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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Extract 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Holy Basil Extract 500 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 500 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 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW 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. 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 500 mg by NOW

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW

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 extract at 500 mg per capsule. Holy basil (also called tulsi) is a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, and the extract captures its active compounds.

The capsule also holds several inactive ingredients — cellulose, silica, rice flour, and magnesium stearate — which are common fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together and aid absorption.

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 for holy basil extract isn't established in our data. We hold ratings of insufficient reliable evidence for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and diabetes — meaning the studies done so far aren't strong enough to confirm it works for any of these uses.

If you're considering it for a specific health reason, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research actually supports.

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 for short-term use in adults, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are loose stools and nausea — a small number of trial participants reported these when taking capsules.

On topical application (like in mouthwash), it can leave a bitter taste. During pregnancy, the safety data advise against use — animal data raise concerns and human safety isn't established.

While breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information, so it's best avoided. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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 take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — holy basil may raise bleeding risk. Also flag it if you're on diabetes medications, since holy basil can lower blood sugar further.

If you take barbiturates or other sedatives (like pentobarbital), mention this extract too — it may strengthen their effects.

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 appeal to people looking for plant-based support for anxiety or other uses, but the evidence for effectiveness isn't solid in our data. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or sedatives like pentobarbital, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real and could affect how your drugs work or your safety.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid it. Chat with your own healthcare provider about whether this product is right for you.

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 Feb 25, 2015.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739031242
Net contents 90 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2015
DSLD ID 42794
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 500 mg by NOW, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
733739031242
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Silica, Rice Flour, 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.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

General Statements

Please Recycle.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

CAPSULE SIZE

Adaptogenic Herb

~ Helps Body Adapt to Daily Life Stress ~ Supports Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism*

Botanicals/Herbs

Family owned since 1968.

Holy Basil is revered as a sacred plant in Ayurveda, the ancient traditional herbal system of India. Holy Basil has more recently been shown to possess powerful adaptogenic properties with the ability to enhance the body’s healthy response to normal daily life stress. In addition, scientific studies have demonstrated that Holy Basil may support healthy carbohydrate metabolism and normal glucose management.*

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Consult physician if taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

General

CODE 3124 V5

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Seals/Symbols

QUALITY GMP ASSURED

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with food.

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

See for yourself

Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW label

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

Holy Basil Extract 500 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 500 mg by NOW

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

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

Holy Basil extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Ursolic Acid

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 monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil Extract 500 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 extract 212

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Holy Basil Extract 500 mg interact with 212 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Holy Basil Extract 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Holy Basil extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil Extract 500 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 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 extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Holy Basil Extract 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil Extract 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil Extract 500 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 500 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 holy basil if I'm on aspirin or warfarin?
Not without checking first. Holy basil may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and warfarin — animal data show it can slow clotting, though we don't know for certain it does in people. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.
What if I take diabetes medication?
Clinical studies show holy basil can lower blood sugar on its own. Combining it with diabetes drugs could push your glucose too low. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's safe for you and whether your blood sugar needs monitoring.
Is holy basil extract actually effective for anxiety or other conditions?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to confirm it works. Our data show insufficient reliable evidence for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, infections, dental plaque, and diabetes. You might ask your doctor what research exists and whether it's worth trying for your specific situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Loose stools and nausea are the main ones reported — a small number of people in clinical trials experienced these when taking holy basil capsules. Most people tolerate it well short-term, but long-term safety data are limited.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advise against it. Animal studies raise concerns for pregnancy, and there isn't enough reliable information for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
Does this product contain any fillers?
Yes. Alongside the active holy basil extract, the capsule contains cellulose, silica, rice flour, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients — these are common binders and fillers that help the product work.

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 Extract 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil Extract 500 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 500 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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