Anti-radiation properties detected in Tulsi- DRDO

India holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum Santum), known for its magical medicinal properties has now been detected with one more medicinal property. A group of scientists from DRDO (Defense Research Development Organization) has claimed tulsi to possess anti-radiation and anti-cancer properties. A recent research conducted in tulsi by DRDO with an investment of Rs.7 crore has shown that Tulsi, can be used effectively in treating patients who are exposed to radiation. The evidence was successfully tested on  mice with the help of tulsi extract.

Further, the scientist are involved in making a herbal medicine with the help of tusli extract and will begin the second phase of tests to check the effectiveness of the medicine. According to the scientists of DRDO, the plant possess excellent antioxidant property that not only mitigates the adverse effects of radiation but can also be used for chemotherapy for cancer patients. The project is under the second phase of clinical trail and after some more clinical trials the it will be finalized for commercial production. The results of the tests done on animals were quite satisfactory.

When anyone is exposed to harmful radiations the bone marrow gets affected and the also the immune system of the body becomes weak. Tulsi contains a chemical substance called glutathione which is capable to lessen the ill-effects of radiation and makes the body vulnerable for contracting diseases. This was first tested in case of mice and it was seen that their bone marrow and immunity both were unaffected when they are exposed to radiation after the use of tulsi extract.

Tulsi has been known for its enormous medicinal properties from the ancient times. It has special references in the ayurvedic texts of India and has been used for ayurvedic treatments over years. Earlier, a group of students of the research students at the department of biotechnology of Vignan College in Guntoor, in Andhra Pradesh, conducted a research on tulsi to find that it can be used for the treatment of diabetes and cancer. The pharmacological studies of the plant has shown that the plant possess significant anabolic, hypoglycemic, cardiac depressant, anti fertility, adaptogenic and immunomodulator properties.

In ayurveda a number of medicinal benefits of tulsi has been discussed that can be employed for the treatment of numerous common and chronic diseases. Some of the most common medicinal properties of tulsi are:

• The plant has been reported to show antiviral, antibacterial, ant tubercular, antifungal and ant malarial properties.
   
• It reduces the cholesterol level in the blood and thus reduce the risk of heart disorders.
   
• It also helps to reduce blood pressure and is an excellent blood purifier.
   
• The herbal tea made from tulsi leaves are quite beneficial for building up stamina.
   
• The leaves are used for the treatment of ring worm infections and lucoderma.
   
• The leaf extract relieves headache and very effective against diseases of head and neck. Moreover, it also helps to sharpen memory.
   
• Tulsi leaves help to reduce acne, pimples and scars.
   
• The leaves are commonly chewed to treat cold and flu.
   
• It is also useful in treating gastric disorders and malaria.

In addition to that, tusli has several other medicinal properties used for the treatment of many disease. Diseases associated with kapha dosha can be treated with the help of tulsi. Regular chewing of tulsi leaf supports health and wellness in our life. Moreover, there is much more to be discovered in tulsi regarding its medicinal benefits due to the presence of a variety of medicinally important chemical ingredients in it.