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 |
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.
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.
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.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
Trachelospermum jasminoides contains medicinal properties found primarily in its leaves, roots, and entire plant body. The leaves are frequently utilized in traditional practices to treat various inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Extracts derived from the roots are often applied to address digestive issues or fever in certain regional medicinal systems. Additionally, the whole plant can be decocted to create herbal remedies intended to soothe internal discomfort. These diverse parts work together to provide a range of therapeutic applications in folk medicine.
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as jasminewood, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments including inflammation, skin diseases, and respiratory issues.
Historically, practitioners prepared the plant as a decoction or topical application to alleviate swelling and soothe painful conditions. Its bioactive compounds were specifically valued for their perceived ability to clear heat and detoxify the body according to ancient medical theories. Many regional folk practices also utilized different parts of the plant to manage localized infections or minor wounds.
These long-standing customs provided a foundation for contemporary studies into its pharmacological properties.
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
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
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
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant can be prepared as a decoction, an infusion, or a topical paste to utilize its bioactive compounds for medicinal purposes. Practitioners often boil the dried leaves and stems in water to create a concentrated liquid for internal consumption. Some traditional methods involve grinding the fresh plant material into a fine pulp to apply directly onto skin irritations or wounds. These liquid extracts are frequently used to address inflammatory conditions or to support general wellness in various folk medicine practices. The specific method of preparation depends entirely on the intended therapeutic effect and the part of the plant being utilized.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or localized swelling upon direct contact with the sensitive tissues of the body. While specific clinical studies on human toxicity are limited, many plants in similar families can trigger hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals. Users may experience redness, itching, or a burning sensation if the sap or leaves touch the skin. It is important to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes to prevent more severe inflammatory responses. Always exercise caution and perform a patch test before any potential exposure to the species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
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.