Scent Leaf, Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as “African basil”, is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally in many parts of Africa and Asia.
People who use it do so because of its various health benefits.
The plant is rich in antioxidants that have been identified in different studies (1) (2).
For instance, a study says scent leaf has phytochemicals – oleanolic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin and sinapic acid.
Others are rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, apigenin, nepetoidin, xanthomicrol, nevadensin, salvigenin and gallic acid
Also, scent leaf contains catechin, quercetin, rutin, and kaempfero and essential oils.
Interestingly, if you decide that you want to get the benefits of scent leaf and you add it to your diet, study says it will not have negative reaction even if you are taking antibiotics.
A study says the use of this plant material as food spice may not really threaten the efficacy of some conventional antibiotics that may have been taken concomitantly with it.
Here are 12 potential health benefits of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum):
1. Sent Leaf Can Treat Convulsions
Decades ago, one of the popular conditions that come with malaria of fever in children is convulsion.
A study says extracts from scent leaf possess anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like properties (3).
All you do is squeeze some leaf and press the leaf extract into the child’s mouth.
2. Scent Leaf Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Indeed, scent leaf has anti-inflammatory properties. These may help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body (4).
Also, it can help to alleviate pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
3. Antimicrobial
Humans often come in contact with different bacteria daily, exposing them to diseases.
However, adding scent leaf to your diet will help kill these bacteria on arrival.
A study says one of the health benefits of scent leaf is that it has antimicrobial properties that may help to fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can cause infections (5) .
Another study highlights that compounds in the plant is effective against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6).
4. Digestive Health
There are different digestive health issues that affect people. From ulcer to other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Absolutely, this makes it necessary for you to add scent leaf to your diet.
A study says the plant has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach ulcers (7).
5. Respiratory Health
Also, scent leaf is effective in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds and asthma (8).
This is a function of the antioxidants that are in scent leaf.
6. Scent Leaf Contains Antioxidant
Furthermore, scent leaf contains high levels of antioxidants that help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
They bind to the free radicals and ensure they do not find their way into your blood stream.
7. Anti-diabetic
Studies have shown that the plant may help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it useful in the management of diabetes (9).
8. Scent Leaf Helps In Wound Healing
The plant has been traditionally used to promote wound healing.
According to studies, one of the other health benefits of scent leaf is that it may help to accelerate the healing process when applied on a wound (10) (11).
9. Scent Leaf Anti-cancer Property
Some studies have suggested that the plant may have anti-cancer properties, which may help to prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells.
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10. Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally.
Fortunately, you could do some things to avoid having this disease.
Experts say your lifestyle puts you are risk.
However, scent leave may help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood flow (12).
11. Scent Leaf For Menstrual Pain Relief
The plant may help to alleviate pain associated with various conditions, such as headaches and menstrual cramps (13).
12. Scent Leaf Supports Immune System
Ocimum gratissimum may help to boost the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to fight against infections and diseases.
According to a study, the plant’s extract may be used as a medicinal resource for people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (14).
Overall, scent leaf has several potential health benefits, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
After all, you need to know what exactly the health issue is for you to try this plant as remedy.