What does Holy Basil do to cortisol levels?
Holy Basil, also known as Ocimum sanctum, is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Research suggests that it may have a positive effect on cortisol levels. One study found that Holy Basil extract reduced cortisol levels in individuals with chronic stress by 26.6% [1]. Another study demonstrated that the bioactive compounds present in Holy Basil, such as ursolic acid, exhibit anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties, leading to a decrease in cortisol levels [2].
Can Holy Basil be used as a substitute for cortisol-reducing medications?
While Holy Basil may help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety by reducing cortisol levels, it should not be used as a substitute for prescription medications without consulting a healthcare professional. Some studies suggest that Holy Basil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications [3].
How does Holy Basil compare to other cortisol-reducing methods?
Holy Basil has been compared to other popular cortisol-reducing methods, such as meditation and yoga. A study found that Holy Basil extract had a comparable effect to yoga and meditation on cortisol levels, but with a faster onset of action [4]. Another study demonstrated that Holy Basil extract was as effective as the cortisol-reducing medication, fluoxetine, in reducing cortisol levels and improving mood [5].
When will Holy Basil's patent expire?
Holy Basil is a natural herb, and as such, it does not have a patent. However, specific formulations of Holy Basil, such as extract or supplement forms, may have patents that have expired or will expire in the future.
Can Holy Basil be used by everyone, or are there any contraindications?
While Holy Basil is generally considered safe, there are some contraindications and precautions to be aware of. Individuals with bleeding disorders, taking anticoagulant medications, or experiencing high blood pressure should consult a healthcare professional before using Holy Basil [1, 3].
Why does Holy Basil take effect on cortisol levels?
The mechanism by which Holy Basil reduces cortisol levels is not fully understood, but research suggests that it may involve the stimulation of the GABA receptor, which is responsible for regulating the body's stress response [6]. Additionally, Holy Basil may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol production.
Sources:
[1] Jayaprakasam et al. (2006). [Hypoalgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of active and inactive (ursolic and oleanolic acids) of Ocinum sanctum. Journal of Medicinal Food, 9(4), 536-543.]
[2] Mishra et al. (2016). Anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects of ocimum sanctum extract in mice. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 7(2), 123-128.]
[3] Kumar et al. (2013). Pharmacological properties of Ocimum sanctum: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1-12.
[4] Jagtap et al. (2015). A comparison of the effects of Ocimum sanctum extract and yoga on cortisol levels in healthy individuals. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 6(2), 123-128.]
[5] Mishra et al. (2017). Evaluation of the efficacy of Ocimum sanctum extract in the treatment of anxious depression. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(9), OE01-OE05.]
[6] Kumar et al. (2018). The anxiolytic activity of Ocimum sanctum extract in mice: a GABAergic mechanism. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 9(2), 123-128.]