Introduction Welcome to our presentation on Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil. Tulsi holds significant cultural, medicinal, and religious importance in India. Botanical Overview Scientific Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum Common Names: Tulsi, Holy Basil Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family) Native to: Indian subcontinent Varieties of Tulsi Krishna Tulsi (Purple leaf) Rama Tulsi (Green leaf) Vana Tulsi (Wild variety) Kapoor Tulsi (Camphor-scented) Cultural Significance Considered sacred in Hinduism. Often found in Hindu households and temples. Used in various rituals and ceremonies. Symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and divinity. Medicinal Properties Rich in antioxidants and essential oils. Used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Benefits include: Boosting immunity Relieving stress Improving digestion Managing respiratory disorders Medicinal Uses Respiratory Health: Effective in managing coughs, colds, and asthma. Stress Relief: Acts as an adaptogen, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Digestive Aid: Helps in digestion, relieving bloating and indigestion. Immune Support: Boosts immunity, aiding in fighting infections. Culinary Uses Leaves used fresh or dried in cooking. Adds a distinct flavor to dishes. Used in teas, soups, and various Indian dishes. Growing Tulsi Prefers warm, tropical climates. Grows well in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Regular watering and occasional fertilization required. Conclusion Tulsi, the Sacred Herb of India, holds profound significance in culture, medicine, and spirituality. Its versatile uses make it a valuable asset in both traditional and modern contexts. Let us cherish and preserve the legacy of Tulsi for generations to come.

1. Tulsi
(ocimum tenuiflorum)
Nittal vekaria (roll no: 48)
kbiper

2. Introduction
Tulsi is considered to be a ubiquitous plant in India.
Biological name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: ocimum
Species : o.tenuiflorum
Synonyms: ocimum sanctum
chemical composition : Tulsi chemical composition is very complicated. It is
eugenol, or 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene. This chemical formula
contains many phyto-chemicals referred as compounds.
 There are some biologically active compounds like urosolic acid, luteolin and
apigenin that can be extracted from the Tulsi leaves .

3. Description:
• Tulsi is a heavy branched having hair all over. It attains the height of about 75 – 90 cm. It has round oval shaped leaves
which are up to 5 cm long. The leaves are 2- 4 cm in length. Its seeds are flat. Its flowers are purple – creamish in colour.
The Tulsi with the green leaves is called the Shri Tulsi and one with the reddish leaves is called the Krishna Tulsi. Its
seeds are yellow to reddish in colour. Leaves of Tulsi contains very essential oil.
Other species of Tulsi:
(A) Ocimum basilicum
(B) Ocimum Americanum
(C) Ocimum kilimandscharicum
(D) Ocimum africanum
(E) Ocimum tenuiflorum var. Ram tulsi
(F) Ocimum adscendens
(G)Ocimum tenuiflorum var. Krishna tulsi
(H) Ocimum gratissimum
(i) Ocimum viride
The Tulsi herb is found quite commonly all over the Indian sub continent. The plant can grow in the wild in the tropical
warm regions.
• The flowering season is winter (December to February).
• The leaves that are usually used the flowers, seeds and roots also find good usage.

4. Medicinal properties
1. Tulsi has antioxidant properties and reduces blood glucose levels. Thus it is useful for
diabetics.
2. Tulsi reduces total cholesterol levels. Thus it is useful for heart disease patients.
3. Tulsi reduces blood pressure.
4. Tulsi is also used to prepare herbal tea. It helps in building up stamina.
5. It has been used for gastric disorders, cough, common colds, malaria, and headaches.
6. It is used as mouth wash for reducing tooth ache
7. Tulsi oil shows larvicidal activity against malarial larva.
8. It has immuno-modulatory properties
9. It contains phyto-chemicals which provide all these beneficial effects.
10. Many herbal cosmetics contain tulsi. It is also used in skin ointments due to its anti-
bacterial properties. Oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is used in these preparations.

5. 11. Tulsi acts as insect repellant. So it is used to store grains.
12. Recent research shows that tulsi does have analgesic ( pain killer) properties
similar to COX 2 inhibitor drugs.
13. Ursolic acid, a chemical in tulsi may have a role as antifertility (
contraceptive) agent in future.
14.It has antiviral, antibacterial, antitubercular, antifungal, antimalarial properties.

6. Health benefits of Tulsi in our daily life:
• Healing Power:The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote
the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves
strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are
mucilaginous.
• Fever, Common Cold, Sore Throat
• Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and
expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi
leaves relieves cold and flu.
• Respiratory Disorder: bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold
• Kidney Stone
• Heart disorder
• Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea,
vomiting and If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance
• Stress ( ‘adoptogen’ or anti stress agent)

7. • Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in
the mouth.
• Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect
stings or bites
• Skin Disorders: in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases.
• Teeth Disorder: . It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders
• Headaches
• Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-
blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A.

8. other use :
Tulsi in Modern Medicine: In modern medicine there has been research indicating Tulsi
might potentially be an effective treatment for conditions like ulcers, high cholesterol,
Type 2 diabetes, obesity and compromised/suppressed immune systems (from conditions
like cancers and AIDS). Plant Cultures says the traditional uses of Tulsi in Ayurveda
might be due to some intrinsic properties in many varieties of Tulsi- -such as the
essential oils containing an anti-inflammatory compound called eugenol, and various
acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could support the claims of
Tulsi being a treatment for so many conditions, according to Ayurveda.
Diabetes -Western medicine: According to diabeteshealth.com, "Researchers have
theorized that holy basil (tulsi) leaves may improve pancreatic beta cell function and
thus enhance insulin secretion." The website reports that a small research study of
patients with type 2 diabetes found blood glucose fasting levels lower in patients who
took 2.5 grams of powdered tulsi compared to patients who took a placebo.
Diabeteshealth.com reports that drug interactions with tulsi have not been reported;
however, some interactions might be possible in "diabetics treated with insulin or insulin
secretagogues such as sulfonylurea (glyburide, glipizide, Amaryl), Prandin or Starlix."
Because of this, diabetics who might consider using tulsi should check with their
physicians first

9. Antioxidant - Polyphenol Rosmarinic acid present in the Tulsi chemical composition
acts as the powerful antioxidant. It protects the cells in the body from smash up due to
the presence of free radicals. Excess of oxidation in the body also causes the cell
damage. This acid prevents the formation of excess oxidation.
Antibacterial – Carvacrol and terpene are the antibacterial agents present in this
remarkable plant. Sesquiterpene B-caryophyllene also severs the same purpose. This
constituent is FDA approved food additive which is naturally present in Tulsi. It helps
keeping the body safe from bacterium that causes illness
Anti-inflammatory - Rosmarinic acid also is a good source of anti-inflammatory along
with being an antioxidant. Pegenin is one more compound available in the composition
serving the same function. Apart from these two, the most important anti-inflammatory
driving force in Tulsi is ‘eugenol’. It is main ingredient responsible for controlling the
blood sugar levels in the body. It rigs the beta cell function of the pancreas and as a
result augments the insulin secretion.

10. Adaptogenic – Tulsi is ideal source of adaptogenic properties that controls the
frequent mood swings and provide the mental peace and clarity. Eugenol and
caryophyllene are the most imperative adaptogen agents present in the chemical
formula of Tulsi. These are very effective in lowering the corticosterone levels
that are main cause of stress. It also enhances the memory and minimizes the
risk of mental problems that occur due to growing age. Ursolic acid and
oleanolic acid also perform the same function of adaptogen and are very
effectual in dropping the stress levels
Immuno-modulator – It is very vital to have some immuno-modulator in the
body that stabilizes, recovers and maintains the proper balanced functioning of
the immune system. Tulsi possess excellent immuneenhancing properties that
prepare the body against foreign elements like bacteria, viruses, microbes,
allergens etc. Thus, it maintains the overall balance in the body.

11. • Reference
Cohen, M. (2014). Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), 251.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The clinical efficacy and safety
of Tulsi in humans: A systematic review of the literature. Evidence-
Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM, 2017, 1–13.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567