The medicinal plants of Myanmar Author DeFilipps, Robert A. Deceased Author Krupnick, Gary A. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1357-4826 Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, MRC- 166, Washington, DC, 20013 - 7012, USA krupnick@si.edu text PhytoKeys 2018 2018-06-28 102 1 341 http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380 journal article http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380 1314-2003-102-1 AA226A35FFF8FFBC37621A40C2518C67 1306325 Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (= O. sanctum L.) Names. Myanmar : kala-pi-sein , pin-sein-net . English : holy basil, sacred basil. Range. Old World tropics. Cultivated in Myanmar. Uses. Leaf : Used as an expectorant and stomachic; also, in a decoction, as a mild febrifuge and carminative for infant diarrhea. Seed : Used to treat kidney diseases. Root : Employed as a diaphoretic. Notes. The medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991) as follows: The leaf is used as a stimulant, antiperiodic, diaphoretic, expectorant; also for fever, hemiplegic, constipation, liver disorders, cough (with black pepper and rice), diarrhea, and colds; the oil for antibacterial and insecticidal purposes. An infusion is used for digestive problems. Also used locally for ringworm and earache. The seed is used as a demulcent, laxative, and for urinary problems. The root is used for sudden collapse and in a decoction for malaria as a diaphoretic. Medicinal uses of the species in Indo-China, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and the Philippines are discussed in Perry (1980) . Reported constituents of the volatile oil of O. tenuiflorum include methyl chavicol, cineole, linalool, methyl homo-antisic acid, caryophyllene, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, and carvacrol. The mucilage contains hexuronic acid, pentoses, and ash; also, after hydolysis, xylose ( Perry 1980 ). References. Nordal (1963) , Perry (1980) .