Sabja Seeds/ Common Sweet Basil/ Barbari/ Ocimum basilicum Linn. – Ayurvedic Uses, Benefits & Dosage

Abstract

Ocimum basilicum, widely recognised for its dual role as an ornamental and medicinal herb, possesses a rich phytochemical profile. Various studies have identified various bioactive compounds in the plant, including terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponin glycosides and ascorbic acid, all contributing to its diverse therapeutic actions. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties, supporting liver function and detoxification. Additionally, Barbari exhibits immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms. It also offers antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic benefits, making it useful in managing diabetes and cholesterol levels. Its antitoxic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and antifungal actions further underline its role in preventing and managing a wide range of ailments, validating its significance in traditional and modern herbal medicine.

Introduction

Ocimum basilicum L., commonly referred to as Sweet Basil, is a well-known aromatic herb from the genus Ocimum, within the family Lamiaceae. The name Ocimum is derived from the Greek word “ozo,” meaning “to smell,” which aptly describes the genus, as many of its species are noted for their distinctive and strong fragrance. The species epithet basilicum originates from the Greek word “basilikon,” meaning “royal” or “kingly,” highlighting the plant’s esteemed status in both culinary and medicinal traditions. This royal association is reflected in its French name, “Herbe Royale,” meaning “Royal Herb.” Basil seeds, also known as sabja seeds, are commonly used as a culinary ingredient and hold significant value in Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally referred to as Barbari in Sanskrit, these seeds are praised for their cooling, soothing and therapeutic properties. They are used to manage a variety of ailments, including cough, headache, diarrhoea, intestinal worms and even poisoning. Their mucilaginous nature when soaked in water also makes them effective in digestive and detoxifying remedies.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms – flowering plants)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Genus: Ocimum
• Species: Ocimum basilicum

Synonyms

• Barbari
• Tuvari: Tunghi
• Kharapushpa: “One with rough flowers”
• Ajaghandika: “Having a goat-like smell”
• Parnasha: “Having distinct leaves”
• Kreshnarjaka: Possibly refers to its dark stems or leaves
• Kalamalah / Krishnamaluka: May refer to its dark-hued features
• Maluka: A general name for basil varieties
• Kakamalli: Possibly regional or based on a local dialect

Vernacular Names

• Hindi: Barbari, Bambari, Vantulsi, Baarbara, Ram Tulsi
• English: Common Basil, Sweet Basil
• Bengali: Babui Tulsi, Khubkalam
• Kannada: Kaama Gaggare, Kaama Kasturi
• Malayalam: Pachcha Pushpam, Pachcha, Ram Tulasi, Tirunetru, Kattuthrithavu
• Marathi: Bhu-Tulasi, Sabaja
• Gujarati: Ran Tulsi, Damaro
• Tamil: Tirunittru, Chankanirakkarantai, Chapchavitai, Tirtuthpathachi
• Punjabi: Baburi, Babari
• Telugu: Bhu-Tulasi
• Urdu: Burg Faranjmushk, Burg Firanjmishk

Habitat

Ocimum basilicum is believed to have originated in the warmer regions of the Indo-Malayan area. It is widely distributed across tropical and warmer parts of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. This aromatic herb naturally thrives in diverse habitats such as wastelands, hill slopes and other open sunny areas. Owing to its medicinal and ornamental value, it is also commonly cultivated in kitchen gardens and pots. The plant primarily undergoes insect-assisted pollination (entomophilous), which plays a vital role in its reproductive cycle.

Morphology

Ocimum basilicum is a medium-sized herb characterised by its strong aromatic scent and a smooth to slightly velvety texture. The leaves are opposite, simple, entire, and ovate in shape, often toothed along the margins, typically measuring 3–5 cm in length, with a slender petiole. The flowers appear in whorled clusters of 6–10, each measuring 8–12 mm in length. The petals vary in colour and can be white, pink, or purplish. Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes (hairs) are present on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, contributing to the plant’s distinctive aroma and protective functions.

Varieties

There are three varieties of Barbari according to Bhavmishra, which are as follows:

• Var. basilicum: It is commonly called Arjaka, and its flowers are white.
• Var. pilosum: It is known as Kutheraka, and its flowers are bluish-violet.
• Var. majus: It is known as Vatapatra, and its leaves are similar to Vatapatra.

Classical Categorisation

• According to Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Pushpa Varga (category of flowers)
• According to Kaiyadeva Nighantu: Aushadhi Varga (category of medicinal herbs)
• According to Shodhala Nighantu: Shatapushpadi Varga (group of aromatic herbs including basil and fennel)

Ancient Verses

According to the above shloka, all three varieties of Barbari have dry properties, cold potency, pungent taste, sharp and light to digest. It causes a burning sensation and increases Pitta dosha. It is effective in the loss of appetite and enhances digestive fire. It is good for the heart, balances Kapha and Vata dosha and is effective in the management of bleeding disorder, itching, worm infestation and poison.

Ayurvedic Properties

• Taste (Rasa) – Pungent (Katu)
• Physical Property (Guna) – Light (Laghu), Sharp (Teekshna)
• Potency (Veerya) – Cold Potency (Sheet)
• Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Kapha dosha

Therapeutic Properties

• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Expectorant
• Adaptogenic
• Diaphoretic
• Digestive stimulant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Effective for the heart
• Immunomodulatory

Systemic Actions

Internal Uses

• Digestive System – Acts as a carminative and supports the balanced movement of doshas. Possesses anthelmintic properties. The seed is oily (unctuous) in nature and is used in conditions like loss of digestive fire, anorexia, abdominal bloating, and helminthiasis. Seeds are also beneficial in treating dysentery.
• Circulatory System – Functions as a cardiac stimulant. The seed acts as a blood purifier and is useful in bleeding disorders, including bleeding piles.
• Excretory System – Promotes increased urine output. Seeds are indicated in cases of painful urination (dysuria).
• Respiratory System – Aids in the removal of aggravated Kapha from the respiratory tract.
• Reproductive System – Useful in managing oligomenorrhea. Seeds exhibit aphrodisiac properties.
• Skin (Tvak) – Used in the treatment of various skin disorders.
• Tapakrama (Fever and Burning Sensation) – Exhibits antipyretic effects. Seeds help relieve burning sensations (Dahaprasamana).
• Satmikarana (General Strength and Antidote) – Seeds and roots are employed in cases of poisoning. Seeds are also indicated to improve general weakness and debility.

Chemical Composition

• Eucalyptol (1.79%)
• Linalool (12.63%)
• α-Terpineol (0.95%)
• Eugenol (19.22%)
• β-Elemene (2.68%)
• α-Bergamotene (3.96%)
• α-Guaiene (2.33%)
• Germacrene D (8.55%)
• Cubenol (1.78%)
• Tau-cadinol (15.13%)
• Camphor (0.70%)
• Bornyl acetate (1.97%)
• β-Caryophyllene (0.61%)
• α-Caryophyllene (1.67%)
• Elixen (2.59%)
• β-Cadinene (0.80%)
• α-Copaene (0.33%)
• Methyl eugenol (0.76%)
• β-Farnesene (0.58%)
• Epibicyclosesquiphellandrene (0.76%)
• Tau muralol (0.96%)
• α-Bisabolol (0.35%)
• δ-Gurjunene (5.49%)
• δ-Cadinene (5.04%)
• Monoterpenoids (77.8%)
• Sesquiterpenoids (12.8%)
• Oxygenated monoterpenes (75.3%)
• Menthone (33.1%)
• Estragole (21.5%)
• Isoneomenthol (7.5%)
• Menthol (6.1%)
• Pulegone (3.7%)
• Limonene (1.5%)
• Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (8.8%)
• Trans-caryophyllene (2.2%)
• Germacrene D (1.4%)
• Trans-β-farnesene (1.1%)
• α-Amorphene (1.1%)
• α-Cadinol (2.9%)
• Menthyl acetate (5.6%)
• Methyl eugenol (1%)
• Saponins
• Tannins
• Cardiac glycosides

Modern Overview

Antidiabetic Activity

Linalool, a major active compound in Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), plays a significant role in its antidiabetic potential. In experimental studies, linalool derived from basil has been shown to lower blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion and improving the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. This helps in better glucose utilisation and control of hyperglycemia. Moreover, linalool in basil exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which protect pancreatic β-cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation-induced insulin resistance. It also helps in modulating lipid metabolism, improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels commonly associated with diabetes.

Role in Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Linalool suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, which are often elevated in inflamed lymph nodes. Reducing inflammation may help shrink swollen lymph nodes, particularly in cases of infection or reactive lymphadenopathy.

Practical Uses

• To alleviate cough, the juice of Vantulsi mixed with honey or an infusion of its seeds is administered.
• In cases of diarrhoea, the seed infusion is used due to its absorbent (grahi) properties.
• For scorpion stings, the leaf paste is applied externally to the affected area.
• In snakebite cases, about 50–60 ml of the fresh juice is given orally at intervals of every four hours.
• The juice is externally applied to ease earache and tooth pain.
• For dandruff, the juice is applied to the scalp; it is also beneficial in treating scalp ringworm.

Part Used

• Seeds
• Whole plant

Dosage

• Juice – ½–1 teaspoon
• Seed powder – 2.5–5 gm

Planet Ayurvedic Medicines

• Crab Basillucum Capsules

Conclusion

Ocimum basilicum is a multipurpose medicinal herb with a rich history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. Its wide-ranging therapeutic actions, supported by a diverse phytochemical profile, make it a valuable natural remedy for numerous health conditions. From digestive and respiratory ailments to skin problems and mental stress, basil serves as a gentle yet effective herbal solution. With its growing global recognition, sweet basil continues to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern healthcare.