Evidence supporting the use of: American Basil
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

American basil (Ocimum americanum) has a history of traditional use in various cultures, including in folk medicine in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Traditionally, the leaves and essential oil have been used as carminatives and antispasmodics, which are believed to help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms such as colic in adults. These uses are based on the plant’s reputed ability to reduce intestinal gas, soothe spasms, and ease digestive upset. However, the majority of evidence supporting these uses is anecdotal or based on ethnobotanical records, rather than rigorously controlled clinical trials.

Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that essential oils from basil species (including Ocimum americanum) contain compounds such as eugenol and linalool, which exhibit antispasmodic and carminative effects. Nonetheless, specific clinical studies evaluating American basil for adult colic are lacking, and there is no robust scientific validation for its efficacy or safety in this indication. Therefore, while American basil’s use for colic in adults is justified by tradition and supported by some preliminary pharmacological data, the overall quality of evidence is low.

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Products containing American Basil

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