Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

American Basil (Ocimum americanum), also known as hoary basil or wild basil, has been used in various traditional medicinal systems, particularly in Africa and Asia, to manage coughs, including spastic or convulsive coughs. The traditional use is primarily based on the plant's reputed antispasmodic, expectorant, and soothing properties. In ethnobotanical records, decoctions or infusions of American Basil leaves are often administered to alleviate respiratory symptoms, such as cough and bronchitis, and to calm spasmodic episodes. The leaves are rich in volatile oils (including eugenol, linalool, and camphor), which are believed to contribute to their soothing effects on the respiratory tract.

However, scientific validation is limited. While a few in vitro and animal studies have suggested that extracts from Ocimum species may possess antitussive (cough-suppressing) and bronchodilatory activities, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically focused on American Basil (Ocimum americanum) for treating spastic cough in humans. Most of the supportive evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage patterns. Thus, while the use of American Basil for spastic cough is well-rooted in traditional medicine, the strength of the evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and further research is necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.

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