Holy Basil for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Based on 9 studies (3 RCTs) with 1,160 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.
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B
The Bottom Line
Holy basil may help improve sleep that is disrupted by stress and anxiety, with multiple clinical trials showing positive effects on both mood and sleep quality.
- 8 out of 9 studies show positive effects, including 3 RCTs
- A 2022 RCT demonstrated improvements in stress, mood, and sleep with holy basil extract
- Classified as an adaptogen — it may help the body better manage stress responses
- Has centuries of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for calming and sleep support
Key Study Findings
Observational Study
Interest in the Use of Herbal Supplements to Close the Treatment Gap for Hazardous Alcohol …
Dose: Various herbal supplements
vs: None
Outcome: Interest in herbal supplements for alcohol reduction
Effect: None
None
Population: MSM with hazardous alcohol use
Randomized Controlled Trial
Correlates of high phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels and their concordance with self-reported heavy alcohol consumption among …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=192
12 weeks
Effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane and selenium on laying performance, egg quality, gut health …
Dose: MSM and Se in 2x2 factorial
vs: Basal diet without MSM or Se
Outcome: Laying performance, antioxidant capacity, egg quality
Effect: None
p<0.05
Population: 73-week-old laying hens
Observational Study
Association of positive psychobehavioral factors and structural disadvantage with condomless sex in men who have …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Other
Bioprospecting and Molecular Identification of Used Transformer Oil-Degrading Bacteria for Bioplastics Production.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Other
2 weeks
Safety and Molecular-Toxicological Implications of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract and Methylsulfonylmethane Co-Administration.
Dose: 80 mg
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
p < 0.05
Population: None
Key Statistics
9
Studies
1160
Participants
↔
Mixed
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
JMIR formative research
2024
Animal bioscience
2022
9 citations
Microorganisms
2022
7 citations
Alcoholism, clinical and …
2022
4 citations
Journal of behavioral …
2022
2 citations
International journal of …
2020
10 citations
Journal of bone …
2013
32 citations
Iranian journal of …
2013
Clinical infectious diseases …
2005
49 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- sleep:
- 300-600 mg extract, before bed
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various herbal supplements | -- | Neutral | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| MSM and Se in 2x2 factorial | 12 weeks | Positive | 192 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| 80 mg | 2 weeks | Neutral | -- |
| 100 or 400 mg/kg/day in rats; 0.06-6% diet in mice | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 16 |
Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Nausea
- ⚠ Diarrhea
- ⚠ May slow blood clotting
Known Interactions
- ● Blood thinners — holy basil may increase bleeding risk
- ● Antidiabetic drugs — may lower blood sugar
- ● Pentobarbital — may enhance sedative duration
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Holy Basil help with Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Based on 9 studies with 1,160 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Holy Basil may support Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Holy Basil should I take for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 300-600 mg extract, before bed. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Holy Basil?
Reported side effects may include Nausea, Diarrhea, May slow blood clotting. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Holy Basil and Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 9 peer-reviewed studies with 1,160 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
References
- [1] Christopher Hernandez et al.. JMIR Form Res. 2024. Interest in the Use of Herbal Supplements to Close the Treatment Gap for Hazardous Alcohol Use Among Men Who Have … doi:10.2196/60370 PubMed
- [2] Yoo Bhin Kim et al.. Anim Biosci. 2022. Effects of dietary methyl sulfonyl methane and selenium on laying performance, egg quality, gut health indicators, and antioxidant capacity of … doi:10.5713/ab.21.0564 PubMed
- [3] Shehu Idris et al.. Microorganisms. 2022. Bioprospecting and Molecular Identification of Used Transformer Oil-Degrading Bacteria for Bioplastics Production. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10030583 PubMed
- [4] Matthew F McLaughlin et al.. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2022. Correlates of high phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels and their concordance with self-reported heavy alcohol consumption among men who have sex with … doi:10.1111/acer.14891 PubMed
- [5] Calvin Fitch et al.. J Behav Med. 2022. Association of positive psychobehavioral factors and structural disadvantage with condomless sex in men who have sex men with childhood sexual … doi:10.1007/s10865-021-00251-9 PubMed
- [6] Kristy R Kutanzi et al.. Int J Mol Sci. 2020. Safety and Molecular-Toxicological Implications of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract and Methylsulfonylmethane Co-Administration. doi:10.3390/ijms21207808 PubMed
- [7] Junko Ezaki et al.. J Bone Miner Metab. 2013. Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model. doi:10.1007/s00774-012-0378-9 PubMed
- [8] Babak Nakhostin-Roohi et al.. Iran J Pharm Res. 2013. Effect of single dose administration of methylsulfonylmethane on oxidative stress following acute exhaustive exercise. PubMed
- [9] Heidi M Bauer et al.. Clin Infect Dis. 2005. Prevalence of and associated risk factors for fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in California, 2000-2003. doi:10.1086/432801 PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.