A Comparison of the Properties and Uses of Sweet Basil and Tulsi Essential Oils

Transcription

1 A Comparison of the Properties and Uses of Sweet Basil and Tulsi Essential Oils Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper By: For: Beverly Hawkins March 10, 2018

2 A Comparison of the Properties and Uses of Sweet Basil and Tulsi Essential Oils Introduction Sweet Basil and Tulsi or Holy Basil are aro ati her a eous a uals elo gi g to the Lamiaceae Family and the Genus Ocimum. Several authors recognize more than species in this genus (Vani et al 2009). Both Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) and Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) produce essential oils that have uses in aromatherapy; however, their essential oils have differing chemical properties. While the uses for Sweet Basil in aromatherapy are commonly known, the uses for Tulsi essential oil are less known, as Tulsi has primarily been used and studied in its herb form in Ayurvedic medicine. The commonalities and differences between Sweet Basil and Tulsi essential oils are explored in this paper, by examining their chemical compositions, and reviewing available information. For this paper, Sweet Basil refers to Basil Linalool and Ocimum basilicum chemotype Linalool. Tulsi refers to Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum L. and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Background Tulsi Tulsi, also k ow as the Quee of Her s a d the Elixir of Life is native to India and grows wild throughout Asia and Malaysia. It has been revered in India for thousands of years. It is regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu, and is also the favourite of Krishna and Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity (Floracopeia 2018). In a Hindu household, Tulsi is often planted into its own stage in courtyards and in front of homes (Ashley 2015). Tulsi has been used in a herb form in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years (Pattanayak et al 2010). In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is considered to be sattvic, meaning it purifies its surroundings, and maintains harmonious balance within the body and thereby produces virtue and joy (Floracopeia 2018). Tulsi is invigorating to the Kapha doscha (Ashley 2015 and Floracopeia 2018). Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress (Pattanayak et al 2010). The colourless to pale yellow or green essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops with a yield of 0.8% (Floracopeia 2018). Tulsi has a strong fragrance that is described as spicy, clove-like, sweet, and herbaceous-minty. It is a warming oil, that is clarifying and uplifting (Floracopeia 2018). Tulsi blends well with Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 1

3 florals and citrus oils; bergamot, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, lime, opopanax, oak moss, and citronella (Floracopeia 2018). Sweet Basil Sweet Basil is commonly used in Mediterranean and Eastern cooking. It is cultivated in France, Italy, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Australia, and South Africa. Sweet Basil or Basil Linalool, is the preferred chemotype for aromatherapy as it has a higher percentage of linalool and a lower percentage of methyl chavicol, making it safe to use in topical applications (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). The colourless to pale yellow essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops with a yield of around 0.08% (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). Sweet basil has a strong fragrance that can be described as sweet, fresh, herbaceous with a balsamic undertone, and similar to fresh basil. It is a refreshing oil, which is mind-clearing and relaxing. Sweet basil is thought to balance the Vata and lower the Kapha doschas. If used in excess it can increase the Pitta doscha (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). Sweet basil blends well with cedarwood, bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lime, neroli, and Australian sandalwood (Plant Therapy 2018 and Aromatherapy 201 course notes). Chemistry The chemical composition of basil essential oils is incredibly complex. For instance, sweet basil essential oil is known to have more than 200 chemical components (Marwat et al 2011). The main chemical constituents and functional groups of Tulsi and Sweet Basil were compared in order to gain an understanding of what properties the oils may have as well as any associated contraindications. The chemical constituents of Tulsi and Sweet Basil are compared in Table 1 on the following page. Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 2

4 Table 1: Chemical Constituents of Tulsi and Sweet Basil* Tulsi Sweet Basil (linalool CT) Key Constituents Percent (%) Key Constituents Percent (%) Eugenol Linalool ,8-Cineole Eugenol Estragole ,8-Cineole B-Bisabolene (E)-a-Bergamotene (Z)-a-Bisabolene Germacrene D (E)-B-Ocimeme T-Cadinol Chavicol Estragole B-Caryophyllene a-bulnesene Camphene B-Elemene a-caryophyllene s-cadinene B-pinene (E)-B-Ocimeme Germacrene D Bornyl acetate (E)-a-Bergamotene Methyleugenol Tr-0.1 Methyleugenol *Tisserand & Young 2014 Tulsi essential oil primarily contains the following chemical constituents: 32 50% eugenol*; % 1,8-Cineole; % estragole (methyl chavicol); and % B-Bisabolene (sesquiterpene). *A note on Eugenol variability: A study has shown that the amount of eugenol and methyl eugenol in Tulsi essential oil can greatly vary depending on the season when the plant was harvested and where the plant was grown. In an Indian Tulsi, methyl eugenol was seen to vary between 36.5% in May to 76% in October (Vani et al 2009). In another study, the percent of eugenol was seen to vary from 40% in Jammu to 71% in Assam (Prakash and Gupta 2005). When looking at the functional groups represented, Tulsi contains the following: Phenols: % Oxides (1,8-Cineole): % Sesquiterpenes: % Alcohol: % Monoterpenes: % Phenols are the primary functional group and constitute approximately 50% of Tulsi oil. Phenols have antiviral, bactericidal, immune stimulating, expectorant, mucolytic, decongestant skin irritating, uplifting, stimulating, and warming properties. They are potentially toxic and should be used with care, particularly during pregnancy (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 3

5 Sweet Basil essential oil primarily contains: % Linalool; % Eugenol; and % 1,8 Cineole. Note that Estragole (methyl chavicol) is low at %. When looking at the functional groups represented, Sweet basil contains the following: Alcohol: % Phenols: % Sesquiterpenes: % Monoterpenes: 1 1.3% Esters: % Alcohol is the primary functional group in Sweet Basil. Alcohols have antispasmodic, equilibrating, sedative, uplifting, non-irritating to the skin, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They can be mildly anti-inflammatory. In order to get a better understanding on how these two essential oils differ, it is necessary to examine the primary chemical constituent in each. Eugenol The primary chemical constituent of Tulsi is Eugenol (l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), a phenylpropanoid compound, which makes up 32 50% of the oil (although Eugenol composition can be highly variable as noted previously). The 2-dimensional representation of Eugenol is shown below (Wikipedia 2018): Eugenol is a colourless to pale yellow, aromatic oily liquid extracted from certain essential oils especially from clove oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil and bay leaf. It is present in concentrations of 80 90% in clove bud oil and at 82 88% in clove leaf oil (Wikipedia 2018). Eugenol is pungent, spicy, and characteristic of clove (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). The high percentage of Eugenol in Tulsi essential oil accounts for its spicy, clove-like fragrance. The therapeutic importance of Tulsi has been found to be largely due to Eugenol. Eugenol and Tulsi essential oils have been found to have antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agent properties. Eugenol has been well shown to possess the vasorelaxing Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 4

6 action on rabbit arterial tissue indicating its therapeutic importance as a vasodilator (Prakash and Gupta 2005). Eugenol and the essential oils have also been observed to possess therapeutic potentials in management of neurological (e.g.convulsions & epilepsy), inflammatory and allergic disorders. Lowering of uric acid level by extract of Tulsi leaves and Eugenol claims the therapeutic potential of Tulsi in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Eugenol and the essential oils have also been shown to be immunostimulant claiming the therapeutic potential of Tulsi in immunological disorders associated with immunosuppression (Prakash and Gupta 2005). Linalool The primary constituent of Sweet basil is linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), a monoterpene alcohol. Kurt Schnaubelt says that monoterpene alcohols are mild and belong to the gentlest and most useful terpene molecules. They are astoundingly effective against microorganisms, but nontoxic to humans (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). The 2-dimensional representation of Linalool is shown below (Wikipedia 2018): Linalool has a light, floral, woody and spicy, very slightly citrusy fragrance. It is a major constituent of rosewood, coriander and ho oils (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). Linalool is commonly found as a major component of essential oils which are used traditionally as sedatives. Psychopharmacological evaluation of linalool in mice revealed that it has dosedependent marked sedative effects at the Central Nervous System (Elisabetsky 2002). Inhaled linalool also showed anxiolytic properties, increased social interaction, and decreased aggressive behavior in mice. These results strengthen the suggestion that inhaling linalool rich essential oils can be useful as a mean to attain relaxation and counteract anxiety (Linck et al 2010). Based on the comparison of the chemistry of the two essential oils, it is surprising they are from the same Genus. Given their chemistry is so different, it is expected their properties and uses will also be different. Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 5

7 Contraindications Contraindications Tulsi: Tulsi essential oil is dermo-caustic and should only be applied topically in extreme dilution of 0.5% or less. Do not use during pregnancy. Avoid if susceptible to epilepsy. Do not use on children under two years old. Do not take internally. (Floracopeia 2018). Eugenol and estragole inhibit platelet aggregation, an essential step in the blood clotting cascade. May inhibit blood clotting. May be interactions with anticoagulant medications. Max dermal use of 1% based on 50.4% eugenol content with a dermal limit of 0.5% (Tisserand and Young 2014). Although holy basil oil contains two carcinogens (estragole and methyleugenol), it demonstrates significant anticarcinogenic and antioxidant activity, and therefore no maximum use levels are required, in our opinion, in regard to carcinogenesis. (Tisserand and Young 2014). Based on the information above, Tulsi should not be used in the bath. Contraindications Sweet Basil: Avoid on sensitive skin. Do not use during pregnancy. (Aromatherapy 201 course notes). May contain estragole and methyleugenol; skin sensitization (low risk). Maximum dermal use level 3.3% (based on 15.2% eugenol content). Summary of Properties & Uses Tulsi - Due to Tulsi s caustic nature and estragole (methyl chavicol) content, it has limited topical use, and must be highly diluted if used in this way (0.5%). This greatly reduces its applications in aromatherapy. That being said, it can still be inhaled safely by using it in a diffuser. Tulsi is an effective adaptogen, which means it helps to bring the body back to homeostasis. It can reduce the intensity and negative impact of stress caused by tension, emotional difficulties, poor lifestyle habits, disease and infection, pollution, and other factors. Tulsi is one of the most effective adaptogens known (Singh et al 2012). Tulsi is also an effective immune-modulator, which is an agent that balances and improves the body s ability to fight antigens such as bacteria, viruses, microbes, allergens, etc., and aids in maintaining health (Singh et al 2012). Essential oils extracted from the leaves of Tulsi have been found to inhibit in-vitro growth of E. coli, B.anthracis and P. aeruginosa showing its antibacterial activity. Tulsi also has anti- Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 6

8 tubercular activity and inhibits in-vitro growth of M tuberculosis. The essential oils extracted from Tulsi leaves also possess anti-fungal and anti-viral activity (Prakash and Gupta 2005). Sweet Basil Sweet basil has much broader applications in aromatherapy due to its high linalool and low methyl chavicol content. It has been reported to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal, antidyspepsia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiviral, insecticidal, and wound-healing activities. It is a cardiac stimulant, has effects on Central Nervous System (anxiolytic), has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects and inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. It has been used to treat various ailments such as: feverish illness, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal cramps, gastro-enteritis, migraine, insomnia, and depression (Marwat et al 2011). Table 2 summarizes the uses for Tulsi and Sweet Basil essential oils. Table 2: Summary of Aromatherapy Uses for Tulsi and Sweet Basil Area of Use Sweet Basil* Tulsi Skin, Hair, Nails Cuts a d ski parasites, athlete s Anti-fungal. Limited topical use. foot, warts, ulcers, wounds and fungal infections. Mosquito repellant. Respiratory Sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, earache and emphysema Decongestant, mucolytic, expectorant, coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma Immune Muscular/Skeletal Cardiovascular/ Lymphatic Digestive Genito-urinary/ Reproductive Antiviral, bactericidal and stimulant properties. Colds, flu, fever, infections and infectious diseases Antispasmodic, muscle aches and pains, deep muscle spasm, rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism Stimulant properties. Varicose veins, blood flow, heart tonic, lower blood pressure and regular hearbeat Vomiting, gastric spasm, hiccups, gastritis, dyspepsia and ulcers Emmenagogue, bactericidal and stimulant. Cystitis, cramps and scanty periods. Ease breast engorgement and may aid conception. Antiviral, bactericidal, and stimulant properties. Colds, flu, fever, infections Rheumatoid arthritis (use highly diluted). Vasodilator lowers blood pressure, cardioprotective Ulcers. Limited topical use. Limited topical use. Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 7

9 Nervous/Brain/Mind Anxiety, hysteria, nervous depression, mental fatigue, mild depression or general lethargy, run down, insomnia due to nervous tension and stress. Good for concentration and the conscious mind. *Aromatherapy 201 course notes Adaptogen - reduces negative impact of stress/tension, emotional difficulties, mental fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, nervous depression Conclusion Tulsi and Sweet Basil are both from the family Lamiaceae and the Genus Ocimum. They have very different fragrance profiles, differing chemical constituents and primary functional groups, and somewhat differing uses and applications, although some commonalities were identified. Sweet basil has been found to have a much broader application in aromatherapy due to its high percentage of linalool, a monoterpene alcohol (primary constituent at over 50%), and low percentage of methyl chavicol. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiviral, insecticidal, sedative, and wound-healing activities. It can support ailments such as: poor digestion, nausea, abdominal cramps, migraine, insomnia, depression, and exhaustion. It can be used in topical applications up to 3.3% dilution. It has limited contraindications it should not be used during pregnancy and has a low risk of causing skin sensitization. Tulsi has a reduced application in aromatherapy due to its caustic nature and higher percentage of methyl chavicol; however, it can still be inhaled, or applied topically if highly diluted to 0.5%. The primary constituent of Tulsi is Eugenol and approximately 50% of its chemical constituents are phenols. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, immune-stimulating, anti-rheumatic, adaptogenic, cardioprotective, vasodilatory, stimulating, and warming properties. It can support respiratory ailments, stimulate the immune system, reduce blood pressure, reduce rheumatic symptoms, and reduce negative impacts of stress and tension, and support fatigue and depression. It should not be used during pregnancy. It may interact with anti-coagulant medications, is skin-sensitizing (dermo-caustic), and should not be used in the bath. Avoid with epilepsy and do not use on children 2 years old or younger. Similarities in applications/uses for Sweet Basil and Tulsi essential oils were related to: support for stress, anxiety, tension, and fatigue; cardioprotective properties & ability to lower blood pressure; anti-rheumatic; antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and immune-stimulating properties. This paper demonstrates that great variability in chemical composition, odour profile, application, and uses can be found within the same Genus. Given the number of species in Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 8

10 Genus Ocimum (between ) and the demonstrated variability between these two essential oils, it is important that practitioners of aromatherapy are clear on what chemotype of basil they are using. It is also important that the chemical profiles be requested from distributors as it has also been demonstrated that great variability can exist in at least the primary chemical constituent of Tulsi oil (Eugenol), depending on when the plant was harvested and where it was grown. Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 9

11 REFERENCES Ashley, Elizabeth Holy Basil: An Ayurvedic Medicine. Elizabeth Ashley The Secret Healer. Elisabetsky, Elaine Chapter 11 - Traditional medicines and the new paradigm of psychotropic drug action. Advances in Phytomedicine Volume 1, 2002, Pages Floracopeia. (2018). Tulsi Essential Oil. Accessed March 8, Linck et al Effects of inhaled Linalool in anxiety, social interaction and aggressive behavior in mice. Phytomedicine Volume 17, Issues 8 9, July 2010, Pages Marwat et al Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Sweet Basil- Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 23, No. 9 (2011), Pattanayak, Priyabrata et al. (2010). Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacognosy Review Jan-Jun; 4(7): Plant Therapy. (2018). Basil Linalool Essential Oil. Accessed March 8, Prakash, P. and Neela Gupta Therapeutic Uses of Ocimum Sanctum Linn (Tulsi) With a Note on Eugenol and its Pharmacological Actions: A Short Review. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2005; 49 (2) : Singh et al Diversified potentials of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi): An exhaustive survey. J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2012, 2 (1):39-48 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young Essential Oil Safety 2 nd edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Vani, Raseetha S. et al Comparative Study of Volatile Compounds from Genus Ocimum. American Journal of Applied Sciences 6 (3): , Wikipedia. Eugenol. Accessed March 8, Aromatherapy 201 Research Paper March 10, 2018 Page 10