Therapeutic Effects of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) in Traditional Persian Medicine and Modern Medicine: A Narrative Review

 The purpose of this study is to review the medical applications of basil based on traditional medicine sources and its proven effects in medical studies.

 First, reference books and pharmacopoeias of traditional Persian medicine were studied and the mentioned applications and properties for basil were extracted. Then the proven effects of basil were then searched in medical databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Finally, Persian medicine teachings were discussed according to the available medical evidence.

Ethical Considerations:

 In this research, the ethical principles of library studies, including authenticity of texts, trustworthiness and honesty, have been observed.

 So far, several therapeutic effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, immunomodulatory and hypolipidemic effects have been proven in studies for basil. This plant also enhances memory and cognitive function and reduces anxiety. It has also been effective in some inflammatory skin diseases and acne. In a comparative evaluation, some of the applications mentioned in Persian medicine literature for this plant, have evidence in medical studies.

 Basil as a native and available plant with medical effects in Persian medicine and proven evidence in modern studies can be considered a complementary therapy in the field of research and treatment.