There are more revelations coming to light about the home grown tulsi plant’s medicinal values. In a recent research conducted by scientists at DRDO’s (Defence Research Development Organization) Institute of Nuclear Medicines and Allied Sciences and Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, the scientists have successfully tested tulsi extracts on mice for its anti-radiation and anti-cancer properties. The DRDO is spending Rs.7 crore on the tulsi project.

Earlier, the research students at the department of biotechnology of Vignan College in Guntoor, in Andhra Pradesh, had also revealed that Tulsi extracts had useful medicinal ingredients which can treat diabetics and cancerous ailments in humans.

Now as the scientists have discovered one more medicinal value in tulsi extract which can be used as an anti-radiation agent, it is evidently proved that the ancient Indian tradition of growing tulsi (Ocimum Santum) in the backyard is not without scientific backing.

With this new revelation, it can be said that tulsi plant is embedded with multiple medicinal values, as it can be used not only to treat diabetics, but also can be used for treating cancer and now as an anti-radiant substance.

Research shows that the tulsi or Indian basil contains a chemical called glutathione which mitigates the ill-effects of radiation and can protect cells in patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.

In fact when anybody is subjected to radiation, it affects the bone marrow first and thus the immunity level comes down. This will make the human body vulnerable for contracting diseases easily.

Initially the scientists used tulsi extract on mice and they successfully found that the bone marrow of radiation exposed rodents was not affected and their immunity levels were intact. With this new success, the DRDO is now preparing a herbal concoction from tulsi that will serve to prevent and cure the ill-effects of radiation.

Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller (research and development) revealed that now DRDO is planning to take up human trials. “We need to conduct a few more tests and take up phase II trials before it is released for general use,” said Dr Selvamurthy.

In fact, the research on the anti-radiation effect of tulsi in animals has been going on in India since the past 40 years and it is only in the recent years that scientist have been coming out with concrete evidence of tulsi’s mythic medicinal values.