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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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. 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum by Swanson

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 in full-spectrum form, meaning it delivers the whole plant's compound profile rather than isolated components. The capsules also include rice flour, gelatin, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients (fillers and binders that help hold the supplement together).

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: Supports healthy response to daily stress.
  • 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 for holy basil isn't well established in our data. Effectiveness ratings we have on file show insufficient reliable evidence for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory tract infections, dental plaque, and diabetes — meaning the studies so far are either too small, too brief, or too limited in scope to confidently say it works for any of these.

If you're considering this product for a specific condition, talk it over 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 appears generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety data in humans are limited. The most common side effects from oral use are loose stools and nausea; in one clinical trial, two out of 24 participants reported these.

The product is rated possibly unsafe during pregnancy based on animal data and lack of human safety information — the safety data advise against use if you're pregnant. There isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding either, so avoid it while nursing unless you've talked with your doctor or pharmacist.

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 start this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) — holy basil may increase bleeding risk. Also check if you're on diabetes medications, since it may lower blood sugar more than expected, or if you take pentobarbital or other sedatives, as it could amplify drowsiness or sedation.

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 Leaf may appeal to people interested in herbal relaxation support, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't solid in our data. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or sedatives, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this — the interactions are real concerns.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. It's generally well tolerated short-term in others, though some people experience loose stools or nausea.

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 May 28, 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614111193
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 202975
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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614111193
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil800 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, 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.
General Statements

Supports a healthy, natural response to daily stress Support for maintaining healthy cortisol levels Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Stress support 400 mg per capsule

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two capsules two times per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General

SW1119 Rev 1 08 08 18

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

See for yourself

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum by Swanson label

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

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil

Interacts with
212 drugs
800 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 monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum?

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 212

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 Basil3 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 full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum, 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
www.swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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.
What exactly is holy basil?
Holy basil is a plant extract in full-spectrum form, meaning this capsule delivers the whole plant's compound profile at 400 mg per dose. It's used in traditional herbal medicine, though modern research hasn't firmly established what it does in humans.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advise against it. Animal studies raised concerns during pregnancy, and there isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering it if you're in either situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Loose stools and nausea are the side effects reported in studies. In one trial, only two out of 24 people taking capsules experienced these, so most folks tolerate it well short-term. Long-term safety data are limited, though.
Does this work for anxiety, diabetes, or asthma?
Our data show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for any of these — generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and diabetes all lack solid clinical support in the information we hold. If you're considering it for one of these conditions, ask your doctor what the current research really shows.
Is there anything in this besides the holy basil extract?
Yes — the capsule also contains rice flour, gelatin, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients that help hold the supplement together and keep it stable.

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

Not sure if Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum 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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum’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 Leaf 400 mg Full Spectrum'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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