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Dietary supplement

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Banyan Botanicals

Tulsi (Holy Basil) label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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

Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals

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 Jul 11, 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 (also called tulsi). It's a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine.

The tablet also includes inactive ingredients—gum acacia and rice flour—which are used as a binder and filler to hold the tablet 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: Rejuvenative for the heart and lungs.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Hypertension, Respiratory tract infections, Stress, Cardiovascular health, Lung function — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Respiratory tract infections, Hypertension, Stress.

The evidence for holy basil in our data is marked insufficient for all its traditional uses. We hold ratings for anxiety disorders, asthma, headache, respiratory tract infections, dental plaque, and diabetes—all Insufficient Reliable Evidence.

That means the studies we have aren't robust enough yet to tell you whether it works for these purposes. If you're considering it for one of these reasons, that's a conversation worth having 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 is generally well tolerated over the short term in adults, but long-term safety data in humans are limited. The most common side effects from oral use are loose stools and nausea; a small number of trial participants experienced these.

If you're thinking about using it long-term, that's something to discuss with your pharmacist. During pregnancy, the safety data advise against it—animal data raise concerns and human safety isn't established.

The same goes for breastfeeding: there isn't enough reliable information, so it's best to avoid it while nursing. Talk with your doctor or midwife if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and considering this supplement.

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 take this, double-check if you're on blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin)—holy basil may increase bleeding risk. Also flag any diabetes medications and any sedatives or barbiturates like pentobarbital.

If you're unsure whether your medications fall into these categories, your pharmacist can help you sort it out.

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 may be worth considering if you're exploring traditional herbal support, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't solid yet. If you take any blood thinners, diabetes medications, or sedatives—or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding—check with your pharmacist first.

The interaction data are significant enough that it's not one to start without a quick medication review.

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 Apr 23, 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil), straight from the product label.

Brand Banyan Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 618192014110
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 305747
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic, 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
618192014110
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gum Acacia, Rice Flour

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.
Formula

Ayurvedic herbs

Tulsi is a beloved plant that supports optimal function of the lungs and respiratory system. It has a warming and nourishing effect that promotes a healthy circulatory system and a calm and clear mind.

Formulation

Rejuvenative for the heart & lungs

Certified Organic

Free of gluten, soy, and dairy.

100% vegetarian.

Non GMO

Certified Organic by: QAI

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Certified B Corporation

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1-2 tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Not to be used during pregnancy. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of this product.

Keep out of the reach of 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.

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

See for yourself

Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals label

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

Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Holy Basil

Interacts with
212 drugs
1000 mg per serving Form: Ocimum sanctum

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: Gum Acacia, Rice Flour. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) interact with 212 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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 Tulsi (Holy Basil), from the product label.

Banyan Botanicals

See all Banyan Botanicals products
Name
Banyan Botanicals
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
ZipCode
87113
Phone Number
1-800-953-6424
Web Address
www.banyanbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Tulsi (Holy Basil) by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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?
Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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 Tulsi if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advise against it during pregnancy—animal studies raise concerns and human safety isn't established. There also isn't enough reliable information for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking this if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What side effects might I get from holy basil?
The most common ones from taking it orally are loose stools and nausea. A small number of people in clinical trials experienced these. If you apply it topically, you might notice a bitter taste. Most people tolerate it well in the short term.
Does holy basil actually work for anxiety or diabetes?
We don't have reliable evidence yet. Our data rate holy basil as insufficient for anxiety, diabetes, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, and dental plaque. That doesn't mean it doesn't work—just that the studies so far aren't strong enough to say. Your doctor can discuss whether it's worth trying for your situation.
How long can I safely take this supplement?
Short-term use in adults is generally well tolerated, but we don't have good long-term safety data in humans. If you're thinking about taking it regularly for months or longer, talk with your pharmacist about what we do and don't know.
What's actually in these tablets besides holy basil?
The tablets also contain gum acacia and rice flour, which are inactive ingredients used to bind and give the tablet its form. They're not active ingredients—just the structure that holds the holy basil together.

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

Not sure if Tulsi (Holy Basil) 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.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Tulsi (Holy Basil)’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

Tulsi (Holy Basil)'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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