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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Red Moon Herbs

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Holy Basil is a dietary supplement by Red Moon Herbs 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 Extract, Fresh. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs

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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: Holy Basil Extract, Fresh. Holy basil is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, and its extract is being studied for several potential roles — including support for anxiety, stress response, blood sugar control, and respiratory health.

The product is delivered as a liquid, which typically means faster absorption than a capsule or tablet. The extract is suspended in water and alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: stress and anxiety support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Insomnia, Nervousness, Emotional balance.
  • The closest evidence on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Insomnia, Stress.

Our data on holy basil's effectiveness is currently limited. The evidence we hold rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence to judge its use for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory tract infections, dental plaque, and diabetes.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the clinical studies so far aren't robust enough for us to make a confident claim either way. If you're considering it for one of these purposes, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether the emerging research fits your situation.

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.

Holy basil extract is generally well tolerated short-term in adults, though long-term safety data of high quality are limited. The most common side effects are loose stools and nausea when taken by mouth; a small number of trial participants reported these.

Because animal data raise safety concerns and human safety is not established, the evidence advises against use during pregnancy. Similarly, there isn't enough reliable safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're pregnant or nursing.

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.

Before you take this product, double-check any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs you're on — holy basil may increase bleeding risk. If you use diabetes medications, watch for low blood sugar.

And if you take pentobarbital or any barbiturate sedative, holy basil might make it stronger. Run all your medications through the search tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs might appeal to someone exploring traditional herbal support, but three important medication interactions need to be checked first: blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and barbiturate sedatives. If you're on any of those, or any other prescription medication, run it through our checker before you start.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and talk with your pharmacist.

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 Nov 22, 2024.

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 Red Moon Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 857999002689
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2024
DSLD ID 319291
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Children (All), Infants/Baby (0 - 1 Year), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years)
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 Red Moon Herbs, 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:
25 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
25 Drop(s)
UPC/BARCODE
857999002689
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil Extract, Fresh0 NP--

Other ingredients: Water, Alcohol

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. Take 25 drops 1-3 times daily in a little water.

Precautions

Contraindications may exist. Consult expert medical advice before using.

General Statements

Red Moon Herbs Est. 1994 Still made the wise woman way

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Fresh Appalachian extracts for the whole family

Formulation

Fresh Appalachian extracts for the whole family

See for yourself

Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs

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

Serving size25 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil Extract, Fresh

Interacts with
212 drugs
0 NP per serving Form: Ocimum sanctum Extract, Fresh

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 Extract, Fresh monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs 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

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 Extract, Fresh3 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Red Moon Herbs

See all Red Moon Herbs products
Name
Red Moon Herbs
City
Asheville
State
NC
Phone Number
888-929-0777
Web Address
redmoonherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil by Red Moon Herbs 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The data advise against holy basil during pregnancy because animal studies raise concerns and human safety isn't established. Similarly, there isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it in either situation.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are loose stools and nausea when taken by mouth. A small number of trial participants reported these. Longer-term safety data are limited, so keep that in mind.
Does holy basil actually work for anxiety or diabetes?
Our current data don't have enough high-quality evidence to say for sure. Holy basil is being studied for anxiety, diabetes, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, and dental plaque, but the clinical evidence we hold rates all of these as insufficient to make a confident claim.
What is holy basil and why is it in this product?
Holy basil is an herb from Ayurvedic medicine traditionally used to support stress response and general wellness. This product contains a fresh extract of it, delivered as a liquid for faster absorption.
Is this safe long-term?
Short-term use in adults appears generally well tolerated, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. If you're thinking about taking it regularly over months or years, ask your pharmacist about what we know and don't know yet.
What's in the liquid besides the holy basil extract?
Water and alcohol are used as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract. If you need to avoid alcohol, this form may not be your best choice — ask your pharmacist about alternatives.

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

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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
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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