Tulasi root extract is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials at typical dosages (up to 3 g/day). The most common side effect, though rare, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. While no significant drug interactions have been widely reported in high-quality human studies, caution is advised when combining Tulasi with antidiabetic or antihypertensive medications due to potential additive effects that could lead to hypoglycemia or hypotension. Patients on such medications should monitor their blood glucose or blood pressure closely and consult a healthcare professional. Tulasi is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the limited availability of safety data in these specific populations. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery should also exercise caution, as some traditional uses suggest potential anticoagulant effects, though this is not extensively studied in modern research. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Clinical studies on *Ocimum sanctum* extracts, primarily from leaves or whole plants, have utilized daily dosages ranging from 250 mg to 3 g. While specific dosing for Tulasi root extract is less defined, it is generally inferred to be similar. For glycemic control, an effective dose appears to be around 300 mg/day of leaf extract when used as an adjunct to standard therapy. For cardiovascular benefits, dosages typically range from 250 mg to 3 g daily, administered over periods of 4 to 12 weeks. The timing of dosage is flexible, with twice-daily administration being common in clinical trials. Hydroalcoholic extracts are often preferred as they may enhance the bioavailability of the active constituents, leading to better absorption and efficacy. It is important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for effects and tolerance. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.

FAQs

Is Tulsi root extract as effective as leaf extract?

Most human clinical data are on leaf or whole plant extracts. While root extract likely shares similar bioactive compounds and benefits, direct comparative clinical evidence is limited.

Can Tulsi be used with diabetes medications?

Yes, but close monitoring of blood glucose is advised due to potential additive hypoglycemic effects. Consult your doctor before combining them.

How soon do benefits appear?

Improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles have been reported within 2 to 12 weeks of consistent use in clinical studies.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Short- to medium-term use appears safe based on available research. However, comprehensive long-term safety data for continuous use are currently limited.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5376420/ – This systematic review included multiple randomized controlled trials (n≥30) demonstrating significant improvements in glycemic control and metabolic syndrome parameters in humans using Tulsi leaf or whole plant extracts. The studies ranged from 2 to 12 weeks, with moderate to high quality, though heterogeneity in extract types and doses was noted.
https://sciencescholar.us/journal/index.php/ijhs/article/view/11376 – This in vitro study showed that a 10% ethanolic extract of Tulsi had antimicrobial activity comparable to chlorhexidine against key periodontal pathogens. The methodology was robust with controls, but the limitation is that it was an in vitro study, not a clinical trial.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249909/ – This preclinical study, using animal randomized controlled trials, found that hydroalcoholic extracts of *O. sanctum* roots and leaves reduced oxidative stress markers and myocardial damage in rat models of cardiac injury. The findings support the antioxidant and cardioprotective mechanisms of Tulsi extracts.
https://tjnpr.org/index.php/home/article/view/3531 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 studies in diabetic rats confirmed significant glucose-lowering effects of basil leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg, showing strong statistical significance. A key limitation is that these are animal data, not human.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2024/8895039 – This review quantified the antioxidant capacity of Tulsi extracts, highlighting their high free radical scavenging activity. This finding provides a mechanistic basis for many of the observed clinical benefits of Tulsi, particularly its protective effects against oxidative stress.