Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Botany, Geographical Distribution, and Horticultural Information of Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Botany:
Jasmine, belonging to the genus Jasminum, is part of the Oleaceae (olive) family. This genus comprises over 200 species, characterized by their fragrant flowers. Jasmines are primarily shrubs and vines, with some species being evergreen and others deciduous. The leaves can be either simple or pinnate. The most distinctive feature of jasmine plants is their highly fragrant flowers, usually white or yellow, which bloom in clusters.
Geographical Distribution:
Jasmine species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Eurasia, Africa, and Australasia within Oceania. The distribution of Jasminum spp. is quite broad, with species adapted to a variety of climatic conditions. Some species have been naturalized in various parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas.
Horticultural Information:
1. Cultivation: Jasmine is widely cultivated for its attractive and fragrant flowers. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny location, although some species tolerate partial shade.
2. Propagation: Jasmine can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering. The method of propagation may vary depending on the specific species.
3. Pruning and Care: Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of the plant and encouraging flowering. Jasmines require moderate watering, and overwatering should be avoided.
4. Pests and Diseases: Jasmine plants can be susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. Proper care and timely intervention can help manage these issues.
5. Uses: Jasmine is popular in gardens and as a houseplant. Its flowers are used for making perfumes, essential oils, and teas. Some species are also used in traditional medicine.
6. Varieties: There are several popular varieties of jasmine, each with unique characteristics. Jasminum officinale (common jasmine) and Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine) are among the most widely known.
References:
1. “Jasmine – Wikipedia” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasmine
2. “Jasminum multiflorum (star jasmine) | CABI Compendium” – https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.115016
3. “Jasminum officinale – Wikipedia” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasminum_officinale
4. “ISSR-Based Genetic Diversity Assessment of Genus Jasminum L. (Oleaceae) from Pakistan – PMC – NCBI” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308950/
5. “Jasmine Plant: How To Grow and Care for Jasminum – Epic Gardening” – https://www.epicgardening.com/jasmine-plant/
6. “Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts – Britannica” – https://www.britannica.com/plant/jasmine-plant
7. “Jasmine | PDF – SlideShare” – https://www.slideshare.net/SAIKHOMHEROJITSINGHZ/jasmine-165097240
8. “Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science” – https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:609755-1
9. “(PDF) Jasminum species: an overview – ResearchGate” – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292575441_Jasminum_species_an_overview
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History & Traditional Herbal Uses of Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
History:
Jasmine, belonging to the genus Jasminum, is part of the Oleaceae family and comprises around 200 species. Native to tropical and warm temperate regions of Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania, jasmine has been cultivated for centuries for its characteristic fragrance. The name ‘jasmine’ comes from the Old French ‘jessemin,’ derived from the Persian ‘yāsamin,’ which in turn originated from the Middle Persian word ‘yāsaman’ and ‘yāsamīn’ in Arabic.
Traditional Herbal Uses:
1. Aromatherapy and Perfumery: Jasmine is extensively used in the perfume industry due to its strong fragrant scent. The essential oil of Jasminum officinale, in particular, is valued in aromatherapy.
2. Cultural and Religious Significance: Jasmine flowers are used in various cultural rituals, including marriages and religious ceremonies. In many cultures, jasmine symbolizes purity, simplicity, and grace.
3. Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, jasmine has been used for treating snakebites and as an antiseptic. It has also been employed in the treatment of fevers, respiratory diseases, and skin conditions like ringworm.
4. Tea Flavoring: Certain types of jasmine, such as Jasminum sambac, are used to flavor tea, especially in Chinese cuisine.
5. Decorative Uses: Jasmine flowers are commonly used for garland-making, adorning hair, and decoration in various cultural practices.
6. Symbolism: Jasmine holds symbolic importance in several countries. For instance, Jasminum sambac (“sampaguita”) is the national flower of the Philippines, and Jasminum officinale (“chambeli” or “yasmin”) is the national flower of Pakistan.
References:
1. “Jasmine – Wikipedia” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasmine
2. “Jasminum officinale – Wikipedia” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasminum_officinale
3. “Jasminum officinale – Oxford University Plants 400” – https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/ij/Jasminum
4. “PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF JASMINE Scientific name: Jasminum spp. Local name – eagri.org” – http://eagri.org/eagri50/HORT281/pdf/lec37.pdf
5. “Jasminum Sambac – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics” – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/jasminum-sambac
6. “Mechanistic Insight into Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Jasminum Species: A Herbal Approach for Disease Management – PMC – NCBI” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8227019/
7. “Jasmine – Vikaspedia” – https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/flowers/jasmine
8. “Common jasmine – Kew Gardens” – https://www.kew.org/plants/common-jasmine
9. “Jasmine | SpringerLink” – https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-981-15-3518-5_16
10. “Jasmine: How to Grow and Care with Success – Gardenia.net” – https://www.gardenia.net/guide/jasmine-how-to-grow-and-care-with-success
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Pharmacological and Medicinal Studies on Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine, belonging to the genus Jasminum, is a widely distributed medicinal plant used since ancient times. Various species of Jasmine, including Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum sambac, and others, have been traditionally used for their antimicrobial, antiulcerative, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Key Pharmacological Findings:
1. Antimicrobial Properties: Jasmine has demonstrated considerable antimicrobial activity. Ethanolic extracts of different parts of Jasminum officinale have shown significant activity against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extracts also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
2. Antioxidant Activity: The aqueous extract of Jasminum officinale leaves has significant antioxidant potential, as evidenced by various free radical scavenging assays. The extract’s IC50 values for DPPH, NO, superoxide, and ABTS radicals were comparable to those of ascorbic acid.
3. Antifertility Effects: An aqueous extract of Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum floral buds showed a dose-dependent antiimplantation effect in female rats, without causing complete infertility or significant abortifacient activity.
4. Dermatological Applications: Jasmine has been used in dermatological preparations. A topical oil-based preparation containing Jasminum officinale, among other ingredients, demonstrated burn healing effects and enhanced antioxidant function in second-degree burns.
5. Phytochemical Composition: Phytochemical analysis of Jasminum officinale revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, emodine, leucoanthcyanins, steroids, anthocyanins, phlobatinins, essential oil, and saponins.
6. Traditional Uses: Traditionally, Jasmine has been used for treating urinary tract infections, as a CNS depressant, sedative, mild anesthetic, astringent, and in conditions like depression, nervous exhaustion, stress, coughs, laryngitis, dysmenorrhea, labor pains, uterine disorders, and skin problems.
References:
1. “Pharmacology and Medicinal Properties of Jasminum Officinale – A Review” – http://www.iajps.com/pdf/april2018/20.IAJPS20042018.pdf
2. “Mechanistic Insight into Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Jasminum Species: A Herbal Approach for Disease Management” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8227019/
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Jasmine- Phytochemistry<
Here is a detailed list of compounds that have been identified in Jasminum spp.:
Flavonoids:
Jasmine is a rich source of flavonoids, which are a group of plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The most abundant flavonoids in jasmine are:
Naringenin: Naringin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic properties.
Hesperidin: Hesperidin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties.
Kaemppferol: Kaempferol is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Apigenin: Apigenin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.
Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-histamine properties.
Citrus flavonones: Jasmine also contains a variety of citrus flavonones, which are a type of flavonoid that is found in citrus fruits. Citrus flavonones are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Terpenes:
Jasmine contains terpenes, which are a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Terpenes include:
Monoterpenes: Jasmine contains a variety of monoterpenes, which are a class of terpenes that contain only one isoprene unit. The most abundant monoterpenes in jasmine are:
α-Pinene: α-Pinene is a monoterpene with a piney scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
β-Pinene: β-Pinene is a monoterpene with a camphoraceous scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Camphene: Camphene is a monoterpene with a woody, camphoraceous scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Borneol: Borneol is a monoterpene with a woody, camphoraceous scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Isoborneol: Isoborneol is a monoterpene with a woody, camphoraceous scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Linalool: Linalool is a monoterpene with a sweet, floral scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties.
Terpinene-4-ol: Terpinene-4-ol is a monoterpene with a sweet, citrusy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Geraniol: Geraniol is a monoterpene with a rose-like scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Nerol: Nerol is a monoterpene with a lemony scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Phytol: Phytol is a monoterpene with a green, grassy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Sesquiterpenes: Jasmine contains a variety of sesquiterpenes, which are a class of terpenes that contain two isoprene units. The most abundant sesquiterpenes in jasmine are:
α-Thujene: α-Thujene is a sesquiterpene with a woody, spicy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
α-Caryophyllene: α-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with a peppery scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
E-β-ocimene: E-β-ocimene is a sesquiterpene with a slightly floral scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
β-caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with a peppery scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Limonene: Limonene is a sesquiterpene with a citrusy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Terpinen-4-ol: Terpinen-4-ol is a sesquiterpene with a sweet, citrusy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Ocimene: Ocimene is a sesquiterpene with a slightly woody and earthy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
β-elemene: β-Elemene is a sesquiterpene with a peppery scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
β-bisabolene: β-bisabolene is a sesquiterpene with a slightly woody and earthy scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
E-α-farnesene: E-α-farnesene is a sesquiterpene with a slightly sweet and floral scent. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Benzophenones: Jasmine contains benzophenones, which are a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These include:
Benzophenone-1: Benzophenone-1 is a type of benzophenone that is found in jasmine and other plants. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Benzophenone-2: Benzophenone-2 is another type of benzophenone that is found in jasmine. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Benzophenone-4: Benzophenone-4 is a type of benzophenone that is found in jasmine. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Saponins: Jasmine contains saponins, which are a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These include:
Dammarane-type saponins: Jasmine contains a variety of dammarane-type saponins, which are a group of saponins that are relatively unique to the plant kingdom. These saponins have not been as well-studied as other saponins in jasmine, but they are thought to have a variety of potential health benefits.
Dammarane-type glycosides: Jasmine also contains a variety of dammarane-type glycosides, which are compounds that are formed when dammarane-type saponins are combined with sugars. These glycosides are thought to be more bioavailable than the free saponins and may have enhanced health benefits.
Dammarane-type alkaloids: Jasmine contains a variety of dammarane-type alkaloids, which are a group of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compounds that have a variety of physiological effects. The most abundant dammarane-type alkaloids in jasmine are:
Dammarane: This is the most basic dammarane-type alkaloid and is found in many plants, including jasmine. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Isodamimarane: This alkaloid is similar to dammarane, but it has an additional carbon atom in its structure. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Tetraphylline: This alkaloid is similar to isodamimarane, but it has an additional hydroxyl group in its structure. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Isotetraphylline: This is an isomer of tetraphylline and has similar properties.
Saponins: Jasmine contains saponins, which are a type of compound that has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Triterpenoids: Jasmine contains triterpenoids, which are a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The most abundant triterpenoids in jasmine are:
Oleananes: Jasmine contains a variety of oleananes, which are a group of triterpenoids that are found in many plants. Oleananes are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Dammaratanes: Jasmine contains dammaratanes, which are a group of triterpenoids that are relatively unique to the plant kingdom. Dammaratanes have not been as well-studied as other triterpenoids in jasmine, but they are thought to have a variety of potential health benefits.
Triterpenoid glycosides: Jasmine also contains triterpenoid glycosides, which are compounds that are formed when triterpenoids are combined with sugars. These glycosides are thought to be more bioavailable than the free triterpenoids and may have enhanced health benefits.
Lignans: Jasmine contains lignans, a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Jasmine contains a variety of lignans, including:
Naringenin: Naringin is a lignan with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-thrombotic properties.
Pterosetin: Pterosetin is a lignan with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Isoorientin: Isoorientin is a lignan with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Orientin: Orientin is a lignan with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Further compounds in jasmine that were not mentioned so far:
Secoiridoid glycosides: Jasmine also contains a variety of secoiridoid glycosides, which are compounds that are formed when lignans are combined with sugars. Secoiridoid glycosides are thought to be more bioavailable than the free lignans and may have enhanced health benefits.
Caryophyllene oxide: Jasmine contains caryophyllene oxide, which is a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benzothiazolines: Jasmine contains benzothiazolines, which are a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benzofurane: Jasmine contains benzofurane, which is a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid: Jasmine contains acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, which is a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cinnamaldehyde: Jasmine contains cinnamaldehyde, which is a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benzoyl methylcarbinol: Jasmine contains benzoyl methylcarbinol, which is a type of compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Contraindications and Safety of Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Contraindications:
1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of using jasmine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is generally advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid using jasmine in medicinal amounts.
2. Allergic Reactions: Jasmine might cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly when applied to the skin. Individuals with known allergies to jasmine or related plants should exercise caution.
Safety:
1. General Use: Jasmine is likely safe for most people when consumed in food amounts. However, the safety of jasmine when used as medicine is not well established.
2. Oral Consumption: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if jasmine is safe when taken by mouth as a medicine.
3. Topical Application: The safety of jasmine when applied to the skin as a medicine is not well established. It may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
4. Interactions: Currently, there is no well-documented information on jasmine’s interactions with other medications or health conditions.
Special Precautions and Warnings:
1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to the lack of sufficient information on the safety of jasmine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advisable to stick to food amounts and avoid medicinal use.
2. Allergic Reactions: Individuals with a history of allergies to jasmine or related plants should be cautious, especially with topical applications.
Dosing:
The appropriate dose of jasmine depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. Currently, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for jasmine. It is important to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult healthcare professionals before using.
References:
1. “JASMINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews” – https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-617/jasmine