The following notes refer to use in traditional medicine of the species of this plant. Sweet basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion[Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996].

Contains safrole (see also under toxicity) which is a natural pesticide in many plants; 2000 tons a year are used to make commercial pesticides. It is also used in the manufacture of Ecstasy. Used also in manufacture of fragrances, but no longer legally added to food or drink. (see Safrole in Wikipedia)

Ocimum gratissimum contains citral a monterpene alkaloid. There was an increased incidence in malignant lymphomas in female mice, but not in rats or male mice. No definite evidence of genotoxicity found though 'positive results in sister chromatid exchange assay.' No information in this article on citral in Ocimum basilicum.

Contains estragole and safrole, alkylbenzenes, which are carcinogenic and genotoxic in rodents.