Tulsi (The Holy Basil Plant)......... The Queen of Herbs According to Ayurveda...................

The plant synthesises a wide range of bioactive compounds, known for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pyretic and anti-cancer properties.Indian scientists have deciphered the entire genetic make-up of Tulsi, a herb widely used for therapeutic purposes. The genome map will help in making new medicines using the plant.A multi-institutional team led by Sowdhamini Ramanathan from the National Centre of Biological Science, Bengaluru revisited the age-old knowledge of the plant and its medicinal effects in their laboratories.The plant synthesises a wide range of bioactive compounds, known for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pyretic and anti-cancer properties.

These compounds are metabolites, compounds that are a by-product of plant metabolism, typically used for plant self-defence. These metabolites are very poorly understood because of lack of genomic information.

Sowdhamini and team have produced the first draft genome of O. tenuiflorum Krishna subtype, which is an important step in understanding and identifying the genes responsible for production of metabolites with medicinal properties.

“The sequence reveals the interesting pathways used by Tulsi to make ursolic acid, a medically important compound. If one could now use modern synthetic biology techniques to synthesise ursolic acid, it would be of great benefit,” said S. Ramaswamy, one of the researchers.

“This is the first report of draft genome sequencing of a plant species from NCBS and we hope to do more,” added Sowdhamini.

Referred as the “Queen of Herbs” and a symbol of purity, Tulsi, better known as Holy Basil, is a popular household name in India. Worshipped in the morning and evening, many Hindu families grow Tulsi in their courtyard as it is believed to bring longevity, happiness, purify the environment and bring peace in the home.

For herbal remedies, each and every part of this plant can be used in one way or another. Of the two main species readily available in India, the darker form of Tulsi known as Shyama has more medicinal values than the lighter one called Rama.

The Following are Some Benefits of Tulsi:

Increases mental health

High in anti-oxidants, preventing premature aging

Flavonoids protect cells from radiation and its harmful side effects

Effective on acne and psoriasis

As an anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce arthritic symptoms, decreasing pain and swelling

Reduces anxiety, depression and stress

Relieves constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence

Enhances immunity in babies

Helps reduce symptoms of cold, cough, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, sinus infections

Prevents nausea

Provides relief from menstrual cramps

Reduces chances of food poisoning

Enhances the flavour of food

Chewing fresh Tulsi leaves or boiling them with tea reduces the effects of fever and common cold

Heals infections of the mouth

Used as a paste, it relieves the effects of insect bites

Regulates blood sugar

There is interest in using Tulsi seed oil for curing cancer as research shows the oil can slow progression and improve survival rate in animals with certain types of cancer.

Considered to be a divine plant in Ayurveda, Tulsi not only has medicinal properties but also carries spiritual significance for practitioners of this ancient system of medicine. It is considered to be a reincarnation of the goddess Tulsi, who offers divine protection from all ills.