Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Holy Basil (Tulsi) Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild nausea in some individuals
- May lower blood sugar — monitor if diabetic
- May have mild anti-fertility effects (high-dose animal studies)
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- May enhance effects of blood sugar-lowering medications
- May have additive effects with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (eugenol inhibits platelet aggregation)
- May slow blood clotting — discontinue 2 weeks before surgery
- Avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 1200mg extract daily (higher doses not well-studied long-term)
References
- Jamshidi N, Cohen MM (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Saxena RC, Singh R, Kumar P, et al. (2012). Efficacy of an Extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum (OciBest) in the Management of General Stress. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. DOI PubMed