A systematic literature review of Ocimum basilicum – A functional ingredient for gut health and industrial food applications

Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as basil, is a culinary herb containing various bioactive substances that are used as remedies for various digestive disorders. The potential use of this herb in developing probiotic-rich products and modulating the gut microflorahas been investigated by many researchers. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted to explore the effects of basil on the composition of the gut microflora and their beneficial impact on our digestive system. Thus, we present a systematic review, evaluating the scientific literature about the effects of basil on the microflora in the human gut. Of the 3623 articles identified through the screening process, 115 articles were included in this review, demonstrating that this herb has the capacity to modulate the gut microflora in humans by increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria and stimulating the production of volatile fatty acids. Furthermore, this paper highlights the potential industrial applications of the basil extracts, improving human health.