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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Holy Basil label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Holy Basil against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Holy Basil is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, blood sugar support, respiratory complaints.Based on those ingredients, 212 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Holy Basil by Herb Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Holy Basil by Herb Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 6, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This is a straightforward one-ingredient product: holy basil herb extract (from Ocimum tenuiflorum). The extract is prepared in certified organic cane alcohol and distilled water — that's it, no added fillers or binders.

Does it work?

No specific claim
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
General wellness

This Holy Basil product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade — see Holy Basil's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“energy and vitality support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence for holy basil isn't established in the data we hold. It's been studied for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and diabetes, but the research quality hasn't been strong enough to rate any of those uses — so we can't tell you whether it works for them or not.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Short-term, holy basil extract is generally well tolerated in adults, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are loose stools and nausea — a small number of trial participants experienced these.

Applied topically (like in mouthwash), the main complaint was a bitter taste. Avoid this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Animal data raise safety concerns and human evidence isn't established for either situation, so the safety data advises against use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 212 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product before taking it if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — holy basil may raise your bleeding risk. Also screen it if you take diabetes medications, since it can lower blood sugar, or if you use pentobarbital or other sedatives.

Run your full medication list through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Holy Basil by Herb Pharm is a single herbal extract with documented moderate-severity interactions involving blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and pentobarbital. It's generally tolerated short-term but has limited long-term safety data and should not be used in pregnancy or while nursing.

Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, especially if you take any blood thinner, diabetes medication, or sedative.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Holy Basil, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090700001063
Net contents 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 209823
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Holy Basil by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
168
UPC/BARCODE
090700001063
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract612 mg--

Other ingredients: certified organic Cane Alcohol, distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use Shake well before using Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 4 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formula

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Holy Basil Liquid Extract

We prepare our Holy Basil Extract from the herb of certified organically grown Ocimum tenuiflorum plants.

Formulation

Energy & vitality

Gluten-free

Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3

Certified organic by Organic Certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Holy Basil by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Holy Basil label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Holy Basil by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container168 Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
612 mg per serving

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and p...

Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Certified organic Cane Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Holy Basil by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
212Drugs
212 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract 212

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Holy Basil interact with 212 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Holy Basil interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Holy Basil herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum) extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Holy Basil, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil has a known interaction with 212 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Holy Basil contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or nursing?
No — the safety data advises against using holy basil in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Animal studies raise concerns and human safety hasn't been established for either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you and your baby.
What are the side effects?
Most common are loose stools and nausea when taken by mouth — a small number of people in trials experienced these. If you apply it topically, like in a mouthwash, you might notice a bitter taste.
Does holy basil actually work for anxiety, asthma, or diabetes?
The research quality isn't strong enough yet to say. We don't have reliable evidence to rate it for any of those uses, so we can't tell you whether it works.
Is this safe to use long-term?
Short-term use in adults is generally well tolerated, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, discuss that with your doctor or pharmacist.
What's in this product besides the holy basil?
It's a liquid extract, so it contains certified organic cane alcohol and distilled water — no fillers or unnecessary additives.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Holy Basil is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Holy Basil label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Holy Basil's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Holy Basil 8 references
  1. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;34:406-9.
  2. Sakina MR, Dandiya PC, Hamdard ME, Hameed A. Preliminary psychopharmacological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;28:143-50. PubMed
  3. Singh S, Rehan HM, Majumdar DK. Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on blood pressure, blood clotting time and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;78:139-43. PubMed
  4. Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., Mehta, N., and Mahapatra, S. C. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J PubMed
  5. Agarwal, P. and Nagesh, L. Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and Tulsi extract mouth rinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans count of high school children--RCT. Contemp.Clin Trials 2011;32(6):802-808. PubMed
  6. Vohora, S. B., Garg, S. K., and Chaudhury, R. R. Antifertility screening of plants. 3. Effect of six indigenous plants on early pregnancy in albino rats. Indian J Med Res 1969;57(5):893-899.
  7. Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1986;24(5):302-4.
  8. Somasundaram G, Manimekalai K, Salwe KJ, Pandiamunian J. Evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Ocimum sanctum in type 2 diabetes patients. Int J Life Sci Pharma Res 2012;2(3):75-81.

See these in context on the Holy Basil monograph →

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

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