MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF SCENT LEAVES
Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as scent leaf or
Clove basil, is found in many tropical countries. Some of
its vernacular names in Nigeria include Ncho-anwu or
Ahuji in Igbo; Efinrin in Yoruba, Aramogbo in Edo and
Daidoya in Hausa.
Scent leaf has numerous medical uses. The oil extracted
from its leaves has been described to be active against
several species of bacteria and fungi.
From recent findings, scent leaf has proved to be useful
in the medication for people living with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome virus AIDS.
In Congo, scent leaf decoction is used for diarrhoea,
gonorrhoea infection, vaginal douches for vaginitis and
used in treatment of mental illness.
Extracts of scent leaves has also been reported to have
lowered blood pressure, strong insect repellent effects and
kill many micro-organisms that cause diseases, including
candida.
This plant is used by herbalists to treat a variety of
maladies, from bacterial infections and diabetes to pain
and liver damage.
Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of Ocimum
gratissimum in treating various conditions after it is
condensed into an essential oil. This is largely credited
to the plant's high concentrations of a phenylpropene
compound called eugenol.
Several studies have been performed that lend credence to
herbalist use of this plant for treating diahrrea and other
gastrointestinal infections. One joint study in 1999 by
the universities of the West Indies and Nigeria found
that the leaf extract provided relief from diarrhea in lab
rats and guinea pigs. Another study, published in 2002
by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, found that the
essential oil relaxed the small intestine in lab rats,
furthering claims that the plant is beneficial in relieving
gastrointestinal ailments.
Studies suggest that Ocimum gratissimum effectively
combats several types of invasive bacteria. These range
from shigella and salmonella to escherichia and proteus
strains.
The oils of the plant also were effective in fighting
strains of E. coli, dysentery and typhoid. Some research
also confirms that clove basil is effective in treating
various veterinary problems, from killing worms in goats
to increasing libido in lab mice.

link please cos dis is science