Outcome
    Limited

    Holy Basil (Tulsi) for Stress Hormone Regulation

    Holy basil has traditional use and thin modern evidence for cortisol.

    Overview

    Holy basil has traditional use and thin modern evidence for cortisol.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Adaptogenic modulation of HPA axis reactivity and antioxidant effects.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    300-600mg extract daily
    Expected timeframe
    4-8 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient for stress hormone regulation as a distinct outcome. Holy basil is classified as an adaptogen and small randomised trials of 500-1000 mg/day of leaf extract report reductions in symptom scores for stress, anxiety and general stress-related problems over six to eight weeks. What is missing is the hormone data: few of these trials measured cortisol at all, those that did used single time points rather than diurnal profiles or salivary awakening response, and results were inconsistent. Reduced subjective stress does not establish that cortisol changed - and cortisol is not straightforwardly a marker of stress, varying enormously across the day and with sleep, exercise, illness and time of sampling. Ashwagandha has more cortisol-specific data, though it too is limited.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable for cortisol modification specifically

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Small randomised trials report improved stress scores and some cortisol reduction. Trial quality and standardisation are poor.

    No studies are yet linked to both Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Stress Hormone Regulation.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Small trials with weak standardisation. May affect fertility and blood clotting.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone seeking measured cortisol change: this has not been demonstrated.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.