Ocimum carnosum
StarOcimum carnosum
Synonyms: Ocimum selloi var. carnosum, Ocimum selloi var. genuinum, Ocimum selloi var. tweedieanum, Ocimum montevideanum, Ocimum ebracteatum, Ocimum selloi, Ocimum selloi f. subintegrifolium, Ocimum selloi f. serratum, Ocimum graveolens, Ocimum selloi var. angustifolium, Lumnitzera carnosa, Ocimum tweedieanum, Ocimum atrovirens
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In South American folk medicine, Ocimum carnosum (known by names such as alfavaca-anisada and elixir-paregórico) is valued as an aromatic remedy. Leaf infusions and decoctions are taken for coughs, colds, influenza, fever, and digestive complaints including colic, indigestion, and intestinal cramping, the herb being regarded as antispasmodic and carminative (Lorenzi & Matos, 2002).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Ocimum carnosum is an aromatic, perennial herb or subshrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to tropical and subtropical South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It grows erect to about 0.5 to 1.5 metres tall, with branching, somewhat woody lower stems and softer, fleshy upper growth. The opposite leaves are ovate to lanceolate, slightly succulent, and richly aromatic, releasing an anise- or clove-like scent when bruised. Small two-lipped flowers, white to pale lilac, are borne in elongated terminal racemes typical of basils. The plant is closely allied to the Ocimum campechianum and Ocimum selloi complex and is widely cultivated in dooryard gardens. Its essential oil is dominated by phenylpropanoids and terpenes, giving the foliage its characteristic sweet, spicy fragrance used in both cooking and folk remedies.
Active Constituents
Linalool
Acyclic monoterpene alcoholConcentration: ~79% of essential oil (dominant)
The overwhelmingly dominant volatile in the studied Brazilian chemotype, contributing the sweet floral aroma and documented sedative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antinociceptive activities attributed to linalool-rich oils.
α-epi-Cadinol
Sesquiterpene alcoholConcentration: ~5.4% of essential oil
A minor sesquiterpene alcohol contributing to the antimicrobial character of the oil.
Terpinen-4-ol
Monoterpene alcoholConcentration: ~3.2% of essential oil
A monoterpenol with recognized antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity common to many aromatic Lamiaceae oils.
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)
Monoterpene ether (oxide)Concentration: ~2.8% of essential oil
Contributes expectorant, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties typical of cineole-containing oils.
Preparation Methods
Infusion (folk use)
Parts: Leaves, Aerial parts
In South American folk practice the aromatic leaves ('alfavaca-do-campo') are infused in hot water and taken for digestive upset, colds and as a mild carminative. Documented use is ethnobotanical rather than clinically validated; safety in pregnancy and in children is not established.
Essential oil (research/aromatic)
Parts: Leaves, Flowering tops
Steam/hydro-distilled essential oil, rich in linalool, is used in research and aromatic applications. Essential oils should be diluted for topical use and not taken internally without professional guidance.
Clinical Studies
Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from Vitex agnus-castus, Ocimum campechianum and Ocimum carnosum
GC-MS analysis of O. carnosum essential oil identified linalool (79.0%) as the dominant constituent (oil ~89% monoterpenes). The oil showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (LC50 ≈ 109 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines including HL-60 leukemia cells. No human clinical trials of this species were identified.
Historical Texts
Brazilian / South American ethnobotanical tradition
Traditional (colonial to modern folk use)References
- Ricarte LP, Bezerra GP, Romero NR, et al.. Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from Vitex agnus-castus, Ocimum campechianum and Ocimum carnosum . Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências (2020) [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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