Jasminum humile
What's the taxonomical classification of Jasminum humile?
Jasminum humile belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Moving through its hierarchical lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. This plant falls under the order Lamiales and is a member of the family Oleaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed within the genus Jasminum, specifically identified as the species humile.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Jasminum |
| Species | humile |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Jasminum humile has a sprawling, woody growth habit characterized by slender, arching stems and small, elliptical, dark green leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The foliage typically consists of simple, entire-margined leaflets that provide a dense, bushy appearance to the shrub. Small, tubular flowers emerge from the leaf axils, often displaying a pale white or yellowish hue during their bloom period. These delicate blossoms are frequently accompanied by small, fleshy fruits that develop following successful pollination. The overall structure of the plant allows it to form low-growing mats or climbing thickets depending on the available support.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically spanning across countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Southern China. It thrives predominantly in humid, low-altitude environments where warm temperatures are consistent throughout the year. While its primary natural range is confined to these Asian territories, it has been widely introduced to other tropical zones by horticulturalists. In these non-native regions, it is often cultivated in gardens and urban landscapes for its fragrant blooms. Consequently, its distribution has expanded from a specific indigenous niche to a broader global presence in warm climates.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and consistent moisture to thrive in temperate to subtropical climates.
It is a vigorous climbing shrub that benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage abundant flowering. Gardeners should provide support such as a trellis or fence to guide its sprawling growth habit. During the growing season, applying organic compost helps sustain the energy needed for its fragrant blooms.
Monitoring for pests and ensuring the roots do not dry out completely are essential steps for successful cultivation.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Jasminum humile is used medicinally through its flowers, leaves, roots, and various aerial parts. The fragrant flowers are frequently harvested to create infusions that help soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety. Its green leaves are often prepared as a tea to treat digestive issues and reduce inflammation in the body. While less common, the roots are utilized in specific traditional remedies for their grounding and calming properties. The broader collection of aerial parts provides a versatile range of aromatic compounds used in holistic wellness practices.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", the flowers of Jasminum humile L. contain promising phytoconstituents for medicinal uses. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS tentatively identified 33 compounds, mainly secoiridoids, within the flower extract. This extract demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 9.3 ± 1.2 µg/mL. Out of the 33 identified compounds, 24 displayed interaction with 52 human target genes. The study further utilized molecular docking with 5 key compounds and the topmost target, EGFR, to verify results. These findings suggest that Jasminum humile serves as a potential therapeutic candidate against breast cancer.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- leaves
- roots
- aerial parts
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Jasminum humile, has been utilized in traditional medicine across various Asian cultures to treat ailments such as inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues.
The aromatic flowers and leaves are often dried and prepared as herbal teas to serve as a calming sedative or to reduce fever. In many regional practices, the plant is integrated into topical poultices meant to soothe localized pain or minor wounds. Its historical significance is also deeply rooted in ceremonial uses where its fragrance is employed for spiritual purification.
These long-standing medicinal applications highlight the plant's central role in ethnobotanical heritage.
What are the pharmacological activities of Jasminum humile?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis-inducing, cytotoxic, and anti-breast cancer pharmacological activities. These medicinal properties suggest that the plant can effectively combat oxidative stress and reduce systemic inflammation within the body. Its cytotoxic nature allows it to target and destroy damaged or abnormal cells through various biological pathways. Specifically, the plant demonstrates anti-breast cancer potential by triggering apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death of malignant cells. These combined mechanisms highlight the therapeutic significance of Jasminum humile in oncology and general pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", Jasminum humile is highly valued for medicinal properties such as using its pulp and leaf decoction for skin diseases and root juice for ringworm. The methanol extract of the plant contains a high amount of total phenolic content at 89.71 ± 2.79 mg RE/g and total flavonoids at 124.77 ± 2.41 mg GAE/g. In studies involving nine groups of male rats with six rats per group, the plant showed non-toxicity even at higher doses. Jasminum humile ameliorates CCl4-induced oxidative stress in the liver by helping to maintain normal levels of serum markers and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the treatment demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) downregulation in the mRNA expression of stress, inflammatory, and fibrosis markers.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- apoptosis inducing
- cytotoxic
- anti-breast cancer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains 1-methoxyjasmigenin, 1-methyl-9-aldojasmigenin, jasmoside, isojasminin, and various total flavonoids. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile of Jasminum humile. Researchers focus on these compounds to investigate potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine. The presence of such specialized secondary metabolites highlights the plant's biochemical complexity. Understanding these substances provides insight into the plant's overall biological activity.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuctical biology", the 95% ethanol extracts of the aerial parts of Jasminum humile L. were investigated for cytotoxicity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines. Chromatographic workup of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions yielded two new compounds, 1-methoxyjasmigenin (1) and 1-methyl-9-aldojasmigenin (2), alongside five known ones (3-7). Jasmoside (5) was identified as the most potent anticancer compound, demonstrating IC50 values of 66.47, 41.32, and 27.59 µg/mL against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines, respectively. Additionally, isojasminin (4) exhibited IC50 values of 33.49, 43.12, and 51.07 µg/mL against those same cell lines. Jasmoside (5) showed the highest selectivity index towards MCF-7 and THP-1, which was even greater than doxorubicin.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 1-methoxyjasmigenin
- 1-methyl-9-aldojasmigenin
- Jasmoside
- isojasminin
- total flavonoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory markers, managing skin diseases, combating cancer cells, and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. Its bioactive compounds demonstrate significant antioxidant properties that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Researchers have observed that its extracts can modulate immune responses by lowering specific inflammatory markers. Furthermore, studies suggest that its chemical constituents possess cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines. The plant also shows promise in topical applications for soothing and healing various skin diseases. Recent investigations even highlight its potential antiviral activities against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
According to a study published by "Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics", seven compounds from Jasminum humile were examined against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme. The total extract T1 displayed the most significant activity against SARS-CoV-2 with an IC50 of 29.36 µg/mL. Additionally, fractions Fr1 and Fr3 showed activity with IC50 values of 70.42 and 73.09 µg/mL, respectively. Among the individual isolates, MJN, JMD, and IJM displayed prominent inhibitory potentials with IC50 values of 30.44, 30.24, and 56.25 µM. The study also utilized MD simulations run for 150 ns to analyze the most active complexes. Finally, the JMD isolate achieved the best anti-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro activity, followed by MJN.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- oxidative stress
- inflammatory markers
- rheumatism
- skin diseases
- ulcers
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including 95% ethanol extracts, decoctions, extracts, and juice. Practitioners often utilize a decoction by boiling the plant material in water to release its therapeutic compounds. The 95% ethanol extracts and concentrated extracts are frequently employed to isolate specific bioactive molecules for more potent applications. Additionally, the fresh juice of the plant can be processed for direct medicinal use. These diverse methods allow for a wide range of pharmacological applications in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", Jasminum humile (Linn) is highly valued for its medicinal properties, where pulp and decoction from its leaves are effective for skin diseases and juice from roots is used against ringworm. The methanol extract of Jasminum humile (JHM) contains a high amount of total phenolic content at 89.71 ± 2.79 mg RE/g and total flavonoid content at 124.77 ± 2.41 mg GAE/g. In studies involving nine groups of male rats with six rats/group, JHM was administered alone and in combination with CCl4 at a ratio of 1:2:4. Results showed that JHM treatment led to significant (P < 0.05) downregulation in the mRNA expression of stress and inflammatory markers. Even at higher doses, the non-toxicity of JHM was revealed.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 95% ethanol extracts
- decoction
- extract
- juice
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines through its concentrated bioactive compounds. These physiological responses occur when specific phytochemicals interfere with the normal division processes of malignant cells. By triggering apoptosis, the plant promotes programmed cell death to eliminate abnormal growths. Furthermore, the induction of cell cycle arrest prevents these cells from replicating their genetic material effectively. The resulting cytotoxicity ensures that the structural integrity of the targeted cells is compromised beyond repair.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", Jasminum humile L. extract demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 9.3 ± 1.2 µg/mL. HPLC-PDA-MS/MS tentatively identified 33 compounds within the flowers, and network analysis revealed that 24 of these compounds displayed interactions with 52 human target genes. The extract induces apoptosis by disrupting the G2/M phase in the cell cycle and increasing the percentage of early and late apoptosis in Annexin V-FITC. Furthermore, J. humile affects oxidative stress markers including CAT, SOD, and GSH-R. The study suggests that the plant suppresses breast cancer proliferation through the EGFR signaling pathway, HER2, and Estrogen signaling pathway.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- apoptosis
- cell cycle arrest
- cytotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Jasminum humile?
This plant pairs most effectively with citrusy herbs like lemongrass, mint, and lemon balm to enhance its delicate floral notes.
When blending jasmine for teas or aromatherapy, adding a touch of lavender can provide a soothing, calming undertone. For more complex profiles, pairing it with rose petals or chamomile creates a sophisticated and aromatic floral bouquet. These combinations work well because the light sweetness of the jasmine complements the bright and refreshing scents of its companions.
Using these specific pairings allows for a balanced sensory experience in both culinary and wellness applications.