European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STUDY OF PRIMARY CONSTITUENTS IN TULSI OIL

Shweta Chand*, Yogesh Kumar

ABSTRACT

Tulsi, or Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum L.), is renowned for its complex phytochemical profile, comprising a diverse array of bioactive compounds with significant medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic activities. The chemical composition varies depending on the plant part used, geographical origin, and extraction method, yet generally divides into volatile components (essential oil) and non-volatile phenolic compounds. Extracts, particularly those derived from leaves and stems, are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. The volatile oil, primarily extracted from leaves via steam distillation, is heavily dominated by phenylpropanoids and terpenes. While eugenol is the defining active constituent of commercial tulsi oil responsible for its spicy aroma and antiseptic properties, the overall therapeutic efficacy of tulsi extract is attributed to a synergistic combination of eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids like orientin and vicenin.

Keywords: Tulsi, bioactive compounds, Essential oil, Eugenol, flavonoids.