A REVIEW ON ETHNOMEDICAL USES OF OCIMUM SANCTUM (TULSI)

Abstract

Traditional remedies are an integral part of Indian culture. Here we present the result of study of ethnomedicine consist study of ancient medical practice which is native or indigenous to a place. It includes etiology of disease, practitioners and their role in health care, and types of treatment administered. It is a complicated system indulges the use of plants for healing diseases. Recently from few decades back, the use of ethnomedicine come into play as earlier there was fear of dosage, toxicity and composition but today ethnomedicine is integral part of research of new medicinal components. Here is review on ethnomedicinal uses of Ocimum sanctum widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases. Traditionally different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum herb native to India, suggested for treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, dermal ailments, ophthalmic problems, insect bite etc. Research shown Ocimum sanctum possess antifertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiemetic, antispasmodic, analgesic.