Phytotherapeutic and Therapeutic Applications of Ocimum gratissimum: An Integrative Literature Review
Lorena Valentim Pinto
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the State of Ceará, Paracuru Campus, R. Dez s/Nº CEP 62680-000, Paracuru, Ceará, Brazil.
Nara Lídia Mendes Alencar
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the State of Ceará, Paracuru Campus, R. Dez s/Nº CEP 62680-000, Paracuru, Ceará, Brazil.
Luiz Francisco Wemmenson Gonçalves Moura
Postgraduate Program of Nutrition and Health, Ceará State University, Itaperi Campus s/Nº CEP 60714-903, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
Lucas Soares Frota *
Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Postgraduate Programm in Biotechnology, Ceará State University, Itaperi Campus s/Nº CEP 60714-903, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
José Eranildo Teles do Nascimento
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the State of Ceará, Paracuru Campus, R. Dez s/Nº CEP 62680-000, Paracuru, Ceará, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To review the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Ocimum gratissimum based on studies published between 2020 and 2024, highlighting its pharmacological properties, possible clinical uses, and prospects for the development of new drugs.
Study Design: An integrative literature review of recent scientific publications on O. gratissimum.
Place and Duration of Study: The study covers research conducted worldwide, with a particular focus on studies published between 2020 and 2024.
Methodology: Relevant literature was collected between 2020 and 2024 from scientific databases (e.g., ScienceDirect, SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, Litmaps and Science.gov), analyzing studies that investigated the bioactive compounds, medicinal properties, and therapeutic applications of O. gratissimum. The review included in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies.
Results: O. gratissimum, a bushy and highly aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, is rich in bioactive compounds such as eugenol and thymol. The plant has demonstrated efficacy in treating bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Its applications include use as a bronchodilator, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing agent. The evidence also highlights its accessibility and low cost, particularly in tropical regions where natural remedies are widely employed.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that O. gratissimum offers effective and safe alternatives for contemporary medicine. Its therapeutic potential and bioactive compounds support its use in combating infectious and pathogenic diseases, providing a basis for the development of novel pharmacological treatments.
Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Traditional medicines, Bioactive properties, Alternative treatments