Jasminum officinale
Jasminum officinale · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Jasminum officinale is a versatile botanical species utilized extensively for its diverse pharmacological potential derived from its flowers and leaves. Through various preparations such as ethanolic extracts, cold and hot water infusions, or dried flower powders, researchers have unlocked its significant biological properties. The plant exhibits powerful antioxidant and antibacterial activities, proving effective against pathogens like Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, its chemical components, including spermidine, contribute to specialized functions such as ACE-inhibitor, acaricide, and aldose-reductase-inhibitor activities. These multifaceted characteristics also suggest promising hypoglycemic effects, making the plant a subject of great interest in medicinal studies.
- Synonyms
- Jasminum Officinale Var. Tibeticum · Jasminum Ochroleucum · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Jasminum officinale is a versatile plant known by various regional names across the globe. In many English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, common jasmine. When looking toward Germany, you will often find it identified as Duftsjasmin or Echter Jasmin. Italian speakers recognize this fragrant species as Gelsomino comune. Finally, in certain linguistic contexts, it is also affectionately known as Gesminu.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Jasminum officinale is a versatile species that is frequently identified through various botanical synonyms in scientific literature. It is closely associated with the name Jasminum affine, a designation that sometimes appears in historical records. The plant also encompasses several distinct variations, including Jasminum ochroleucum and the specific form Jasminum officinale f. affine. Further taxonomic diversity is noted through synonyms such as Jasminum officinale f. aureovariegatum and Jasminum officinale var. acutum. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for researchers seeking to accurately classify this fragrant jasmine.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Jasminum officinale belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, showcasing the incredible diversity of the botanical world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its fundamental biological structure. This fragrant species is a member of the order Lamiales, a group known for its unique evolutionary traits. It further finds its place within the Oleaceae family, sharing lineage with several other notable flowering plants. Ultimately, this plant is identified by its specific genus, Jasminum, which defines its characteristic growth and scent.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Jasminum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Jasminum officinale is a versatile species with a remarkably broad geographical footprint spanning multiple continents. In Africa, its presence is specifically noted within Northern Africa, particularly throughout the region of Algeria. Moving into the Asia-Temperate zone, the plant flourishes across the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. Its reach extends deep into Central Asia, with notable populations found in Tadzhikistan. Finally, the species is well-established in China, ranging from the South-Central provinces to the high altitudes of Tibet.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Jasminum officinale typically presents a shrub-like growth form that allows it to thrive in various garden settings. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure without the need for external assistance. Depending on its environment, the height of this species can vary significantly, starting as low as 0.4 meters. Many specimens reach a more substantial size, often measuring at least 2.2 meters in height. Ultimately, this versatile plant can reach a maximum height of approximately 5 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Jasminum officinale has been identified as a medicinal plant with potential antibacterial activity against several human pathogens. In a recent study, extracts from this plant were tested using the agar well diffusion method to evaluate their efficacy. While researchers observed variable antibacterial results for the species, its performance was compared alongside other medicinal plants like Bergenia ciliata and Santalum album. The investigation specifically targeted common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to determine the strength of these natural extracts. Ultimately, these findings suggest that further research is required to isolate the specific bioactive molecules responsible for this antimicrobial effect.
Compounds
Jasminum officinale is a medicinal plant characterized by a rich profile of diverse phytocompounds. Phytochemical testing of its leaves confirms the presence of essential bioactive substances, including flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. Beyond these secondary metabolites, the plant serves as a significant source of the polyamine spermidine, which is noted for its potential anti-aging benefits. These combined chemical components contribute to the plant's notable antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Consequently, the unique composition of J. officinale makes it a promising candidate for the development of natural nutraceutical supplements.
Conditions
Jasminum officinale demonstrates various medicinal properties, including antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Research into blended essential oils containing jasmine also shows antimicrobial effectiveness against the fungus Candida albicans ATCC10231 and the bacterium Escherichia coli ATCC25922. Beyond these antimicrobial effects, the plant possesses significant hypoglycemic characteristics through its ability to maintain glucose levels. Specifically, the leaf extract exhibits anti-diabetic potential by deactivating alpha-amylase. These diverse biological activities highlight the therapeutic versatility of Jasminum officinale in treating both microbial infections and glucose-related issues.
Preparations
Jasminum officinale is prepared as cold and hot water extracts to investigate potential activity against human bacterial pathogens. This plant is also processed into dried flower powders that serve as a rich source of spermidine for natural anti-aging supplements. Furthermore, the leaves of Jasminum officinale are used to create ethanolic extracts which have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against MRSA. In various studies, the plant is utilized in the form of different extracts to evaluate its bioactive properties. These diverse preparation methods allow for the exploration of its medicinal potential in both antibacterial and nutraceutical applications.
Parts used
Jasminum officinale is a highly versatile aromatic plant that offers significant medicinal and nutritional potential through its various components. The flowers of this species serve as a concentrated source of spermidine, making them a promising ingredient for anti-aging nutraceutical supplements. Beyond its blooms, the plant's leaves also play a critical role in modern biotechnology and pharmacology. Researchers have successfully utilized leaf extracts as a green reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles with potent cytotoxic properties. Consequently, both the flowers and leaves of Jasminum officinale demonstrate unique biological activities that could advance human health and medicine.