Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) are a popular culinary herb but also offer various health benefits supported by traditional uses and scientific research.
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| Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis) |
Their primary compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, contribute to their digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially blood sugar-regulating properties.
In this article, we’ll discuss why bay leaves continue to be valued for their culinary and medicinal uses worldwide.
What are Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, are aromatic leaves commonly used as a culinary herb. They come from the bay laurel tree, an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. Bay leaves are elongated, glossy, and dark green with a leathery texture. When dried, they become slightly brittle and release a strong, fragrant aroma.
Bay laurel trees are cultivated in temperate climates. They are commonly found in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, and Turkey. They are also grown in other regions with similar climates, including California in the United States.
Primary Compounds in Bay Leaves
The primary bioactive compounds found in bay leaves include:
Essential Oils: Such as eugenol, eucalyptol, cineole, and pinene, which contribute to their aromatic properties and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial health benefits.
Flavonoids: Including quercetin and rutin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds that possess astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Volatile Compounds: Include linalool and methyl chavicol, which contribute to the flavor and aroma of bay leaves.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Bay leaves have been used in traditional medicine systems around the world for various purposes:
Ancient Greek and Roman Medicine
Bay leaves were used as a remedy for digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and to improve appetite.
Ayurveda
Bay leaves are known as "Tej Patta," bay leaves are used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and to reduce inflammation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, Bay leaves have been employed to improve digestion, relieve pain, and treat skin conditions.
Folk Medicine
In many cultures, bay leaves are used to alleviate symptoms of colds, flu, and headaches. They are also believed to have mild sedative properties.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaves
Digestive Aid
Bay leaves contain compounds that help stimulate digestion, relieve bloating, and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory
Flavonoids and volatile oils in bay leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the body.
Antioxidant
Bay leaves are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Respiratory Health
Inhaling steam infused with bay leaves may help alleviate respiratory symptoms such as congestion, cough, and bronchitis.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Some research suggests that bay leaves may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Research has also showed bay leaves reduces anxiety and stress levels.
Some Research on Bay Leaves
A 2022 study from Tunisia’s University of Sousse tested 30 healthy people. For 10 days they were given 100 milliters a day of a tea made of tea leaves. Before and after the 10 days their blood levels of cortisol were tested. Their cortisol levels at the end of the 10 days were significantly lower compared to the beginning of the study. They also had lower levels of anxiety and stress testing scores after the 10 days.
A 2020 study from Tunesia also tested 30 people and found that bay leaves tea significantly increased the concentration of “good” HDL cholesterol, and slightly lower levels of “bad” LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.
The researchers concluded:
“These findings highlight the improving blood lipidic profiles, which means a possible positive effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease of L. nobilis tea consumption in healthy volunteers.”
The researchers concluded:
“These results are expected to be effective in preventing leaky gut syndrome through the TJ balance and to further improve intestinal-related diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.”
Multiple studies have tested rats and mice with bay leaves, finding it significantly reduced blood pressure, and ACE-2 levels.
Other lab studies have found that bay leaves help prevent alcohol-caused liver disease.
At least eight lab studies have shown that bay leaf extract significantly moderates cholesterol levels.
A 2021 study from Poland found that bay leaves extract reduces insulin resistance and oxidative stress in human cells.
Scientific References
Lee M, Park J, Kim D, Park SH, Jung J, Jun W, Kim J, Baek KS, Kim OK, Lee J. Laurus nobilis L. leaves Suppress Alcohol-Related Liver Disease by Exhibiting Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Alcohol-Treated Hepatocytes and Mice. J Med Food. 2024 Nov;27(11):1080-1091. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0111.
Dias MI, Barros L, Dueñas M, Alves RC, Oliveira MB, Santos-Buelga C, Ferreira IC. Nutritional and antioxidant contributions of Laurus nobilis L. leaves: would be more suitable a wild or a cultivated sample? Food Chem. 2014 Aug 1;156:339-46. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.01.122.
Chbili C, Maoua M, Zaouali M, Selmi M, Kacem I, Mrizek N, Nouira M, Jihene M, Hedi K, Ben Fredj M. Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on anxiety and stress biomarkers in healthy volunteers. Arch Ital Biol. 2022 Dec 1;160(3-4):136-146. doi: 10.12871/000398292022343.
Bouadid I, Amssayef A, Eddouks M. Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem. 2023;21(1):42-54. doi: 10.2174/1871525720666220512154041.
Bourebaba N, Kornicka-Garbowska K, Marycz K, Bourebaba L, Kowalczuk A. Laurus nobilis ethanolic extract attenuates hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cell line through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis - Possible implication in pharmacotherapy. Mitochondrion. 2021 Jul;59:190-213. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.003.
Trisilya Mita Anggrek, Indri Safitri Mukono, Maftuchah Rochmanti, & Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu. (2024). Efficacy of Bay Leaf (Syzygium polyanthum) in Regulating Lipid Profile in Dyslipidemia Model Rats: A Systematic Review. Current Internal Medicine Research and Practice Surabaya Journal, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.20473/cimrj.v5i1.51386
Emam AM, Mohamed MA, Diab YM, Megally NY. Isolation and structure elucidation of antioxidant compounds from leaves of Laurus nobilis and Emex spinosus. Drug Discov Ther. 2010 Jun;4(3):202-7. PMID: 22491184.
Qnais EY, Abdulla FA, Kaddumi EG, Abdalla SS. Antidiarrheal activity of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extract in rats. J Med Food. 2012 Jan;15(1):51-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2011.1707.
Al-Mijalli SH, Mrabti HN, Ouassou H, Flouchi R, Abdallah EM, Sheikh RA, Alshahrani MM, Awadh AAA, Harhar H, Omari NE, Qasem A, Assaggaf H, Moursi NH, Bouyahya A, Gallo M, Faouzi MEA. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Properties of Arbutus unedo L. and Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oils. Life (Basel). 2022 Nov 14;12(11):1876. doi: 10.3390/life12111876.
Merghni A, Marzouki H, Hentati H, Aouni M, Mastouri M. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Laurus nobilis L. essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with oral infections. Pathol Biol (Paris). 2015 Dec 4:S0369-8114(15)00101-7. doi: 10.1016/j.patbio.2015.10.003.
Nabila B, Piras A, Fouzia B, Falconieri D, Kheira G, Fedoul FF, Majda SR. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essentialoil of Laurus nobilis leaves. Nat Prod Res. 2022 Feb;36(4):989-993. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1839450.