Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Holy Basil) to Improve Cognition

The body of knowledge accumulated compelled the link of diet and nutrition with incidence of chronic disease, health promotion, and optimal physiological functioning. Until recently, however, this link had been recognized to apply only in the broadest sense to brain health and the support of cognitive function. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress not only participates in an early stage of Alzheimer's disease, but also plays an important role in inducing and activating multiple cell-signaling pathways that contribute to the lesion formations by certain toxic substances that promote the development of Alzheimer's disease. Many years of studies show that antioxidant therapies have enjoyed general success in preclinical and clinical studies. Ocimum sanctum (OS) L., an antioxidant herb, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. In this chapter, OS, the queen of herbs, has been discussed for its beneficial effects in improving cognition.