Stress · Ingredient guide

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Ocimum tenuiflorum is an herbal adaptogen studied in small trials for stress, mood and metabolic outcomes.

Compare
Evidence strengthLimited evidence
Based on consistency, quality and relevance of human research—not podcast mentions.
Common research protocol300–1,200 mg/day leaf extract across small trials
Protocols mapped1 goal-specific protocol
Evidence reviewed throughSeptember 2026
Evidence verdict

Limited evidence for the stated context. Extracts, doses and outcomes are heterogeneous, and only a minority of trials were high quality.

Scientific evidence2 reviewed sourcesDetermines the evidence grade
Expert & media context0 reviewed sourcesDoes not change the grade alone
01

What it is & primary uses

Ocimum tenuiflorum is an herbal adaptogen studied in small trials for stress, mood and metabolic outcomes.

Stress researchMood researchMetabolic-marker research
02

Main benefits

  • Some small controlled studies report improvements in stress-related symptoms or selected cognitive measures.
  • Extracts, doses and outcomes are heterogeneous, and only a minority of trials were high quality.
03

Studied protocols

Research doses are grouped by outcome. They describe study designs—not a personal prescription.

Stress research

300–1,200 mg/day leaf extract across small trials

Low confidence
Study duration
Commonly 4–12 weeks; protocol and outcome vary
Interpretation
Extracts, doses and outcomes are heterogeneous, and only a minority of trials were high quality.
04Food sources & equivalents
Food sources & equivalents

Can food provide a studied amount?

Approximate only
Comparison target300–1,200 mg/day leaf extract across small trials

Tulsi leaf and tea provide variable exposure can provide related dietary exposure, but food and extract milligrams are not automatically interchangeable.

Tulsi leaf and tea provide variable exposureFood amount varies

Dietary exposure; verify composition before comparing with a studied supplement dose

How this was estimated
Dose Radar compares the declared active ingredient with official composition data or the studied standardized extract—not with marketing names.
Important limitation
Natural content, preparation, bioavailability and formulation vary. This comparison does not prove equal physiological effect.

Food equivalents compare ingredient mass using published composition values. They do not prove equal absorption, formulation, physiological effect, safety or personal need.

Source: Clinical efficacy and safety of tulsi in humans ↗
05How to take it for absorption & tolerance
Meal relationship

With food

Evidence-informed
With food; formulation and tolerance remain part of the comparison.

Food commonly improves gastrointestinal tolerance, although it can change absorption for some ingredients.

Practical approach
With food, once or divided according to the extract. Keep the formulation and daily total consistent with the evidence context shown above.
Watch for
Glucose-lowering medicines

Meal guidance reflects human pharmacokinetic, clinical, official-label or evidence-review sources where available. A food pairing can change absorption or tolerability, but does not make a supplement necessary, effective or safe for every person.

Source: Clinical efficacy and safety of tulsi in humans ↗
06Supplement interaction check
Library interaction context156 ingredients · 0 mapped signals for this guide

An unlisted pair means no established pair-specific interaction was identified in this review—not proof that every dose, product or person is safe.

No pair-specific signal listedNo established interaction with another Dose Radar ingredient was identified in this review.

This is not proof that every dose, product or user context is safe. Medication and condition checks still apply.

07Research notes
Evidence verdict

Limited evidence for the stated context. Extracts, doses and outcomes are heterogeneous, and only a minority of trials were high quality.

The displayed amount comes from human research or an official evidence summary. It is not a personalized prescription, and formulation can change whether the comparison is valid.

TimingWith food, once or divided according to the extract
Time to expected effectStudy-specific; commonly several weeks
08Scientific references
09Expert & media references
Context sourceUsed to understand what professionals discuss

Podcast and practitioner statements are clearly separated from research. They may explain practice or emerging ideas, but do not prove efficacy.

0 reviewed context sourcesNo verified expert or media reference mapped yet.

Dose Radar will leave this lane empty rather than invent or infer a professional opinion.