Amazonian Basil
Scientific Name(s): Ocimum campechianum P. Mill.
Common Name(s): Alfavaca, Alfavaca-do-campo, Amazonian basil, Estoraque, Least basil, Manjericao, Ocimum, Peruvian basil, Spice basil, Wild mosquito plant, Wild sweet basil
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
The Ocimum plant species has traditionally been used for various ethnomedicinal purposes. Most ethnopharmacologic and in vitro study analyses have examined the antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and antioxidant activity of the essential oils; however, no clinical trials are available.
Dosing
No clinical data exist to provide dosing recommendations for Amazonian basil. Other plant species within the genus are commercially available in capsule and tablet forms.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the components in the plant species.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Emmanagogue and abortifacient effects have been reported with the related species Ocimum basilicum.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Avoid use in patients hypersensitive to any components of the plant.
Toxicology
None well documented.
Scientific Family
- Lamiaceae (mint)
Botany
Nearly 4,000 species worldwide belong to the Lamiaceae family, and there are approximately 200 species of the genus Ocimum.Vieira 2014 O. campechianum is native to the lowlands of Central and South America and the West Indies. The plant is a strongly aromatic annual herb growing 40 to 58 cm in height. The wide leaf is light green, serrated, and ovate to ovate-lanceolate in shape. Its stamens are whitish pink, and its purplish to dark brown nutlets are ellipsoid in shape.Castrillo 2001, Khosla 1980, Rosas 2005
O. campechianum is synonymous with Ocimum micranthum Willd, and related plants include O. basilicum (sweet basil), Ocimum gratissimum (African basil), Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), and Ocimum canum (hoary basil).USDA 2016
History
The Ocimum species was introduced in Brazil by Portuguese colonizers and other European immigrants (Italian, German, Polish). In Europe, the plant species was used for therapeutic and culinary purposes. Among the various species of the Lamiaceae family, Ocimum adapted well to the Brazilian environment and propagated at roadsides and in home gardens. The species was also introduced to Brazil from Africa via the slave trade. Basils were deeply linked to African cultural beliefs and traditional medicine.Vieira 2000
In Brazil, the plant has been used as an emmenagogue, febrifuge, diuretic, and treatment for intestinal disturbances. In Puerto Rico, the plant has been used as a carminative to treat GI disorders and to increase lactation in women. In Central and South America as well as the West Indies, the plant has been used to treat colds, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, fever, GI disorders, and dysentery, as well as for screw-worm parasites in nasal passages; a remedy is also used to kill the larvae. Other indications include treatment of epilepsy, nervous symptoms, earaches, influenza, colic, convulsions in children, and painful menstruation. The plant has also been used to flavor beverages and soups. The essential oils are of economic and pharmaceutical interest and have been used in the preparation of perfumes and cosmetics.Charles 1990, Sacchetti 2004, Vieira 2000
