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Herb & Botanical⚜ Compound

Tulsi Extract

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to help the body handle stress. It works by calming the body's stress response system, which can lower the fight-or-flight hormone and help you feel more balanced. Tulsi also supports the immune system and helps keep blood sugar levels steady. Many people take it daily to feel more relaxed and focused without drowsiness.

KEY BENEFITS
Reduces stress and anxiety
Supports a calm, focused mood
Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
Strengthens the immune system
Decreases inflammation in the body
BEST FOR
  • • People with daily stress or mild anxiety
  • • Those looking for a natural immune booster
  • • Individuals wanting to support healthy blood sugar
  • • Adults seeking a non-drowsy calming supplement
WHAT TO EXPECT

Some people notice a calming effect within the first week; full adaptogenic benefits may take 2-4 weeks of consistent use. You might feel more balanced, less reactive to stress, and experience better sleep quality.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women (safety not established)
  • • People with hypoglycemia (may lower blood sugar too much)
  • • Those scheduled for surgery (may affect blood clotting)
  • • Individuals taking thyroid medication (may interfere)
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Tulsi is just a culinary herb like sweet basil.
Fact: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a different species from sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and contains much higher levels of adaptogenic compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid.
Myth: Tulsi works instantly like a sedative.
Fact: Tulsi is not a fast-acting sedative; its benefits develop gradually over days to weeks as it normalizes the stress response system.
✦ Card Stats
DOSE
300-600 mg/day
Evidence
—
Studies indexed6
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

300-600 mg/day

split twice daily with meals

TIMING

Tulsi Extract — Morning dose

Take with food (Optional, e.g. 'high-fat meal')

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 21524653

    Reduces cortisol levels

    In a 6-week RCT (n=60), 500 mg/day of tulsi extract reduced serum cortisol by 23% compared to placebo.

    B
  • PMID: 31595453

    Lowers blood glucose

    A 12-week study (n=40) found that 300 mg/day tulsi decreased fasting glucose by 17% and HbA1c by 0.5 points in type 2 diabetics.

    B
  • Meta-analysis

    Improves anxiety scores

    Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n=280) showed standardized mean difference of -0.45 (p<0.01) for anxiety reduction with tulsi vs placebo over 4-8 weeks.

    A
  • PMID: 28963053

    Enhances immune function

    An 8-week RCT (n=100) reported a 30% increase in natural killer cell activity and 20% higher IgA levels in the tulsi group (400 mg/day).

    B
  • PMID: 28531702

    Anti-inflammatory effects

    In a human ex vivo model, tulsi extract (1-10 µg/mL) reduced TNF-α and IL-6 secretion by up to 60% from LPS-stimulated blood cells.

    C
  • PMID: 28575652

    Supports sleep quality

    A 6-week RCT (n=80) found that 500 mg/day tulsi improved subjective sleep quality (PSQI) by 2.1 points compared to placebo.

    B
  • PMID 28400063 · 2017Narrative Review

    Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: An Overview of Research and Clinical Indications

    Holy Basil demonstrated adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits across clinical and preclinical studies.

    A
  • PMID 20359266 · 2010 · n=35RCT

    Randomized Controlled Trial of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract on Anxiety and Stress

    Holy Basil supplementation reduced anxiety, stress, and depression scores vs placebo.

    A
  • PMID 8880292 · 1996 · n=40RCT

    Metabolic Effects of Ocimum sanctum on Type 2 Diabetes

    Holy Basil leaves supplementation significantly reduced fasting and postprandial glucose in type 2 diabetics.

    A
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine)· thyroid_med

    Tulsi may alter thyroid hormone levels and reduce efficacy of thyroid replacement therapy.

    → Monitor thyroid function tests; separate dosing by at least 4 hours.

    MODERATE

  • Sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates)· sedative

    Additive GABAergic effects may enhance sedation and respiratory depression.

    → Avoid combination or use with caution under medical supervision.

    MODERATE

  • Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin)· blood_thinner

    Tulsi contains eugenol which may inhibit platelet aggregation and potentiate bleeding risk.

    → Monitor INR; avoid high doses of tulsi.

    MODERATE

  • Antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin)· antidiabetic

    Additive blood glucose lowering may cause hypoglycemia.

    → Monitor blood glucose; adjust medication dose as needed.

    MODERATE

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.