Basil is a popular culinary herb and its essential oils have been used extensively for many years in food products, perfumery, and dental and oral products. There are dozens of  known varieties of which Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil is the most commonly grown. It is native to India and Asia having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years and has been known for its medicinal value. You can buy a basil supplement at Physician Formulas. There are many beneficial spices and herbs sold as supplements, for instance cayenne pepper is sometimes touted for weight loss, but there are more effective herbs for this purpose.

Historical uses
With so many attributes it isn't any wonder that basil has become increasingly popular over the years. Being a member of the mint family, it is not surprising to see it recommended for digestive complaints. Herbalists have recommended it for years for stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Basil has been described as having a slight sedative action, which would explain why it is sometimes recommended for headaches and anxiety.  However, there are many other herbs that are much more helpful for anxiety. Basil is found in a product called Zyflamend.

Compounds and oils
One study found forty-five compounds through consulting literature and searching database by computer. The main constituents in volatile oil from basil are rosmarinic acid (a strong antioxidant), linalol, methylchavikol, methylcinnamat, 1, 7-dimethyl-1, 6-octadien-3-ol, and eugenol.

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity
Basil essential oils and their principal constituents were found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and mold.

Antioxidant activity
The major antioxidant compound is rosmarinic acid.

Anti-tumor activity
One study shows basil leaf to inhibit carcinogen-induced tumors.

Cancer prevention
Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis.
Phytomedicine. 2004.
Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is cultivated throughout India and is known for its medicinal value. The effects of doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of hydroalcoholic extract (80% ethanol, 20% water) of the fresh leaves on xenobiotic metabolizing Phase I and Phase II enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, Glutathione content, Lactate dehydrogenase and lipid peroxidation in the liver of 8-9 weeks old Swiss albino mice were examined. There was an induction in antioxidant level that correlates with the significant reduction of lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase formation. Moreover, Basil leaf extract was highly effective in inhibiting carcinogen-induced tumor incidence in both the tumor models at peri-initiational level.

Sex drive
Do basil supplements increase sex drive?
    We doubtthey influence libido or sexual health. However, a potent herb for this purpose is yohimbe extract.

Can a basil supplement be taken with tongkat ali aphrodisiac herb the same day?
     As long as the aphrodisiac dosage is low since side effects do occur with large intake.

Use with other herbs and supplements
Do you see any major interference taking a resveratrol supplement along with a basil supplement?
    No obvious interactions come to mind.