Basil good for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics

Updated: March 12, 2024

Basil and its close relative, holy basil, have displayed antidiabetic effects in humans and animals.22, 23

Holy basil is also known as Tulsi.

Studies in type 2 diabetics found that consumption of holy basil leaves reduced blood sugar by 18% and increased carbohydrate tolerance, compared to consumption of placebo leaves.22

Basil can be consumed as fresh leaves, dried (as a spice), or as a tea. There are holy basil teas available for purchase.

Here’s a link to some holy basil teas: http://www.iherb.com/tulsi-tea

As mentioned, ordinary basil has shown antidiabetic effects too, if you can’t find holy basil.

  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. Sep 1996;34(9):406-409.
  2. Sethi J, Sood S, Seth S, Talwar A. Evaluation of hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect ofOcimum sanctum. Indian J Clin Biochem. Jul 2004;19(2):152-155.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease and is not advice of any kind. Always see a medical doctor if you have a health problem.