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Dietary supplement

Holy Basil Leaf Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

Holy Basil Leaf label
See full label image
Liquid 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 Leaf 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 is a dietary supplement by Gaia 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 organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) 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 Leaf by Gaia Herbs

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Holy Basil Leaf by Gaia 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

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: organic holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract. The formula is rounded out with organic alcohol and water as inactive ingredients.

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 we hold on holy basil doesn't establish reliable effectiveness for any condition. It's been studied for generalized anxiety, asthma, headaches, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and diabetes, but the data available to us rates all of these as having insufficient reliable evidence.

If you're considering holy basil for a specific reason, it's worth discussing what the research actually shows with your doctor or pharmacist.

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, though high-quality long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported orally are loose stools and nausea — a small number of trial participants in one study experienced these.

If you apply it topically (like as a mouthwash), some people notice a bitter taste. Because animal data raise concerns and human safety hasn't been established, the evidence advises against use during pregnancy.

There isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding either, so avoid it 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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) — holy basil may increase bleeding risk. You should also confirm use if you're on diabetes medication, as it might lower your blood sugar too far.

Let them know if you take pentobarbital or other sedatives, since holy basil may increase drowsiness.

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 is generally well tolerated in the short term, but it does interact with blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and sedatives like pentobarbital, and the evidence for its effectiveness isn't established for the common reasons people take it. If you're on any of those medication types, check your exact prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

It's also not recommended in pregnancy or while 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 Dec 22, 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, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 751063328302
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 209757
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic
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 by Gaia 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.33 mL
Servings per container
23
UPC/BARCODE
751063328302
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract1.33 mL--

Other ingredients: organic Alcohol, Water

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

Enter ID# at meetyourherbs.com

Facebook Instagram @gaiaherbs

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Adults take 30-40 drops in a small amount of water 3 times daily between meals. Shake well before use.

Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult with your doctor before use.

Store away from children.

Use only as directed on label. Safety-sealed at neck of bottle.

Storage

Store away from children.

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.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formulation

Stress Support Helps support a healthy response to stress

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

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 Leaf by Gaia Herbs label

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

Holy Basil Leaf 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 by Gaia Herbs

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container23 Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract

Interacts with
212 drugs
1.33 mL 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...

Organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Holy Basil Leaf by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Holy Basil Leaf?

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

organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract 212

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Holy Basil Leaf interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Holy Basil Leaf 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.

organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) 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
organic Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Gaia Herbs

See all Gaia Herbs products
Name
Gaia Herbs, Inc.
Street Address
101 Gaia Herbs Dr.
City
Brevard
State
NC
ZipCode
28712
Web Address
GaiaHerbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Holy Basil Leaf by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Holy Basil Leaf by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Holy Basil Leaf 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 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's in this bottle?
The active ingredient is organic holy basil leaf extract. It's suspended in organic alcohol and water.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — animal data raise safety concerns and human safety hasn't been established, so you should avoid it during pregnancy. There also isn't enough reliable information for breastfeeding, so skip it then too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether holy basil is right for you.
What side effects might I get?
Most people tolerate it well short-term. The most common side effects reported are loose stools and nausea when taken by mouth. If used topically as a mouthwash, some people notice a bitter taste.
Does holy basil actually work for anxiety, asthma, or diabetes?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish reliable effectiveness for those conditions — or for headaches, respiratory infections, or dental plaque. If you're considering it for a specific reason, talk it through with your doctor or pharmacist to see what the research really supports.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Holy basil extract is generally well tolerated in the short term, but high-quality long-term safety data are limited. If you're thinking of using it regularly, check in with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Not sure if Holy Basil Leaf 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 Leaf label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Holy Basil Leaf’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'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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