Neuropharmacological effects of Ocimum basilicum and its constituents

Introduction: Various pharmacological effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) have been investigated including: antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-ulcerogenic, cardiac stimulant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. It has also the beneficial effects in nervous system disorders, reproductive disorders and respiratory diseases. In this article the neuropharmacological effects of O. basilicum and its constituents is reviewed. Methods: The data was gathered by searching: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar using the following key words: Basil, O. basilicum, neuropharmacological, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration, memory, learning, epilepsy, pain, anticonvulsant, antianxiety, anxiety, depression and anti-depressant. Results: This review indicates that O. basilicum and its constituents have various properties including anti-depression, anti-anxiety, anti-analgesic, anti-nociceptive and memory enhancer which are probably due to its antioxidant property of O. basilicum. Conclusion: It seems that O. basilicum and its constituents could be of therapeutic values in nervous system diseases.