African Mint
Scientific Name(s): Ocimum canum Sims., L.
Common Name(s): African mint, American basil, Asian basil, Hairy/Hoary basil, Wild basil
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2021.
Clinical Overview
Use
Anti-inflammatory, chemotherapeutic, and blood glucose–lowering activity is documented in the scientific literature; however, clinical trials are lacking to support these uses. Most research examines the plant's use against vector-borne diseases and as an insect repellent.
Dosing
Numerous dosage forms (ie, tablets, pellets, granules) are available commercially. However, clinical trials are lacking to provide dosing recommendations for African mint.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the chemical components of O. canum.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
A small clinical study reported abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and constipation in patients consuming 15 g/day of O. canum seeds.
Toxicology
Information is limited. The estragole constituent of O. canum is carcinogenic.
Scientific Family
- Lamiaceae
Botany
The aromatic O. canum is a semiperennial plant species found in Africa and Asia. The plant grows up to 60 cm in height, with multiple branches originating from its base. It has elliptic-lanceolate leaves that are slightly pointed at both ends, and long pale white to pinkish flower spikes.Naghibi 2005, Ngassoum 2004, Vieira 2003, USDA 2016
O. canum is synonymous with Ocimum americanum Auct., and related plants include Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), Ocimum gratissimum (African basil), Ocimum campechianum (Amazonian basil), and Ocimum tenuiflorum/sanctum (holy basil).
History
The plant is used medicinally in Africa to treat conjunctivitis, malaria, and headache, and has been used as an analgesic and rubefacient.Ngassoum 2004, Nyarko 2002 It also has been used to manage diabetes mellitus in Ghana.Nyarko 2002 Ethnopharmacology studies document its use in treating dysuria in Iran.Naghibi 2005 The essential oils of the plant species have been used mainly for antipyretic purposes and for treating respiratory diseases on the eastern coast of Africa.Martins 1999, Ngassoum 2004
The aerial plant parts have been used with other spices for culinary purposes. The essential leaf and flower oils have been used as flavoring in foods, chewing gums, sweets, teas, soft drinks, energy drinks, and milk products. The oils are also used in cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, body lotions, and toothpastes.Ngassoum 2004
Chemistry
An essential oil present in the aerial parts of the plant is rich in camphor and linalool, and includes varying amounts of methyl cinnamate, citronella and citral derivatives, and eugenol, among others. Dipentene, terpinolene, crithmene, limonene, pinene, sabinene, camphene, and caryophyllene have been identified, and polysaccharides (including xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, and galactose) have been described. Content varies according to geographical location and harvesting times, with resultant various chemical constituents such as methyl cinnamate, citral, eugenol, camphor being the most prominent.Berhow 2012, Duke 2016, Nascimento 2011,
