Supplement Scholar
Herb

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Holy Basil (Tulsi). Ocimum sanctum adaptogen.

How it works. Eugenol and ursolic acid; HPA modulation.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces stress (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Holy Basil (Tulsi). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Holy Basil (Tulsi). Ocimum sanctum adaptogen.

Key compound: eugenolC10H12O2 · 164.20 g/mol

What it is

Ocimum sanctum adaptogen.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Mood & AnxietyImmune Function

How it works

Eugenol and ursolic acid; HPA modulation.

Pathways

  • Eugenol
  • ursolic acid
  • HPA modulation

Effects

  • ↓stress decreases

What the research supports

Reduces stressmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Shop Holy Basil (Tulsi) on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Holy Basil (Tulsi) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Holy Basil (Tulsi) — Reduces stress ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Holy Basil (Tulsi) and "Reduces stress". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Holy Basil (Tulsi) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Holy Basil (Tulsi) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Holy Basil (Tulsi) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Holy Basil (Tulsi) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…