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Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) is a popular aromatic and medicinal plant in the family Lamiaceae. Holy basil is renowned for its health promoting, disease preventing and life prolonging properties for over five millennia. Basil consists of a wide range of active chemical compounds. The most popular extraction method is supercritical extraction. The best-known compounds in holy basil leaf include eugenol, ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid. Basil is among the most noted herbs for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nearly 20 health benefits of basil leaves have been scientifically proven such as adaptogenic and stress resilience, heart and vascular protection, immunity support, antibiotic protection, radiation protection, etc.
Products of basil leaves include herbal teas, fresh green leaf, leaf juice, ground or powdered leaf, alcohol tinctures and oil (ghee) etc. As of 2006, approximately 7,000 MT of basil was imported to the United State, with the value of nearly US$ 20 million.
Extensive researches on basil plant are underway to establish scientific basis for medical use. Currently, basil products are being offered as strerss reducing; stamina enhancing and increasing efficiency of oxygen usage agent. Interest is growing to explore possibilities to use basil extract to protect immune system and reduce inflammation; protection against radiation damage; ageing; supporting vital organs like heart, lungs and liver etc.
This report includes technical and market information on basil and its derivative products. In addition, herb's potential to turn into viable commercial products is also outlined for those who want to venture into manufacturing of basil products. |
