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Dietary supplement

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Organic India

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola is a dietary supplement by Organic India with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, blood sugar support, respiratory complaints.Based on those ingredients, 745 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Gotu Kola, organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Organic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.90 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains 4 active ingredients: a proprietary organic blend that includes three forms of tulsi (Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, and Vana Tulsi) and organic gotu kola. Tulsi, also called holy basil, is a traditional herb, and gotu kola (sometimes called Centella asiatica) is another botanical used in herbal medicine.

The product comes as a tea bag for brewing. There are no inactive or filler ingredients listed.

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.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: stress relief and immune system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Immune function, Anxiety.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gotu Kola 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 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.

The evidence for this product's effects isn't well established yet. For the holy basil component, our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, dental plaque, or diabetes.

For gotu kola, there's possibly effective evidence for venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs) and burns, but possibly ineffective evidence for radiation dermatitis and cognitive function, with insufficient data for Alzheimer's disease and anxiety. Bottom line: neither ingredient has strong evidence backing most of the uses people consider them for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil Gotu Kola

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Holy basil and gotu kola are generally well tolerated short-term in adults, though long-term safety data are limited for both. The most common side effects from holy basil are loose stools and nausea—a small number of trial participants experienced these.

Gotu kola most commonly causes gastric irritation and nausea orally. Rare but serious concern: gotu kola has been linked to liver damage in at least four case reports, though it's unclear whether gotu kola itself was the cause.

During pregnancy, holy basil's safety data advise against it, while gotu kola is traditionally avoided but not definitively proven unsafe—talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation. Neither ingredient has adequate safety information for breastfeeding, so both should be avoided while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil Gotu Kola

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gotu Kola, Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 746 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 tea, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), CNS depressants or sedatives like sleeping pills (Moderate risk of increased drowsiness), or drugs that can damage the liver. These are the medication types where interactions are documented.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This tea is best suited for someone without blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or liver concerns, and who isn't taking sedatives or blood thinners. If you take any prescription medication—especially for blood clotting, blood sugar, sleep, or mood—check it against your medications before starting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't recommended. Have a conversation with your own doctor or pharmacist before you begin, especially if you have a medical condition or take regular medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 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 Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola, straight from the product label.

Brand Organic India
Barcode (UPC) 801541500215
Net contents 1.21 Ounce(s); 34.2 Gram(s); 18 INFUSION BAGS
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2015
DSLD ID 50159
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Halal, Gluten 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 Gotu Kola by Organic India, 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 infusion bag
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 infusion bag
UPC/BARCODE
801541500215
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Organic Blend1.9 Gram(s)--
organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend0 NP--
Rama Tulsi0 NP--
Krishna Tulsi0 NP--
Vana Tulsi0 NP--
organic Gotu Kola0 NP--

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

Our Organic India family

Stress-Relieving & Purifying*

Tulsi - Holy Basil is an herb with healing properties that relieve stress and protect the immune system.*

When the mind, one pointed and fully focused, knows the supreme silence in the Heart, this is true learning. -Sri Ramana Maharshi-

Organic India is committed to responsible packaging. This carton is made from 100% recycled paperboard, with a minimum of 30% post-consumer content. Our infusion bags are made from unbleached, biodegradable fiber.

Tulsi - A legacy of good health -Reduces stress* -Supports the immune system* -Abundant in antioxidants* -Builds stamina* -Powerful adaptogen* -Anti digestion* -Anti aging* -Balances metabolism* -Balances energy levels* -Uplifts mood*

Tulsi Gotu Kola Two of India's most nourishing herbs, Tulsi & Gotu Kola, lovingly embrace. This healthful and purifying blend balances your nervous system, offers clarify & calm to your mind and enhances your overall physical & emotional well-being.

- Individually wrapped for freshness

The photo on this package is one of our farmers or a family member.

Mfg. Lic. No. A-2755

Product of India

Product produced and processed according to NPOP standard of India & USDA-NOP

Double the strength when serving iced.

Please support our environment by recycling this package.

About Tulsi Throughout India Tulsi is acclaimed as "The Queen of Herbs" and is revered as a sacred plant infused with healing powers. Traditionally grown in an earthen pot in every family home or garden, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) makes a delicious and nourishing herbal 'tea' abundant in a vast array of health benefits.* Tulsi's life-enhancing qualities, repeatedly noted in ancient Indian scriptures dating back over 5,000 years, are now here for your to fully enjoy. Blessings and Namaste!

At the heart of Organic India is our commitment to be a living embodiment of love and consciousness in action. We work with thousands of small family farmers in India to cultivate tens of thousands of acres of sustainable, organic farmland. All Organic India products promote health and True Wellness and are made with loving care. The product you hold in your hands is one link in a chain of love, respect and connectedness between Mother Nature, our farmers, our company and you. By choosing Organic India you are actively participating in our mission to create a sustainable global environment, provide training and a life of dignity to our local farmers, and bring health and happiness to you.

Formulation

Caffeine free

Certified organic

Gluten free

Certified Organic by: Control Union CU Cert No. 801983

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General

USOI1402A

FDA Statement of Identity

- Herbal supplement

Seals/Symbols

NON GMO Project VERIFIED nongmoproject.org

USDA ORGANIC

India Organic

OU

HALAL MUMBAI INDIA HALAL COMMITTEE JAMIAT ULAMA - E - MAHARASHTRA Registration No.: 0854

Formula

-Kosher

Precautions

To enjoy while pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Pour 8 oz of freshly boiled water over infusion bag in a cup. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes or longer.

See for yourself

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 infusion bag Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Organic Blend

1.9 Gram(s) per serving
Interaction report

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola?

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
745Drugs
745 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Gotu Kola2 drug types · 581 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend3 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 Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India: Common Questions

Does Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola by Organic India interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola has a known interaction with 745 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 Gotu Kola contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 tea if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advise against holy basil during pregnancy. Gotu kola is traditionally avoided but we don't have definitive proof it's unsafe—but you still shouldn't take either without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first, because animal data raise concerns.
Is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
No, there isn't enough reliable safety information for either holy basil or gotu kola during breastfeeding. Both should be avoided. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you and your baby.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects from the holy basil content are loose stools and nausea, affecting a small number of people in trials. Gotu kola most commonly causes gastric irritation and nausea. Rarely, gotu kola has been linked to liver problems, though it's not clear whether the herb itself was responsible.
Does this tea really help with anxiety?
The evidence for holy basil in generalized anxiety doesn't have a reliable rating in our data—we don't have strong proof it works for this yet. Same for gotu kola. It's a traditional use, but we can't confirm effectiveness based on current evidence.
Can this help my diabetes?
We don't have reliable evidence that holy basil helps diabetes, even though small studies show it may lower fasting blood sugar. This is actually why it poses a risk: it might lower your blood sugar too much if you're already on diabetes medication.
How long is it safe to take?
Both holy basil and gotu kola are generally well tolerated short-term in adults, but quality long-term safety data are limited. If you're thinking of taking this regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist about how long is safe for you.

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

Not sure if Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola 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 Gotu Kola label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Tulsi Holy Basil Gotu Kola'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 26 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 →

Gotu Kola 18 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiol 1987;38:46-50. PubMed
  3. Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the east Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine 2000;7:427-48.
  4. Eun HC, Lee AY. Contact dermatitis due to madecassol. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:310-3.. PubMed
  5. Hausen BM. Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer. Contact Dermatitis 1993;29:175-9..
  6. Bilbao I, Aguirre A, Zabala R, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:435-6.
  7. Cesarone MR, Incandela L, De Sanctis MT, et al. Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001;52 Suppl 2 DOI
  8. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:680-4. PubMed
  9. Young GL, Jewell D. Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000066. PubMed
  10. Jorge OA, Jorge AD. Hepatotoxicity associated with the ingestion of Centella asiatica. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2005;97:115-24. PubMed
  11. Mallol J, Belda MA, Costa D, et al. Prophylaxis of striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial. Int J Cosmet Sci 1991;3:51-7.
  12. Izu, R., Aguirre, A., Gil, N., and Diaz-Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from a cream containing Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(3):192-193.
  13. Santucci, B., Picardo, M., and Cristaudo, A. Contact dermatitis due to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13(1):39. PubMed
  14. Vena, G. A. and Angelini, G. Contact allergy to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1986;15(2):108-109. PubMed
  15. Marastoni, F., Baldo, A., Redaelli, G., and Ghiringhelli, L. [Centella asiatica extract in venous pathology of the lower limbs and its evaluation as compared with tribenoside]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1982;30(4):201-207.
  16. Danese, P., Carnevali, C., and Bertazzoni, M. G. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(3):201.
  17. Bilbao, I., Aguirre, A., Zabala, R., Gonzalez, R., Raton, J., and Diaz Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(6):435-436.
  18. Dantuluri S, North-lewis P, Karthik SV. Gotu Kola induced hepatotoxicity in a child - need for caution with alternative remedies. Dig Liver Dis. 2011;43(6):500. PubMed

See these in context on the Gotu Kola 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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