Holy basil contains eugenol (anti-inflammatory, COX-2 inhibitor), ursolic acid (reduces cortisol, anti-inflammatory), rosmarinic acid (antioxidant), and ocimumosides A and B (anti-stress compounds that modulate the HPA axis). The adaptogenic mechanism works by normalizing cortisol, reducing it when elevated (stress) without suppressing it below baseline. It also modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine neurotransmission, explaining the cognitive and mood effects. The blood sugar reduction appears mediated through PPAR-gamma activation and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.