Tulsi or Basil Plant Based Medicine to Minimize Radiation Effects on Human Beings

Tulsi, or basil plant, is considered sacred in Hinduism and is associated with Lord Krishna. Tulsi plant is found in courtyard of most Hindu homes. Hindu women keep Tulsi leaves on their hair. There are numerous other uses of Tulsi plant in Hindu religion. Apart from the religious use, Tulsi is part of many important home remedies. Now the DRDO's Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) is working on developing a Tulsi-based medicine to minimize the effects of radiation on humans.

Press Trust of India reports 

"We are working on developing a Tulsi-based medicine to minimise the effects of radiation on humans," DRDO's Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) Director R P Tripathi told PTI here.

The INMAS Director said leaves of 'Krishna Tulsi' plant, which has black leaves and is found mainly in southern parts of the country, are being used in the project.

"Active ingredients of the leaves have been isolated and used in the medicine," he added.

Tripathi said INMAS, which is celebrating its golden jubilee, is working on the project for the last five years and Professor Uma Devi, a former doctor at the Bhopal cancer hospital, is also involved in it.

Clinical trials of the medicine are likely to start soon.