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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Holy Basil Extract 400 mg 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 Extract 400 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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 Leaf 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 Extract 400 mg by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson

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 product contains one active ingredient: holy basil leaf extract at 400 mg per capsule. Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi, is an herb used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic practice.

The extract is delivered in a capsule made of gelatin, with inactive ingredients including maltodextrin, rice flour, calcium palmitate, and silica.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Holy Basil product and its label doesn't state a use — see Holy Basil's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence supporting holy basil for its common uses is not yet established in our data. It's been studied for generalized anxiety, asthma, headaches, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and type 2 diabetes, but the research to date is insufficient to confirm whether it works for any of these purposes.

If you're considering this product for a specific health concern, talk with your doctor about what the current evidence shows and whether it's a good fit for you.

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 in the short term. The most common side effects reported in studies were loose stools and nausea—a small number of participants in one clinical trial experienced these.

However, long-term safety data are limited, so we don't have a complete picture of how safe it is over months or years of regular use. The product is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as animal data raise safety concerns in pregnancy and there isn't enough reliable information about use while 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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're on blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin), diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, or others), or pentobarbital or other sedative drugs. These are the main medication types that may interact with holy basil, and your provider needs to weigh the risks.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Holy basil extract may be worth considering if you're interested in its traditional uses and have discussed it with your doctor—but the evidence that it works for specific conditions isn't solid yet. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or sedatives, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this product may interact with those drugs.

Steer clear if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Mar 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 Extract 400 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614141442
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 308600
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 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 Extract 400 mg by Swanson, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
087614141442
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil Leaf Extract800 mg--

Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, Gelatin, Rice Flour, Calcium Palmitate, Silica

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.
Formulation

Total wellness for mind, body & home Unsurpassed purity & potency 100% money back guaranteed

Stress support Standardized

Brand IP Statement(s)

Swanson Science-backed quality since 1969

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules per day with water on an empty stomach.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare provider before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg per capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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

See for yourself

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson label

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

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg 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 Extract 400 mg by Swanson

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil Leaf Extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
800 mg per serving Form: Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract

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 Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Maltodextrin, Gelatin, Rice Flour, Calcium Palmitate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil Extract 400 mg?

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 Leaf Extract 212

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Holy Basil Extract 400 mg interact with 212 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Holy Basil Extract 400 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Holy Basil Leaf Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil Extract 400 mg 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 Leaf 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 Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Holy Basil Extract 400 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil Extract 400 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil Extract 400 mg 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 Extract 400 mg 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.
Will holy basil make me drowsy?
Holy basil itself isn't reported to cause drowsiness on its own. However, animal studies suggest it may increase the sedative effects of certain barbiturate drugs like pentobarbital, so if you take that kind of medication, talk with your doctor before adding this supplement.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner?
Animal research suggests holy basil seed oil might increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, though human evidence is limited. This is a conversation you need to have with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—they can assess your individual situation and advise whether it's safe for you.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate holy basil extract well. In clinical studies, a small number of participants taking capsules reported loose stools or nausea. These were uncommon, and the product is generally well tolerated short-term, though we don't have extensive long-term safety data.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No—animal data raise safety concerns, so holy basil is not recommended during pregnancy. There also isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it during that time too. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your specific situation.
Does holy basil actually work for anxiety or diabetes?
The research we have on holy basil for those purposes—and others like asthma or headaches—is insufficient to say whether it works. If you're considering this for a health condition, it's worth discussing with your doctor what evidence exists and what other options might be better established.

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

Not sure if Holy Basil Extract 400 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 Extract 400 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil Extract 400 mg’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 Extract 400 mg'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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