Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) Research

Latin Name: Jasminum grandiflorum

Family: Oleaceae

Jasmine has been used as a folk remedy for skin and stomach ulcers, to help reduce lactation and increase menstruation, as an aphrodisiac, to improve mood, and as a topical antifungal (Tomar, 2018).  It has shown in vitro to have antimicrobial actions, with potential against acne bacteria and the hepatitis B virus.  It may also help with ulcers, as a herbicide, and in repelling insects.  A few studies suggest it can improve mood and reduce pains associated with lactation; more research is needed.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• Peace Rhind, J.  (2012). Essential oils.  A handbook for aromatherapy practice.  Singing Drangon.  London.
• Natural Medicines. (2015).  Jasmine Monograph.  Retrieved in July, 2018.  Retrieved from:  https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=617
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• The author indicated traditional therapeutic uses of Jasminum grandiflorum to include: diuretic, emmenagogue, anti- ulcer, and for skin diseases.  Multiple jasmine ssp were evaluated in vitro.  J. grandiflorum extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens, including: Staphylococcus albus, Proteus mirabilis, and Salmonella typhii.  From:  Tomar, K. (2018). Phytochemical studies of selected Jasminum L spp in Rajasthan and their bioefficacy.
• What is the difference between Jasminum sambac and Jasminum grandiflorum?  Read more about the difference between these two essential oils: uhRohMuh Jasmine article

SAFETY

• Do not use the absolute internally because of the toxic constituents of linalool and benzyl acetate (Petersen, 2015).
• Do not use the absolute or essential oil during pregnancy or breast feeding (Petersen, 2015).  There is insufficient evidence to support the safety of using jasmine beyond normal food amounts while pregnant or lactating, and with children (Natural Medicines, 2015).
• Essential oil and absolute are possibly skin sensitizing; a skin patch test is required (Petersen, 2015).
• Essential oil and absolute are often adultered.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIVIRAL / ANTIFUNGAL

• Antibacterial abilities of 96 essential oils and their constituents were assessed. Marigold, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, gardenia, cedarwood, carrot seed, celery seed, mugwort, spikenard, and orange bitter oils along with the constituents of cinnamaldehyde, estragole, carvacrol, benzaldehyde, citral, thymol, eugenol, perillaldehyde, carvone R, and geranyl acetate were strongest against C. jejuni.  From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., & Mandrell, R. E. (2002). Bactericidal activities of plant essential oils and some of their isolated constituents against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. Journal of Food Protection®, 65(10), 1545-1560.
• Antimicrobial activity varies from the parts of the Jasmine plant against human pathogenic microbes. From:  Hussain, M., Bakhsh, H., Aziz, A., Majeed, A., Khan, I. A., Mujeeb, A., & Farooq, U. (2013). Comparative In vitro study of antimicrobial activities of flower and whole plant of Jasminum officinale against some human pathogenic microbes. J Pharm Alternative Med, 2, 33-43.
• Jasmine showed antibacterial activity against a variety of pathogens.  From:  Joy, P., & Raja, D. P. (2008). Anti-bacterial activity studies of Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 2008(1), 59.
• Hemidesmus indicus (sasparilla), Coscinium fenestratum (yellow vine), Tephrosia purpurea, Euphorbia hirta, Symplocos racemosa, Curcubito pepo, Eclipta alba, and Jasminum officinale  showed an inhibitory effects against bacteria that cause acne.  From:  Kumar, G. S., Jayaveera, K. N., Kumar, C. K., Sanjay, U. P., Swamy, B. M., & Kumar, D. V. (2007). Antimicrobial effects of Indian medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria. Tropical journal of pharmaceutical research, 6(2), 717-723.
• Oleuropein extracted from jasmine flowers showed an effect against the hepatitis B virus.  From:  Zhao, G., Yin, Z., & Dong, J. (2009). Antiviral efficacy against hepatitis B virus replication of oleuropein isolated from Jasminum officinale L. var. grandiflorum. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 125(2), 265-268.
• Jasminum sambac showed in vitro action against the fungus: Malassezia, and may be helpful against associated skin infections. From:  Santhanam, J., Ghani, A., Nadiah, F., & Basri, D. F. (2014). Antifungal activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia sp. and non-Malassezia sp. isolated from human skin samples. Journal of Mycology, 2014.
• Jasminum sambac showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial activity in vitro.  From:  Abdoul-Latif, F., Edou, P., Eba, F., Mohamed, N., Ali, A., Djama, S., … & Dicko, M. (2010). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil and methanol extract of Jasminum sambac from Djibouti. African Journal of Plant Science, 4(3), 38-43.

ANTI-ULCER

• Leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum possess potential antiulcer activity.  From:  Umamaheswari, M., Asokkumar, K., Rathidevi, R., Sivashanmugam, A. T., Subhadradevi, V., & Ravi, T. K. (2007). Antiulcer and in vitro antioxidant activities of Jasminum grandiflorum L. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 110(3), 464-470.
• The leaves and roots from Jasmine grandiflorum have been used in folk medicine to treat stomach and skin ulcers. An in vivo study demonstrated reduced gastric acid in rats.  From:  Hunasagi, B. S., Kalyane, N. V., & Somashekhar, M. (2018). Phyto chemical investigation & anti-ulcer activity of Jasminum grandiflorum. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 2201-2203.

MOUTH / COLD SORE

• Oleuropein extracted from jasmine flowers showed an effect against the hepatitis B virus.  From:  Zhao, G., Yin, Z., & Dong, J. (2009). Antiviral efficacy against hepatitis B virus replication of oleuropein isolated from Jasminum officinale L. var. grandiflorum. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 125(2), 265-268.

ANTI-DANDRUFF

• Jasminum sambac showed in vitro action against the fungus: Malassezia, and may be helpful against associated skin infections. From:  Santhanam, J., Ghani, A., Nadiah, F., & Basri, D. F. (2014). Antifungal activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia sp. and non-Malassezia sp. isolated from human skin samples. Journal of Mycology, 2014.

DIGESTIVE AID

• The leaves and roots from Jasmine grandiflorum have been used in folk medicine to treat stomach and skin ulcers. An in vivo study demonstrated reduced gastric acid in rats.  From:  Hunasagi, B. S., Kalyane, N. V., & Somashekhar, M. (2018). Phyto chemical investigation & anti-ulcer activity of Jasminum grandiflorum. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 2201-2203.

SKIN HEALTH

• The leaves and roots from Jasmine grandiflorum have been used in folk medicine to treat stomach and skin ulcers. An in vivo study demonstrated reduced gastric acid in rats.  From:  Hunasagi, B. S., Kalyane, N. V., & Somashekhar, M. (2018). Phyto chemical investigation & anti-ulcer activity of Jasminum grandiflorum. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 2201-2203.
• Jasminum sambac showed in vitro action against the fungus: Malassezia, and may be helpful against associated skin infections. From:  Santhanam, J., Ghani, A., Nadiah, F., & Basri, D. F. (2014). Antifungal activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia sp. and non-Malassezia sp. isolated from human skin samples. Journal of Mycology, 2014.
• Increased wound healing was demonstrated in vivo with extracts of Jasminum sambac.  From:  Anima, P., Arun, M., & Satish, S. (2019). Scientific validation of wound healing potential of Jasminum sambac Ait. South African Journal of Botany, 121, 584-589.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum possess potential antiulcer activity.  From:  Umamaheswari, M., Asokkumar, K., Rathidevi, R., Sivashanmugam, A. T., Subhadradevi, V., & Ravi, T. K. (2007). Antiulcer and in vitro antioxidant activities of Jasminum grandiflorum L. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 110(3), 464-470.
• Jasminum sambac showed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial activity in vitro.  From:  Abdoul-Latif, F., Edou, P., Eba, F., Mohamed, N., Ali, A., Djama, S., … & Dicko, M. (2010). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil and methanol extract of Jasminum sambac from Djibouti. African Journal of Plant Science, 4(3), 38-43.

ANTI-CANCER

• Jasmine extract had a potent chemopreventive efficacy in experimental mammary carcinogenesis. From:  Kolanjiappan, K., & Manoharan, S. (2005). Chemopreventive efficacy and anti‐lipid peroxidative potential of Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. on 7, 12‐dimethylbenz (a) anthracene‐induced rat mammary carcinogenesis. Fundamental & clinical pharmacology, 19(6), 687-693

HERBICIDAL

• Jasmine extract showed herbicidal potential.  From:  Teerarak, M., Laosinwattana, C., & Charoenying, P. (2010). Evaluation of allelopathic, decomposition and cytogenetic activities of Jasminum officinale L. f. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kob. on bioassay plants. Bioresource Technology, 101(14), 5677-5684.

REPELLANT

• The constituent cis-jasmone detracted aphids and attracted insects that ate aphids.  From:  Birkett, M. A., Campbell, C. A., Chamberlain, K., Guerrieri, E., Hick, A. J., Martin, J. L., … & Poppy, G. M. (2000). New roles for cis-jasmone as an insect semiochemical and in plant defense. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(16), 9329-9334.
• The constituent of cis-Jasmone detracted cereal aphids. From:  Bruce, T. J., Martin, J. L., Pickett, J. A., Pye, B. J., Smart, L. E., & Wadhams, L. J. (2003). cis‐Jasmone treatment induces resistance in wheat plants against the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius)(Homoptera: Aphididae). Pest management science, 59(9), 1031-1036.

STIMULANT

• In a small study with bowlers, inhaling jasmine aroma improved bowling score, possibly related to improved alertness, improved hand-eye coordination, reduced anxiety, and improved self-confidence. From: Hirsch, A. R., Ye, Y., Lu, Y., & Choe, M. (2007). The effects of the aroma of jasmine on bowling score. International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics, 1(2), 79-82.  Read more:  Link

• In an EEG study with 20 healthy volunteers, jasmine oil inhalation had a stimulatory effects on the functions of the nervous system.  From:  Sayowan, W., Siripornpanich, V., Hongratanaworakit, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., & Ruangrungsi, N. (2013). The effects of jasmine oil inhalation on brain wave activities and emotions. J Health Res vol, 27(2).  Read more:  Link

CARDIAC HEALTH / HYPOTENSIVE

• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure based on this small study with 58 women.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.

FEMALE HEALTH

• Jasmine reduced lactation in women.  From:  Shrivastav, P., George, K., Balasubramaniam, N., Jasper, M. P., Thomas, M., & Kanagasabhapathy, A. S. (1988). Suppression of puerperal lactation using jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 28(1), 68-71.
• The olfactory nerve stimulation caused by jasmine aroma and the therapeutic benefits to lactating women is discussed.  From:  Aswini Dutt, R., Satish Kumar, N. S., & Hemraj, S. K. (2011). The Rationale behind wearing strings of Jasmine flower by the lactating South Indian Women. Iranian Journal of Medical Hypotheses & Ideas, 5.
• The group of menopausal women who received an aromatherapy massage on the abdomen, back, and arms with lavender, rose geranium, rose, and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week for 8 weeks had reduced symptoms compared to the nontreated group.  From:  Hur, M. H., Yang, Y. S., & Lee, M. S. (2008). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: a pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 325-328.  Read more:  Link
• In a study of 15 perimenopausal women each per tested essential oil, aroma of jasmine absolute, roman chamomile, and clary sage essential oils resulted in increased salivary testosterone levels.  From:  Tarumi, W., Kumagai, C., & Shinohara, K. (2019). Exposure to Essential Oil Odors Increases Salivary Testosterone Concentration in Perimenopausal Women. Acta medica Nagasakiensia, 62(2), 49-54.  Read more:  Link

APHRODISIAC

• Jasmine essential oil has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.  From:  Peace Rhind, J. (2012). Essential Oils. A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. 2^nd Singing Dragon.
• The group of menopausal women who received an aromatherapy massage on the abdomen, back and arms with lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine in almond and primrose oils once a week for 8 weeks had reduced symptoms compared to the nontreated group.  From:  Hur, M. H., Yang, Y. S., & Lee, M. S. (2008). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: a pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 325-328.  Read more:  Link

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 11/14/19