Is the tulasi safe
for humans?
Toxicity or safety study of tulasi:
In a study by Chandrasekaran CV et
al, scientists employed the standard
battery of in vitro genotoxicity tests,
namely bacterial reverse mutation, chromosome aberration and
micronucleus (MN) tests, to assess
the possible mutagenic activity of
tulasi on rats. Tulasi extract did not
show structural chromosomal aberrations or increase in MN induction, with and without S9, at the
tested dose range in both 4-h and
18-h exposure cell cultures. Thus,
it was concluded that tulasi extract
is not genotoxic in bacterial reverse
mutation, chromosomal aberration
and micronucleus tests. In an acute
oral toxicity test, rats were treated with 5 g/kg of OciBest™ and
observed for signs of toxicity for 14
days and the results did not show
any treatment-related toxic effects
to Wistar rats [17].
Thus, we can say that this wonder plant Tulasi (Ocimum Sanctum
or Holy Basil) can offer a ray of
hope for cancer patients. Still, large
numbers of randomized clinical trials are needed to establish tulasi as
effective weapon against one of the
deadliest enemy of humanity, cancer. We, as scientists, should use
this opportunity effectively which
Mother Nature has offered to us.
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