Least basil
StarOcimum campechianum
Synonyms: Ocimum micranthum, Ocimum guatemalense, Ocimum montanum
Western Herbalism Properties
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Botanical Description
Ocimum campechianum, commonly known as least basil, Amazonian basil, or wild basil, is an annual or short-lived perennial aromatic herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to tropical Central and South America, with a particularly broad distribution in the Amazon basin and Caribbean. It typically grows 30-80 cm tall, with erect, branching, square stems that are slightly hairy. The leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptic, 2-6 cm long, with serrate margins, a pointed tip, and a strongly aromatic clove-like or camphorous scent when crushed. The inflorescence is a terminal verticillaster of small flowers arranged in whorls along the elongated raceme, with bilabiate white to pale pinkish corollas about 4-5 mm long subtended by leafy bracts. The calyx enlarges in fruit and becomes ribbed. The plant produces small dark nutlets after flowering. It grows in disturbed areas, forest clearings, gardens, and roadsides throughout its tropical range.
Active Constituents
Eugenol
Phenylpropanoid phenolConcentration: Major essential-oil component in the eugenol chemotype (often ~30-50%)
The dominant volatile of the common eugenol chemotype, giving the plant its clove-like aroma. Eugenol has strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and drives much of the essential oil's bioactivity.
Methyl eugenol
Phenylpropanoid etherConcentration: Dominant in the methyl-eugenol chemotype (reported up to ~68%)
The main volatile of an alternative chemotype. It contributes antimicrobial and insecticidal activity but is a known rodent carcinogen, so high-methyl-eugenol chemotypes warrant caution for internal or chronic use.
Rosmarinic acid
Caffeic acid ester (polyphenol)Concentration: Principal non-volatile phenolic of leaf extracts
A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol responsible for much of the free-radical-scavenging activity of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts; also antimicrobial and astringent.
beta-Caryophyllene
SesquiterpeneConcentration: ~5-12% of the essential oil
A CB2-receptor-active sesquiterpene contributing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and adding a warm, woody note to the oil.
beta-Elemene
SesquiterpeneConcentration: ~5-10% of the essential oil
A sesquiterpene of interest for antitumour and anti-inflammatory activity, present as a notable component of Amazonian samples.
Germacrene D
SesquiterpeneConcentration: Up to ~10% in some chemotypes
A common floral/herbal sesquiterpene contributing to the oil's aroma and to insect-attractant and antimicrobial activity.
Linalool
Monoterpene alcoholConcentration: Minor (~1-2%)
A small but characteristic monoterpene alcohol adding a floral, calming note and contributing to antimicrobial and mild sedative activity.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin)
The essential oil is rich in eugenol, which inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro; large or concentrated doses could theoretically add to the effect of antithrombotic drugs.
Clinical note: Of low importance at culinary doses; monitor only if concentrated eugenol-rich oil or extract is used regularly alongside anticoagulants.
Preparation Methods
Leaf infusion (traditional tea)
Parts: Leaves, Aerial parts
Amazonian communities steep a handful of fresh or dried leaves in hot water as a digestive and carminative tea and for feverish colds and coughs. Drink in moderate amounts.
Poultice / medicinal bath
Parts: Leaves, Aerial parts
Crushed leaves are applied topically or added to washes and baths for skin infections, insect bites and as an insect repellent, drawing on the eugenol-rich oil's antiseptic and repellent action.
Essential oil (topical, diluted)
Parts: Aerial parts (steam-distilled oil)
The steam-distilled oil is used, well diluted in a carrier, as an antimicrobial and anti-Candida preparation and insect repellent. WARNING: eugenol- and especially methyl-eugenol-rich oils can irritate skin and mucous membranes; do not ingest the neat oil and avoid chronic high-dose exposure to methyl-eugenol chemotypes.
References
- Vieira PRN, de Morais SM, Bezerra FHQ, et al. (as reported in) Cappellari L, et al.. Essential Oil Composition and Stable Isotope Profile of Cultivated Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Peru . Molecules (2022) [DOI]
- Gimenez Martinez P, et al.. Ocimum campechianum Mill. from Amazonian Ecuador: Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Extracts and Their Main Constituents (Eugenol and Rosmarinic Acid) . Molecules (2021) [DOI]
- Benedec D, et al.. A comprehensive ethnobotanical profile of Ocimum campechianum (Lamiaceae): from traditional medicine to phytochemical and pharmacological evidences . Plant Biosystems (2022) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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