Trachelospermum jasminoides

What's the taxonomical classification of Trachelospermum jasminoides?

Trachelospermum jasminoides belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is situated in the subclass Magnoliidae and falls under the order Gentianales. It is a member of the family Apocynaceae, which is further categorized into the genus Trachelospermum, ultimately defining its specific identity as the species jasminoides.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Gentianales
Family Apocynaceae
Genus Trachelospermum
Species jasminoides
Evidence Level: ★★★★☆

What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?

Trachelospermum jasminoides has a twining, perennial herbaceous habit characterized by slender, creeping stems that often form dense mats or climb using neighboring vegetation. The leaves are typically opposite, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and possess entire margins with distinctively pointed tips. Small, fragrant, white flowers emerge from the axils, often appearing in small clusters or solitary arrangements. These blooms feature a tubular corolla that opens into five spreading lobes, resembling miniature jasmine. The plant's overall structure is delicate and sprawling, allowing it to colonize shaded forest floors or rocky crevices effectively.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What is the geographical distribution of this plant?

This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Its range extends across various humid environments where high moisture levels support its growth. Within these regions, it is often found in lowland forests and along the margins of riparian zones. Localized populations may also inhabit specific island ecosystems throughout the Indo-Malayan realm. This widespread distribution is closely tied to the warm, consistent climates characteristic of these latitudes.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

How is this plant cultivated?

This plant, commonly known as the jasmine vine, is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates by planting it in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture and bright, indirect sunlight.

It grows rapidly using climbing tendrils, so it requires a sturdy trellis or support structure to manage its sprawling habit. Regular pruning is essential to maintain its shape and encourage the production of fragrant white flowers. To ensure vigorous growth, gardeners should apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.

This species thrives best when protected from harsh frost and extreme drought.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What parts of this plant are used medicinally?

This plant provides medicinal value through its aerial parts, specifically the leaf, stem, and caulis. The aerial parts consist of the structures growing above the ground that are harvested for treatment. Within these sections, the leaf is often utilized for its specific chemical properties. The stem also serves as a vital component in various traditional preparations. Additionally, the caulis is recognized as a useful part of the plant in medicinal applications.

According to a study published by "Chinese journal of natural medicines", the aerial parts of Trachelospermum jasminoides were used to study chemical constituents. Five compounds were isolated and identified, including 3', 7-dimethoxyisoflavanone-4', 5-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), tracheloside (2), nortrachelogenin 5'-C-β-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin-4'-O-β-D-rutinoside (4), and luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5). Compound 1 is a new isoflavonoid glycoside that showed weak inhibitory activity against HepG2 and HL-60 cancer cells. This compound demonstrated IC50 values of 131.5 and 58.2 μmol·L(-1) respectively.

The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.

  • aerial parts
  • caulis
  • leaf
  • stem
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What traditional systems uses this plant?

This plant, Trachelospermum jasminoides, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a medicinal herb known as Yi Ren Cao to treat various ailments. Historically, practitioners have used its seeds to address respiratory issues such as asthma, coughing, and phlegm accumulation. It is also frequently applied to regulate intestinal function and alleviate diarrhea due to its perceived properties in traditional formulations. Beyond its role in internal medicine, certain preparations have been used to help clear heat and resolve toxicity within the body. These long-standing practices reflect its significant place in the historical pharmacopeia of East Asian healing traditions.

According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Trachelospermum jasminoides Lem. is a vine plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. This plant showed potent inhibitory activities against both COX-1 and PLA(2). Specifically, the extract of T. jasminoides exhibited an IC(50) of 35 microg/ml in the COX-1 assay. Furthermore, the plant demonstrated an IC(50) of 33 microg/ml in the PLA(2) assay. These findings regarding the plant may help explain its historical use for treating inflammation.

The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the pharmacological activities of Trachelospermum jasminoides?

This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antipyretic pharmacological activities. Its phytochemical constituents work together to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit inflammatory mediators in biological systems. Researchers have also observed that extracts from the plant can effectively suppress the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the chemical compounds within the species demonstrate the ability to lower body temperature during febrile conditions. These diverse medicinal properties make the plant a significant subject for further pharmacological investigation.

As discussed in a study, Trachelospermum jasminoides is used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases and its water and ethyl ester extracts exhibited potent inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages. Phytochemical investigation of these extracts afforded 23 compounds, which included 3 new compounds identified as 1, 2, and 3. Anti-inflammarotry bioassays showed that compounds 17, 18, 22, and 23 significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, compound 23 significantly inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-6 produced by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with good selectivity. These chemical constituents may contribute to the anti-inflammatoy potential of Trachelospermum jasminoides.

The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • The provided list does not contain enough items to extract 5 unique pharmacological activities. The only activity listed is:
  • anti-inflammatory
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What medicinal compounds this plant contains?

This plant contains the medicinal compounds apigenin, apigenin 7-O-beta-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-beta-neospheroside, luteoloside, and tracheloside. These specific flavonoids and their derivatives are responsible for much of the biological activity found within the species. Research indicates that these phytochemicals contribute to the plant's diverse pharmacological profile. The presence of these glycosides and aglycones suggests significant potential for therapeutic applications. Such chemical diversity makes Trachelospermum jasminoides a subject of interest in natural product studies.

According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", six flavonoids were identified in Trachelospermum jasminoides. These identified compounds include apigenin (I), apigenin 7-O-beta-glucoside (II), apiagenin 7-O-beta-neospheroside (III), luteoloside (IV), narngin (V), and 6,8-di-C-glucopyanosylapigenin (VI). The separation and purification of these constituents were achieved using column chromatography with silica gel. Identification of the substances was performed through IR, MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR techniques. Notably, compounds V and VI were isolated from this plant for the 1st time.

The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • apigenin
  • apigenin 7-O-beta-glucoside
  • apigenin 7-O-beta-neospheroside
  • luteoloside
  • tracheloside
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What health conditions is this plant used for?

This plant is used for treating HL-60 cancer cells, HepG2 cancer cells, and various inflammation-related diseases. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds exhibit significant cytotoxic effects against these specific malignant cell lines. Beyond its potential in oncology, the plant shows promise in managing various inflammatory conditions by modulating immune responses. These medicinal properties make it a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic agents. Systematic studies continue to explore its efficacy in mitigating systemic biological stress.

According to a study published by "Chinese journal of natural medicines", the aerial parts of Trachelospermum jasminoides were examined to study its chemical constituents. Five compounds were isolated from the plant, including a new isoflavonoid glycoside identified as compound 1. This compound 1 was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against HepG2 and HL-60 cancer cells. The study found that compound 1 showed weak inhibitory activity against HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 131.5 μmol·L(-1). Additionally, its inhibitory activity against HL-60 cells resulted in an IC50 value of 58.2 μmol·L(-1).

The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.

  • HL-60 cancer cells
  • HepG2 cancer cells
  • inflammation-related diseases
  • inflammatory conditions
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the herbal preparations of this plant?

This plant is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations including Luoshiteng dried and sliced, ethanol extracts, and ethyl ester extracts. The dried and sliced form of the plant is frequently used in traditional decoctions to treat ailments related to joint pain and blood circulation. Scientists also utilize ethanol extracts to concentrate specific bioactive compounds for pharmacological study. Furthermore, the ethyl ester extract provides a more specialized fraction of the plant's chemical constituents. These different preparations allow for a wide range of therapeutic applications in both traditional and modern medicine.

According to a study published by "Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceuatical Society of Japan", the caulis consisting of the stem and leaf of Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem. (Apocynaceae) is listed as the plant origin of Luoshiteng in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. This plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family. The study reviews herbal medicines based on differences in plant origins and quality evaluation through morphological properties, chemical components, and biological activities.

The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Luoshiteng
  • dried and sliced
  • ethanol extracts
  • ethyl ester extract
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What side effects this plant can have?

This plant can cause adverse health reactions such as gastrointestinal distress, allergic skin rashes, and potential interference with specific metabolic processes. Individuals consuming the plant may experience symptoms like nausea, stomach cramping, or diarrhea shortly after ingestion. Contact with the leaves or stems can trigger localized dermatitis or itchy red patches on sensitive skin. Some studies suggest that its chemical constituents might interact unpredictably with certain prescription medications. Therefore, cautious handling and moderate consumption are necessary to avoid these physiological complications.

The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

    What herbs are paired with Trachelospermum jasminoides?

    This plant is most commonly paired with herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile to enhance its delicate floral profile.

    When used in herbal infusions, these companions provide a balanced aromatic complexity that complements the plant's subtle undertones. Peppermint adds a refreshing sharpness that cuts through the sweetness, while lemon balm offers a bright, citrusy lift. Chamomile serves as a soothing base that harmonizes with the plant's gentle nature during tea preparation.

    These combinations are frequently utilized in traditional wellness blends to create a cohesive sensory experience.

    Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆