Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly increasing global health disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. The multifactorial nature of T2DM highlights the need for multi-target therapeutic approaches beyond conventional monotherapy. This review critically evaluates the anti-diabetic potential of Ocimum sanctum L. and its major bioactive constituents, including Ursolic Acid, Eugenol, Rosmarinic Acid, Apigenin, and Luteolin. A systematic literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. The findings from in vitro, in vivo, and computational investigations demonstrate that Tulsi-derived phytochemicals modulate key molecular targets such as PPARG, AKT1, INSR, AMPK, and TNF-α, thereby regulating insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory pathways. These bioactives were found to influence the PI3K-Akt and AMPK signaling cascades, inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce hepatic gluconeogenesis. Among them, Rosmarinic Acid and Ursolic Acid exhibit notable PPARG agonistic properties, while Eugenol enhances AMPK phosphorylation and improves metabolic regulation. Collectively, the evidence supports Tulsi as a promising multi-target botanical candidate for T2DM management. However, further studies are required to establish standardized dosing strategies, improve bioavailability, and validate long-term clinical efficacy and safety for therapeutic application.
dubey et al. (Fri,) studied this question.