Lemon Basil (seed) — Ocimum africanum Lour. (seed)

Lemon Basil (seed) — Ocimum africanum Lour. (seed)

Product Name: Базилик волосистый, Ocimum africanum Lour., Haariger Basilikum, Albahaca africana, Basilic africain, ريحان أفريقي, โหระพาแมว, Африка райҳони, Африка райҳони, Afrika reyhanı, Райҳони Африка, Afrikinis bazilikas, Āfrikas baziliks, Базилік африканський, Afrika reyhanı, ריחן אפריקאי

Synonyms: Базилик лимонный, Hairy basil, Hoary basil, Lemon basil, Haarbasilikum, Albahaca de limón, Basilic citronné, ريحان ليموني, โหระพาเลมอน

Used Parts: leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, roots.

Main Indications for Use of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, acute and chronic rhinopharyngitis, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic venous insufficiency, oral candidiasis, dermatophytosis, herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes, irritable bowel syndrome, acute diarrheal syndrome, flatulence, chronic colitis, alimentary anemia, oxidative stress.

Use of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.) in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, chronic pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, obesity, osteoarthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia.

Pharmacological Properties of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.): antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, bronchodilatory, expectorant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antispasmodic, cardioprotective, antifungal, antiviral, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, carminative, wound-healing, sedative, gastroprotective, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, analgesic, antiparasitic, anticarcinogenic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Powder — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Powder): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, acute diarrheal syndrome, chronic colitis, flatulence, alimentary anemia, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, oxidative stress.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams of seed powder once a day, taken with 150 milliliters of warm water, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3–4 grams of seed powder twice a day for pronounced hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 5 grams of seed powder twice a day for severe hyperlipidemia, pronounced hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity of grades 2–3. Use for no more than 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of seed powder once a day, in courses of 20 days every 2 months, for chronic gastrointestinal diseases, mild hyperlipidemia, stage I arterial hypertension, for patients over 40 years old at risk of metabolic syndrome.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 6 years old weighing from 20 kilograms — 0.5–1 gram of seed powder once a day, taken with warm water. Data on use in children under 6 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract with bleeding, intestinal obstruction. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Powder): overdose may cause flatulence, dyspepsia, intestinal spasms, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Powder): take 100 grams of dry seeds, dried at a temperature of 40 °C for 48 hours. Clean from impurities. Grind in a mill to a powder state with particle size less than 0.3 millimeters. Sieve through a No. 60 sieve. Pack in an airtight container made of dark glass or a laminated foil pouch.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature from +5 °C to +20 °C, humidity not exceeding 60%. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Dry Extract): hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, chronic gastritis, chronic colitis, metabolic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, oxidative stress, oral candidiasis, herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes, dermatophytosis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–500 milligrams of dry extract once a day 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500–700 milligrams twice a day for pronounced hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus with poorly controlled glycemia, stage II arterial hypertension.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1000 milligrams twice a day for severe forms of metabolic syndrome, obesity, combined forms of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Not more than 21 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 milligrams once a day in courses of 30 days every 3 months for patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, oxidative stress.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 12 years old weighing from 40 kilograms — 100–200 milligrams once a day. Data on use in children under 12 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute liver and kidney diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute phase. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): overdose may cause nausea, headache, dyspepsia, allergic skin reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dose by 25%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase by 15%.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): take 100 grams of dry seeds, grind. Perform extraction with 70% ethanol in a raw material to solvent ratio of 1:10 at a temperature of 40 °C for 8 hours with stirring. Ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the final preparation. After extraction, filter, evaporate on a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the solvent odor completely disappears. Permissible residual ethanol content in the finished extract is not more than 500 ppm. Dry the extract in a drying chamber at 40 °C until a dry powder is obtained.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight packaging, protected from light and moisture, at a temperature from +5 °C to +25 °C. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Tincture): hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, chronic colitis, irritable bowel syndrome with flatulence, chronic bronchitis, acute rhinopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes, dermatophytosis, oxidative stress.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 5 milliliters 1–2 times a day, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 7–10 milliliters twice a day for pronounced hyperlipidemia, stage II arterial hypertension, chronic bronchitis with difficult sputum expectoration.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 15 milliliters twice a day for severe hyperlipidemia, obesity, pronounced metabolic syndrome, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Not more than 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 3 milliliters once a day in courses of 20 days every 2–3 months for chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 12 years old — 1–2 milliliters, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, once a day. Data on use in children under 12 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, chronic alcoholism, decompensated liver diseases, acute gastritis, gastric ulcer in the acute phase. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Tincture): overdose may cause nausea, headache, tachycardia, dizziness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms, increase by 15%.

Preparation Method (Tincture): take 100 grams of dry seeds, grind. Place in a glass container and pour 70% ethanol in a raw material to solvent ratio of 1:5. Infuse for 14 days at a temperature of +18...+22 °C, shaking daily. Filter through gauze and store in a dark, airtight container. Ethanol in this case is a component of the finished preparation.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass, in a cool place at a temperature from +5 °C to +20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 36 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Oil Infusion — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Oil Infusion): skin candidiasis, dermatophytosis, herpes skin infection, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinopharyngitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, dry cough, skin oxidative stress, slow wound healing.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application 2–3 times a day on affected areas of skin or mucous membranes in the amount of 1–2 milliliters per application.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application 3–4 times a day in the amount of 2–3 milliliters for pronounced inflammatory and infectious skin lesions, recurrent herpes, deep skin fissures.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application up to 5 milliliters per application area up to 5 times a day for severe fungal skin infections complicated by bacterial flora. Course — not more than 21 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application once a day, 1 milliliter for the prevention of fungal and bacterial skin lesions in patients with chronic dermatoses, after visiting pools and gyms.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): external application for children over 3 years old — 0.5–1 milliliter 1–2 times a day. Data on use in children under 3 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin lesions with abundant exudate, open bleeding wounds. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): overdose may cause skin hyperemia, itching, irritation, contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for external application, adjustment based on body weight is not required.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): take 20 grams of dry seeds, grind. Pour 100 milliliters of coconut oil, place on a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C for 4 hours, stirring periodically. Cool to room temperature, filter through gauze, pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, protect from direct light and heat. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Essential Oil — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Essential Oil): skin candidiasis, dermatophytosis, herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acute and chronic rhinopharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, skin oxidative stress, slow wound healing, chronic venous insufficiency.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): external application 1–2 drops (diluted in 5 milliliters of base oil, e.g., coconut) 1–2 times a day; inhalations — 1–2 drops per 200 milliliters of hot water, up to 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): external application 3–4 drops (diluted) 2–3 times a day for pronounced fungal skin lesions, recurrent herpes, chronic bronchitis with an obstructive component; inhalations — 3 drops per 250 milliliters of water 2–3 times a day.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): external application up to 5 drops (diluted) 3–4 times a day for severe dermatoses and complicated bacterial infections; inhalations — up to 5 drops per 250 milliliters of water up to 3 times a day. Not more than 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): external application 1 drop (diluted) once a day for the prevention of fungal and bacterial skin lesions; inhalations — 1 drop per 200 milliliters of water once a day during the season of respiratory infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): external application for children over 6 years old — 1 drop (diluted in 10 milliliters of base oil) once a day; inhalations — 1 drop per 250 milliliters of water once a day. Data on use in children under 6 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): individual intolerance, acute allergic reactions to essential oils, history of bronchospasm. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): overdose may cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, headache, nausea, bronchospasm.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for external application and inhalations, adjustment based on body weight is not required.

Preparation Method (Essential Oil): use fresh leaves and flowering tops. To prepare 100 grams of oil, 500 grams of fresh raw material is required. Grind the raw material, place in a distillation apparatus with steam distillation, supplying steam at a temperature of 100 °C. Separate the collected condensate into an aqueous fraction and essential oil. Separate the oil, filter, and store in dark, airtight containers. Oil yield — 1–1.5%.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): store in airtight containers made of dark glass at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, protect from light and heat. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Ointment — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Ointment): skin candidiasis, dermatophytosis, herpes skin infection, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, slow wound healing, chronic skin fissures, I–II degree burns, insect bites.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to affected skin areas 2–3 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply to affected skin areas 3–4 times a day for pronounced inflammatory reactions, deep fissures, complicated by fungal or bacterial infection.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): application up to 5 times a day for severe dermatoses complicated by infection. Not more than 21 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): application once a day for the prevention of relapses of fungal skin diseases, especially in areas of high humidity (feet, groin area).

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): for children over 3 years old — apply a thin layer 1–2 times a day. Data on use in children under 3 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds, acute purulent skin inflammation. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Ointment): overdose may cause irritation, itching, skin redness, contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for external application, dosage adjustment is not required.

Preparation Method (Ointment): take 20 grams of dry seeds, grind, perform extraction with 70% ethanol (ratio 1:5) at a temperature of 40 °C for 8 hours. Ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. After extraction, evaporate on a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the ethanol odor completely disappears (residual content — not more than 500 ppm). Mix the resulting thick extract with 60 grams of coconut oil and 20 grams of beeswax, melted on a water bath at 60 °C, until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Pour into sterile containers and cool.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in airtight containers at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Cream / Serum — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Indications (Cream/Serum): skin candidiasis, dermatophytosis, herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging, dry skin, slow healing of minor wounds, skin oxidative stress.

Standard Dosage (Cream/Serum): external application 1–2 milliliters of cream or serum on the affected area or for skin care 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream/Serum): 2–3 milliliters of cream or serum 2–3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin lesions, hyperpigmentation, pronounced signs of photoaging.

Maximum Dosage (Cream/Serum): up to 4 milliliters 3 times a day for severe chronic dermatoses and pronounced cosmetic skin defects. Not more than 30 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream/Serum): 1 milliliter once a day in courses of 30 days every 3 months for the prevention of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream/Serum): external application for children over 6 years old — 0.5–1 milliliter once a day for dermatitis or dry skin. Data on use in children under 6 years old are not available.

Contraindications (Cream/Serum): individual intolerance to components, acute allergic skin reactions, open bleeding wounds. Scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Cream/Serum): overdose may cause irritation, itching, skin peeling, contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for external application, dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required.

Preparation Method (Cream/Serum): for 100 grams of product: 5 grams of dry seed extract (obtained by extraction with 70% ethanol with subsequent complete removal of the solvent to a residual content of not more than 500 ppm), 20 grams of coconut oil, 10 grams of jojoba oil, 60 grams of distilled water, 5 grams of emulsifier (beeswax). Heat the oil phase (coconut oil, jojoba oil, wax) on a water bath to 65 °C. Heat the aqueous phase (water + dry extract) to the same temperature. Slowly pour the aqueous phase into the oil phase with constant stirring until a homogeneous emulsion is obtained. Cool to 35 °C, pour into sterile bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream/Serum): store in airtight containers at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Studies assessing the toxicity of essential oil and extracts of Ocimum africanum Lour. have shown a low level of acute toxicity. In experimental rodent models, oral administration of aqueous and ethanol extracts in doses up to 2000 mg/kg did not cause lethal outcomes, indicating an LD₅₀ value above 2000 mg/kg body weight. With long-term use in subtherapeutic doses, no signs of cumulative toxicity, changes in body weight, behavioral disorders, or pathological changes in internal organs were observed. Essential oil, when applied externally in diluted form, did not exhibit skin-irritating or sensitizing effects in test animals. The data indicate high biosafety of the preparation when recommended dosages are followed.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4...

Pharmacodynamics of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Hairy Basil contains a wide range of biologically active substances, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oils, saponins, and polysaccharides, which exert a multi-level impact on various body systems. Pharmacological action is realized both at the systemic and local levels, with active components capable of modulating enzyme activity, influencing the synthesis and degradation of mediators, and interacting with cell membrane receptors.

The plant's antioxidant properties are due to the ability of flavonoids and phenolic acids to neutralize free radicals, reduce lipid peroxidation, and stabilize cell membranes, which helps maintain tissue integrity and reduce cell damage. The plant exerts a modulating effect on the immune system, regulating the activity of macrophages, lymphocytes, and other cells of innate and adaptive immunity. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial and fungicidal activity by disrupting the integrity of microorganism cell walls and suppressing their protein synthesis.

The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inhibition of the activity of enzymes involved in inflammatory reactions, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. These mechanisms help reduce local and systemic inflammatory processes. Terpenoid components of essential oil can exert a relaxing effect on smooth muscle fibers, improving microcirculation and contributing to the normalization of vascular and internal organ tone.

On the nervous system, Hairy Basil exerts a mild sedative and normalizing effect, associated with its influence on gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonergic pathways. On the skin and mucous membranes, the plant acts as a regenerating and protective agent, accelerating epithelialization processes and enhancing barrier function. On the endocrine level, active substances can exert a regulatory influence by modulating glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as interacting with hormonal receptor systems.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-4...

Pharmacokinetics of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Upon oral administration, the active substances of Hairy Basil in the form of powder, infusions, or dry extracts undergo partial absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids can be further metabolized by the intestinal microflora, increasing the bioavailability of some metabolites. Essential oils begin to be partially absorbed already in the oral cavity and stomach, as well as in the small intestine, with subsequent entry into the systemic circulation.

With transdermal application (ointment, cream, serum, oil infusion), lipophilic components, including terpenoids and fat-soluble fractions, penetrate through the stratum corneum of the epidermis and reach the dermis, from where they can enter the bloodstream in small amounts. With inhalation administration (essential oil), volatile components quickly penetrate into the pulmonary alveoli and further into the systemic circulation, bypassing the first hepatic pass, ensuring a rapid effect.

In the body, active substances are distributed predominantly in lipid-rich tissues, including cell membranes, accumulating in the skin, liver, and lungs. Metabolism occurs in the liver under the action of oxidation and conjugation enzymes, resulting in the formation of more hydrophilic compounds capable of excretion. Water-soluble metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys with urine, and lipophilic ones — with bile and partially through the skin with the secretions of sebaceous and sweat glands. Essential oils are also partially excreted through the lungs with exhaled air.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1080/147864...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

The pharmacological action of Hairy Basil is due to a complex of biologically active substances, including flavonoids (such as orientin, vitexin), phenolic acids (rosmarinic, caffeic), terpenoids (eugenol, linalool), saponins, and polysaccharides. These compounds act at various levels of regulation of physiological processes. Antioxidant activity is realized through direct binding of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as through the activation of endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Anti-inflammatory action is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, leading to reduced synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

The immunomodulatory influence of Hairy Basil includes stimulation of macrophage phagocytic activity, increased production of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ), and modulation of T- and B-lymphocyte activity. Eugenol and linalool can suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling cascade, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. The effect on the nervous system is realized through interaction with GABA-ergic and serotonergic receptors, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects.

The antimicrobial activity of essential oil is due to the disruption of the integrity of bacterial and fungal cell membranes, increased permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, and suppression of microorganism protein synthesis. Lipophilic components are able to penetrate the biomembranes of pathogens, causing their destabilization. Modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism may be associated with influence on the activity of glycolysis and lipogenesis enzymes, as well as with regulation of cell sensitivity to insulin via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Synergy of Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Synergistic interactions of Hairy Basil with other plant and natural substances have been confirmed by a number of in vitro and in vivo studies. In combination with Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), extracts demonstrate potentiation of the anti-inflammatory effect due to joint inhibition of COX-2 and suppression of NF-κB activation. Combined use with Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) enhances antioxidant activity due to the summation of phenolic compound and flavonoid content, as well as activation of antioxidant defense enzyme systems.

In combination with Garlic (Allium sativum L.), an additive antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is observed, explained by different but complementary mechanisms of disrupting pathogen metabolism. Combination with Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) demonstrates tissue-specific synergy in skin regenerative processes, including by accelerating epithelialization and increasing collagen synthesis.

In combination with Green Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), enhanced modulation of lipid metabolism and antioxidant effect are noted through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and suppression of lipogenesis. Combination with Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.) demonstrates a modulating influence on the central nervous system, where the adaptogenic effects of Schisandra are complemented by the sedative and balancing influence of Basil.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1080/147864...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.)

Hairy Basil has an extensive history of traditional use in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. In India, it is known in Ayurvedic and Siddha medical schools, where it was used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and pastes for topical use. In Thailand, the plant is part of traditional culinary and medicinal practice, including formulas of Northern and Central Thai medicine, where it was used in the form of fresh and dried leaves, seeds, and essential oil. In Laos and Cambodia, Hairy Basil was used in the form of infusions and wraps, as well as in steam baths, which was associated with body cleansing and restoring strength.

In East African countries, the plant is known among the Swahili and Maasai, where seeds were soaked in water to obtain a slimy mass used externally and internally. In Arab countries, Hairy Basil is mentioned in medieval herbals, attributed to Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and used in the form of aromatic oils and infusions. In Madagascar and coastal areas of Mozambique, the plant was traditionally grown near homes as a protective and aromatic plant, considered a talisman against evil spirits, and used in ritual fumigations.

Historical mentions of Hairy Basil are found in Indian texts from the Gupta period (around 4th–6th centuries), as well as in Arabic medical manuscripts from the 13th century. In African and Indian traditions, it was considered a plant that brings harmony and strengthens vital energy. In the ritual practices of certain ethnic groups, the plant was used as a smoking agent, fumigating dwellings during ceremonies, or as a symbol of purification and protection.