- What is holy basil? Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a shrub in the basil family. Holy basil is also called by its Ayurvedic name, "tulsi." The leaves of holy basil contain compounds call triterpenes, including oleanolic and ursolic acid, that laboratory tests show to have anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar lowering and immune system effects. Holy basil leaves also contain eugenol, which may have analgesic effects. In supplements, holy basil is typically sold as a leaf powder (whole, dry crushed leaves) or as an extract (powder or liquid) (see What It Is).
- What does holy basil do? Preliminary clinical studies suggest holy basil may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and may modestly lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the chemical make-up of holy basil extracts and powders used in some of these studies was not well defined, and more research is needed to confirm these findings (see What It Does).
- What did CL's tests of holy basil find? Most of the holy basil supplements ConsumerLab tested failed to contain even the minimum amount of total triterpenes expected or claimed on the label. Amounts of triterpenes in holy basil supplements varied widely — from as little as 0.43 mg to 34.8. mg per suggested serving, and only 3 of the 8 products tested contained their expected amounts. In addition, one product was found to be contaminated with lead (see What CL Found).
- Which is the best holy basil supplement? Among the products that passed all tests and were Approved, ConsumerLab selected one that provided the best quality and value as its Top Pick for Holy Basil.
- Safety and side effects of holy basil: Holy basil may cause nausea or diarrhea. Due to its potential blood sugar lowering effect, it should be used with caution in people with hypoglycemia and those taking blood sugar lowering medications. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take holy basil (see Concerns and Cautions).
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Holy Basil Supplements Review
Find the Best Holy Basil (Tulsi) Supplements. Tests and Reviews of Popular Holy Basil Supplements & CL's Top Pick.
Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Holy Basil supplements compared in this review
Best Naturals Holy Basil Extract
BulkSupplements.com Holy Basil
Gaia Herbs Holy Basil Leaf
Herb Pharm Holy Basil
Himalaya Holy Basil
Oregon's Wild Harvest Holy Basil
Organic India Tulsi-Holy Basil
Vitacost Holy Basil Extract
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Summary
You must be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com's recommendations and quality ratings for popular holy basil (or "tulsi") supplements, including leaf powders, and powder and liquid extract. You will get results for eight holy basil supplements selected for testing by ConsumerLab.
In this comprehensive review of holy basil supplements, you'll learn:
- Which holy basil supplements failed our tests and which ones passed
- Amounts of potentially beneficial holy basil compounds (total triterpenes, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid) found in products, which varied widely
- CL's Top Pick among products based on amounts of holy basil compounds found, dose, quality, and price
- The health benefits of holy basil supplements, and evidence for and against holy basil for reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood sugar and for immune system health
- How to take and store holy basil supplements
- Holy basil side effects, safety and other potential concerns
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