Holy Basil - Zoloft (Sertraline) Interaction
Herbal: Holy Basil
Also Known As: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum
Drug: Sertraline
Brand names:
Zoloft
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 06, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Sertraline and Holy Basil. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
While holy basil is generally considered a safe supplement with many different medications, and there is no known interaction in this case, it is important to be aware of some of its potential interactions.
Blood Thinning Drugs
- Holy Basil may have mild blood-thinning properties.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications like Warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs could increase the risk of bleeding.
Blood Pressure Medications
- Holy Basil may have mild hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, could potentially enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects.
Diabetes Medications
- Holy Basil may have a hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effect.
- Combining Holy Basil with diabetes medications like insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs could potentially enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects.
Sedatives
- Holy Basil has calming properties and may enhance the effects of sedatives or anxiety medications.
- Combining Holy Basil with medications like benzodiazepines or sleep aids could potentially increase drowsiness or sedation.
Always talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplement, including Holy Basil. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical history, medications, and overall health condition to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDHoly Basil Overview
Holy basil, also known as tulsi (which in Hindi means 'the incomparable one'), is an herb often used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are typically light green in color, with a slightly bitter/spicy flavor. Holy basil has historically been used to treat a variety of ailments, including stress, anxiety, and respiratory problems. It is also used in traditional Hindu ceremonies.
It is important to note that basil and holy basil are two different varieties of herb. While they are both members of the same plant family (Lamiaceae) and are used for similar purposes, they are distinct varieties with different flavors and uses. For example, basil has a slightly sweeter flavor than holy basil.
Sertraline Overview
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Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). It is also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. Sertraline is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Holy Basil - More Interactions
Holy Basil interacts with 208 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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