Ocimum
Ocimum, commonly known as basil, is a versatile genus of aromatic plants celebrated in traditional medicine worldwide. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used to alleviate stress, boost immunity, and support digestive health, making it a cornerstone of holistic healing and culinary wellness.
- Scientific name: Ocimum
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its 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 range of habitats across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be observed in Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is commonly found throughout Germany. The species also inhabits Southeastern Europe, specifically within the territories of Bulgaria and Romania. Finally, its distribution extends into Eastern Europe, covering parts of 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 |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ocimum has 28 reported phytochemicals identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include eugenol, terpenoids, flavonoids, 3-epimaslinic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 28
- Scientific sources
- 33
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| eugenol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-epimaslinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-hydroxybenzoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alphitolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| borneol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| camphor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ocimum has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ocimum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, antimalarial, cancer, malaria.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |