Author(s):
Varsha Patil, Pallavi Sonawane, Rajnikant Kakade
Email(s):
patilvarsha860@gmail.com pallavisonawane2207@gmail.com , rrajanikantkakade12@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0975-4385.2025.00038
Address:
Varsha Patil1, Pallavi Sonawane2, Rajnikant Kakade3
1Research Scholar, Siddhi’s Institute of Pharmacy, Nandgaon, Navi Mumbai.
2Asst. Proffessor, Siddhi’s Institute of Pharmacy, Nandgaon, Navi Mumbai.
3Principal, Siddhi’s Institute of Pharmacy, Nandgaon, Navi Mumbai.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 17,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2025
ABSTRACT:
Millions are afflicted with leprosy, a persistent bacterial infection that is most common in tropical areas. The problems with conventional treatments include side effects and antibiotic resistance. This research investigates the potential for treating leprosy with Ocimum sanctum L., or Tulsi plant that is highly valued in Ayurvedic and Siddha therapy. Tulasi exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pharmacological characteristics that are effective against Mycobacterium leprae. The bioactive substances in the plant, like ursolic acid and eugenol, have immunomodulatory properties that strengthen the body's defenses against infection. The current literature on Tulasi's therapeutic uses is compiled in this review, which emphasizes the drug's potential as a leprosy adjuvant or substitute treatment. The plant's safety record, accessibility, and possibility for combined treatment with traditional antibiotics are all covered.
Cite this article:
Varsha Patil, Pallavi Sonawane, Rajnikant Kakade. Ocimum sanctum as a Potential Supplementary Treatment for Leprosy. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2025; 17(3):235-1. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2025.00038
Cite(Electronic):
Varsha Patil, Pallavi Sonawane, Rajnikant Kakade. Ocimum sanctum as a Potential Supplementary Treatment for Leprosy. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2025; 17(3):235-1. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2025.00038 Available on: https://rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-17-3-8
REFERENCES:
1. Pundir S, Kumari R, Chauhan B, Pundir S. A Review on Treatment of Leprosy by using Medicinal Plants. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry [Internet] 2024 [cited 2025 May 10]; 16(2): 130–2. Available from: https://rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2024-16-2-14
2. Mukhtar HM, Mangla M, Sanduja M. Meticulous approach towards pharmacognosy and socio-economic impact of ethnomedicinal plant: Ocimum kilimandscharicum. Res J Pharm Technol. 2020; 13(10).
3. Verma S. Chemical constituents and pharmacological action of Ocimum sanctum (Indian holy basil-Tulsi). The Journal of Phytopharmacology [Internet] 2016 [cited 2025 May 10]; 5(5): 205–7. Available from: www.phytopharmajournal.com
4. Venkatrao Adavirao B, Vilas Kulkarni K. A review on: Indian traditional shrub Tulsi (ocimum sanctum): The unique medicinal plant. ~ 106 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2018; 6(2): 106–10.
5. Insira Sarbeen J. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of peppermint oil and tulsi oil. Res J Pharm Technol 2015;8(7).
6. Sintya E, Aryastuti SA, Permatananda PANK, Indrayani AW. Relative GC-MS Examination of Biological Activity Constituents of Ocimum tenuiflorum Extracts. Res J Pharm Technol. 2023; 16(9).
7. Pooja P, Kumar A. A Systemic Review of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum): Phytoconstituents, Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Profile. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2023.
8. Khokra SL, Parashar B, Dhamija HK, Bala M. Immunomodulators: Immune system modifiers. Res J Pharm Technol. 2012; 5(2).
9. (PDF) Review Article Traditional Indian Herbal Plants Tulsi and Its Medicinal Importance [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 10]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325987440_Review_Article_Traditional_Indian_Herbal_Plants_Tulsi_and_Its_Medicinal_Importance
10. Sabdoningrum EK, Hidanah S, Ansori ANM, Fadholly A. Immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of phyllanthus niruri l. Extract against the laying hens infected by Escherichia coli. Res J Pharm Technol 2020; 13(5).
11. Bhattarai K, Bhattarai R, Pandey RD, Paudel B, Bhattarai HD. A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Ocimum tenuiflorum. ScientificWorldJournal 2024; 2024: 8895039.
12. Balakumar S, Rajan S, Thirunalasundari T, Jeeva S. Antifungal activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Lamiaceae) on clinically isolated dermatophytic fungi. Asian Pac J Trop Med [Internet] 2011 [cited 2025 May 10]; 4(8): 654–7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914546/
13. Saftarasmi, Lakshmi T. Ocimum sanctum in dental care -a mini review. Res J Pharm Technol2014;7(1).
14. Trilochansai G V., Ravishankar PL, Visithriyan G, Guruprasadh P, Aadhithiyan S, Priya PJ. Efficacy of Triphala, Ocimum sanctum and Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash on Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Res J Pharm Technol. 2023; 16(5).
15. Ulanowska M, Olas B. Biological Properties and Prospects for the Application of Eugenol—A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, Vol 22, Page 3671 [Internet] 2021 [cited 2025 May 10]; 22(7): 3671. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/7/3671/htm
16. Mankar SD, Shaikh SB, Tamboli AA. Formulation of Herbal Tablet with the help of Tulsi and Turmeric Extract which Showing Antimicrobial Activity. Research Journal of Science and Technology. 2020; 12(1).
17. Van De Laar FA, Lucassen PL, Akkermans RP, Van De Lisdonk EH, Rutten GE, Van Weel C. α-Glucosidase inhibitors for patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Care [Internet] 2005 [cited 2025 May 10]; 28(1): 154–63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15616251/
18. Errichiello F, D’Amato M, Gambuti A, Moio L, Pastore A, AL-Hmadi H, et al. Oleanolic acid: A promising antidiabetic metabolite detected in Aglianico grape pomace. J Funct Foods [Internet] 2023 [cited 2025 May 10]; 104:105548. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623001482
19. Sethi J, Sood S, Seth S, Talwar A. Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Ocimum sanctum. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry [Internet] 2004 [cited 2025 May 10]; 19(2): 152–5. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02894276
20. S A, Y V, T D, Ch S, Rani V, Rani S, et al. Anti diabetic effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Ocimum sanctum in alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013;2(5):613.
21. Parasuraman S, Balamurugan S, Christapher PV, Petchi RR, Yeng WY, Sujithra J, et al. Evaluation of antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Lamiaceae) and prediction of biological activity of its phytoconstituents. Pharmacognosy Res [Internet] 2015 [cited 2025 May 10]; 7(2): 156–65. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25829789/
22. Castellano JM, Guinda A, Delgado T, Rada M, Cayuela JA. Biochemical Basis of the Antidiabetic Activity of Oleanolic Acid and Related Pentacyclic Triterpenes. Diabetes. [Internet] 2013 [cited 2025 May 10]; 62(6): 1791. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3661625/
23. Wang X, Li YL, Wu H, Liu JZ, Hu JX, Liao N, et al. Antidiabetic effect of oleanolic acid: A promising use of a traditional pharmacological agent. Phytotherapy Research. [Internet] 2011 [cited 2025 May 10]; 25(7): 1031–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21254272/
24. (PDF) Analysis of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, potential antifertility agents in Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 10]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260265022_Analysis_of_oleanolic_acid_and_ursolic_acid_potential_antifertility_agents_in_Moringa_Moringa_oleifera_seed
25. Quantification of eugenol, luteolin, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid in black (Krishna Tulasi) and green (Sri Tulasi) varieties of Ocimum sanctum Linn. using high-performance thin-layer chromatography - PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 10]; Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17225591/
26. Srinivasulu K, Changamma C. A Study on the Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) Leaf Extract and Ursolic Acid on Spermatogenesis in Male Rats. Indian J Pharm Sci. [Internet] 2017 [cited 2025 May 10];79(1):158–63. Available from: https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/a-study-on-the-effect-of-ocimum-sanctum-linn-leaf-extract-and-ursolic-acid-on-spermatogenesis-in-male-rats.html
27. Azab A, Nassar A, Azab AN. Anti-inflammatory activity of natural products. Molecules. [Internet] 2016 [cited 2025 May 10];21(10). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27706084/
28. Mirje MM, Uz Zaman S, Ramabhimaiah S. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) in albino rats. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci. [Internet] 2014 [cited 2025 May 10];3(1):198–205. Available from: http://www.ijcmas.com
29. Luo C, Zou L, Sun H, Peng J, Gao C, Bao L, et al. A Review of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Inflammatory Diseases. Front Pharmacol [Internet] 2020 [cited 2025 May 10];11. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32184728/
30. Basavraj P, Nitin M. Antinociceptive activity of Tulsi Amrit (A Polyherbal Formulation) in selective pain induced models in rats. Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics. 2017; 9(4).
31. (PDF) Ocimum Sanctum (tulsi): Bio-pharmacological Activities [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 10]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/48408293_Ocimum_Sanctum_tulsi_Bio-pharmacological_Activities
32. Reghunandanan R, Sood S, Reghunandanan V, Mehta R, Singh GP. Effect of ocimum sanctum linn (tulsi) extract on testicular function. Indian J Med Sci. 1995;
33. Gupta P, Yadav DK, Siripurapu KB, Palit G, Maurya R. Constituents of Ocimum sanctum with antistress activity. J Nat Prod. [Internet] 2007 [cited 2025 May 10]; 70(9):1410–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17850106/
34. Nakamura CV, Ishida K, Faccin LC, Filho BPD, Cortez DAG, Rozental S, et al. In vitro activity of essential oil from Ocimum gratissimum L. against four Candida species. Res Microbiol. [Internet] 2004 [cited 2025 May 10];155(7):579–86. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923250804001020
35. AlGhalban FM, Khan AA, Khattak MNK. Comparative anticancer activities of Ficus carica and Ficus salicifolia latex in MDA-MB-231 cells. Saudi J Biol Sci. [Internet] 2021 [cited 2025 May 10];28(6):3225–34. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34121859/
36. Çetinkaya M, Baran Y. Therapeutic Potential of Luteolin on Cancer. Vaccines (Basel). [Internet] 2023 [cited 2025 May 10];11(3). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992138/
37. Yan X, Qi M, Li P, Zhan Y, Shao H. Apigenin in cancer therapy: Anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of action. Cell Biosci. [Internet] 2017 [cited 2025 May 10];7(1). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034071/
38. Author C, Sampath Kumar K, Bhowmik D, Tripathi Margret Chandira K. Traditional Indian Herbal Plants Tulsi and Its Medicinal Importance. KP Sampath Kumar et al Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2010; 2(2).