Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, is a fragrant annual herb cherished in culinary and medicinal traditions. Renowned for its aromatic essential oils, it offers potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond flavoring dishes, this versatile plant serves as a natural remedy for digestive health and stress relief.
- Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Ocimum basilicum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Ocimum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ocimum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several regions across the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is commonly found growing in Germany. The species also extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Bulgaria and Romania. Finally, its range reaches into Eastern Europe, where it is located throughout South European Russia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ocimum basilicum has 192 reported phytochemicals identified across 351 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linalool, methyl chavicol, eugenol, flavonoids, rosmarinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 192
- Scientific sources
- 351
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| linalool | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| methyl chavicol | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| eugenol | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| rosmarinic acid | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| polyphenols | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| estragole | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| methyl eugenol | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Activities
Ocimum basilicum has 30 reported activities identified across 75 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 30
- Scientific sources
- 75
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antifungal | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ocimum basilicum has 122 reported medicinal uses identified across 163 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Staphylococcus aureus, inflammation, oxidative stress, salinity stress.
- Total uses
- 122
- Scientific sources
- 163
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| salinity stress | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| headaches | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |