Neuroprotective Potential of Ocimum Basilicum: Phytochemical Composition and Mechasims of Action

Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and various cognitive impairments are marked by the gradual deterioration of neurons caused by factors such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and imbalances in neurotransmitters. Recently, there has been significant interest in medicinal plants as potential neuroprotective agents due to their safety, ability to target multiple pathways, and low incidence of side effects. Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), commonly utilized in traditional medicine, has emerged as a promising option because of its rich array of phytochemical compounds. This review intends to thoroughly assess the neuroprotective properties of Ocimum basilicum, focusing particularly on its phytochemical constituents and the mechanisms through which it exerts its effects. This plant is rich in bioactive substances such as flavonoids (including apigenin and luteolin), phenolic acids (like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid), and essential oils (such as linalool and methyl chavicol), all of which play a role in its neuroprotective effects.