The Benefits of Basil leaves as Natural Medicine in Livestock Production

Abstract

This paper identified some existing indigenous technical knowledge inherited from the past generation on the usage of basil leaves. It highlights the benefits of basil leaves as natural medicine for livestock production by rural farmers. Basil is known to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, cardiac stimulant, chemomodulatory, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and larvicidal activities. Some of the chemical compounds in basil leaves were mentioned. Understanding the mechanism of action of basil leaves used by rural livestock farmers could lead to more efficacious formulations of active components with the potential of becoming effective medications among the commercial scale farmers.