Published Paper Details:

Natural herbs have always been a part of Indian tradition as well as in developing countries around the world. Several studies using herbal extracts have shown significant potential as psychotherapeutics and psychiatric pharmaceuticals. One such herbal drug is Tulsi, which is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and vastly used in Ayurveda and Siddha medical systems. Invitro studies have been performed to determine the adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects though clinical efficacy and safety studies are still underway. An extensive literature review was performed to identify the possible effects of Tulsi on the CNS. Recent research has been carried out on Tulsi for its CNS effects including anti-stress, anti-Alzheimer, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic, anti-oxidant activity. Databases included in this article involved articles from books, theses, electronic databases Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, and Indian Medical databases from the past five years of research. All the studies have reported favourable outcomes with very few adverse effects reports. Further studies are yet to be carried out to determine its exact mechanisms, dosage forms and to identify which type of population is more likely to avail the therapeutic benefits of Tulsi. This review has identified and compiled the traditional herbal approach of utilizing Tulsi in CNS disorders.