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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Extract 450 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals Serene Science

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

Holy Basil Extract 450 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals Serene Science 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science

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

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 450 mg per capsule. Holy basil is a plant used traditionally for stress and anxiety support.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients — gelatin (the capsule shell), microcrystalline cellulose (a binder), and magnesium stearate (a flow agent).

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Holy Basil's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: adrenal support and stress adaptation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), cortisol regulation, stress resilience.
  • 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 Stress.

The evidence on holy basil for its intended uses is not yet established. The data we hold rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for generalized anxiety disorder, asthma, headache, respiratory tract infections, dental plaque, and diabetes.

That means clinical studies so far are too small or limited to say whether it works for these purposes — not that it doesn't work, just that we don't have the proof yet.

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 short-term use, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. In clinical trials, a small number of participants reported loose stools or nausea when taking capsules, and bitter taste was reported with oral mouthwash applications.

However, the safety data advises against use during pregnancy — animal data raise concerns and human safety is not established. There is not enough reliable safety information to use it while breastfeeding, so avoid it during that time.

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 taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin or warfarin) — holy basil may increase bleeding risk. If you take diabetes medications, watch for signs of low blood sugar.

If you use pentobarbital or other barbiturate sedatives, confirm it's safe to combine, since holy basil may strengthen their sedative effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Holy basil extract may appeal to you if you're looking for traditional anxiety support, but the clinical evidence is still incomplete. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or barbiturate sedatives, this product warrants a careful check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Long-term safety data are thin, and pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications. Talk it over with your own healthcare provider before starting.

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 Jan 23, 2023.

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 450 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals Serene Science
Barcode (UPC) 021078018094
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 273416
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
021078018094
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil Leaf Extract450 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate

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

Adrenal support

Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily between meals.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Formula

Holy basil is one of the primary botanicals used in Ayurvedic practice in India. It is a powerful adaptogen that helps your body adapt to the negative effects of stress. During times of stress, our bodies secrete higher levels of cortisol. Preliminary research has suggested that holy basil may help maintain normal cortisol levels, support healthy adrenal glands, and help maintain normal blood sugar levels.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright SOURCE NATURALS, INC.

See for yourself

Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil Leaf Extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
450 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 Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil Extract 450 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil Extract 450 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Holy Basil Extract 450 mg, from the product label.

Source Naturals Serene Science

See all Source Naturals Serene Science products
Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil Extract 450 mg by Source Naturals Serene Science interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil Extract 450 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 450 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advise against both. Animal data raise concerns during pregnancy, and human safety during breastfeeding is not established. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
What are the most common side effects?
Loose stools and nausea were reported in a small number of trial participants. Topical use (like mouthwash) may cause a bitter taste. Most people tolerate it without problems.
Does this really work for anxiety?
The evidence we hold rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for generalized anxiety disorder. Larger, higher-quality studies are needed to know whether it works.
How long is it safe to take this?
Holy basil is generally well tolerated in short-term use, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long it's appropriate for you.
What is holy basil and why is it in this product?
Holy basil is a plant traditionally used to support stress and anxiety. This product contains an extract of the leaf at 450 mg per capsule.

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

Not sure if Holy Basil Extract 450 mg 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 Extract 450 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil Extract 450 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Holy Basil Extract 450 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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