Meta Information
ID:holy-basil
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Holy Basil may have antiplatelet properties, potentially slowing blood clotting. Combining it with medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Actionable advice:
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before combining this with any blood-thinning medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The oil increased blood-clotting time and percentage increase was comparable to aspirin and could be due to inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The oil has hypotensive, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities.
Label source:
PubMed: Indian journal of experimental biology (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The formulation also inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2003)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Holy Basil can lower blood sugar levels. Taking it alongside diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas) may cause an additive effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose levels are best monitored closely if combining with diabetes medications, and it is important to consult a doctor.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
To explore further evidence we studied the effects of treatment with holy basil leaves on fasting and postprandial blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in humans through randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover single blind trial.
Label source:
PubMed: Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. (PMID 8880292)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to its potential effects on blood clotting and blood sugar, Holy Basil may increase bleeding risk and interfere with glucose control during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Use should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgery.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Isoeugenol is a phenylpropene, propenyl-substituted guaiacol found in the essential oils of plants. During molecular docking modelling, isoeugenol was found to inhibit all the target enzymes, with a higher binding efficiency than standard drugs.
Label source:
PubMed: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2022)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
We have studied the effect of Cissus quadrangularis (Harjor) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), in the healing of mandibular fractures.
Label source:
PubMed: National journal of maxillofacial surgery (2014)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Traditionally and in animal studies, Holy Basil has been shown to have anti-fertility effects and may stimulate uterine contractions. Its safety during pregnancy has not been established.
Actionable advice:
This should be strictly avoided during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
In animals, large doses of holy basil seem to reduce the chance of getting pregnant or having a full-length pregnancy.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of taking Holy Basil when breast-feeding. Due to potential hormonal effects, it is best to avoid use.
Actionable advice:
Use should be avoided while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (Sedatives)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Holy Basil possesses calming and mild sedative properties. Combining it with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates, could lead to excessive drowsiness and sedation.
Actionable advice:
Caution is warranted when combining with sedative medications; activities requiring mental alertness are best avoided.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
An ethanol extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum was screened for its effects on the central nervous system.
Label source:
PubMed: Preliminary psychopharmacological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. (PMID 2329804)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining Holy Basil with other supplements that affect blood clotting (e.g., ginkgo, garlic, ginger, fish oil) could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Actionable advice:
Exercise caution when combining with other supplements known to thin the blood.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The oil increased blood-clotting time and percentage increase was comparable to aspirin and could be due to inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The oil has hypotensive, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities.
Label source:
PubMed: Indian journal of experimental biology (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The formulation also inhibited ADP induced platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2003)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Holy Basil with other supplements that lower blood sugar, such as berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, or chromium, may have an additive effect and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
It is worth watching out for symptoms of low blood sugar if combining with other glucose-lowering supplements.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Ocimum sanctum leaves have previously been reported to reduce blood glucose when administered to rats and humans with diabetes.
Label source:
PubMed: The Journal of endocrinology (2006)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous (Aq) extract of the bark of Pterocarpus marsupium (PM) and alcoholic (Alc) extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (FG) and leaves of Ocimum sanctum (OS) was investigated in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2002)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in blood sugar level was observed after 30 days of dietary supplementation of O. sanctum leaves.
Label source:
PubMed: Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology (2007)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/cyp1a2-substrates
Target name:
CYP1A2 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
In vitro evidence suggests Holy Basil may inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme, which could theoretically increase levels and effects of drugs metabolized by this pathway, such as caffeine or theophylline.
Actionable advice:
Increased effects of CYP1A2-metabolized drugs are worth keeping in mind, though clinical significance is low.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Pretreatment with ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced micronuclei formation and phase I enzymes as well as lipid and protein oxidation with enhanced antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of medicinal food (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Oral treatment with the leaf extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg body wt for 15 days would significantly elevate the activities of cytochrome p-450 (p < 0.05), cytochrome b5 (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (p < 0.05), and glutathione S-transferase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), all of which are important in the detoxification of carcinogens as well as mutagens.
Label source:
PubMed: Nutrition and cancer (1996)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Observations suggest that polyherbal formulation might be a possible cause of herb-drug interaction, due to changes in pharmacokinetic of crucial CYPs and Phase-II substrate drug.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology (2016)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Holy Basil components may inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing concentrations of medications like certain NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) or warfarin, although this is largely theoretical.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution when taking medications primarily metabolized by CYP2C9, and it is worth talking to a pharmacist.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Observations suggest that polyherbal formulation might be a possible cause of herb-drug interaction, due to changes in pharmacokinetic of crucial CYPs and Phase-II substrate drug.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology (2016)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Pretreatment with ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced micronuclei formation and phase I enzymes as well as lipid and protein oxidation with enhanced antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of medicinal food (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Oral treatment with the leaf extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg body wt for 15 days would significantly elevate the activities of cytochrome p-450 (p < 0.05), cytochrome b5 (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (p < 0.05), and glutathione S-transferase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), all of which are important in the detoxification of carcinogens as well as mutagens.
Label source:
PubMed: Nutrition and cancer (1996)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is a theoretical risk that Holy Basil could inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is responsible for metabolizing many common medications. This could potentially increase drug levels and side effects.
Actionable advice:
While the clinical risk is likely low, be aware of this potential interaction with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema
when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Some animal studies suggest that very high doses of Holy Basil may lower levels of thyroxine (T4). The effect in humans is unclear, but caution is warranted for those with hypothyroidism.
Actionable advice:
If you have a thyroid condition, especially hypothyroidism, use Holy Basil with caution and monitor your symptoms.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
While the plant extract at the dose of 0.5 g kg-1 body wt. for 15 days significantly decreased serum T4 concentrations, hepatic LPO and G-6-P activity, the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT were increased by the drug.
Label source:
PubMed: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract in the regulation of thyroid function in the male mouse. (PMID 9721597)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Holy Basil contains eugenol, which in very high doses can be hepatotoxic. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions may be more susceptible to adverse effects.
Actionable advice:
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before use for those with any form of liver disease.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Doses higher than 20 mg kg-1 lead to hepatic damage that can impair vital processes of liver functionality
Label source:
Eugenol hepatotoxicity study (rat), PMID 35679916. Holy basil is eugenol-rich, so high-dose hepatotoxicity caution in pre-existing liver disease is supported (animal data; eugenol is the bridging constituent).
Action type:
informational_none