Review on Medicinal use of Nyctanthes arbortristis

 

Ganesh G. Dhakad, Kaveri P. Tambe, Sangita P. Shirsat, Neha R. Jaiswal

Ahinsa Institute of Pharmacy, Dondaicha, 425408.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: ganeshdhakad552@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Nyctanthes arbortristis is one of the most useful traditional medicinal plants in India. It is distributed widely in sub-Himalayan regions and Southwards to Godavari. Each part of the plant has some important medicinal value and is thus commercially exploitable1. It is now considered as a valuable source of several unique products for the medicines against various diseases and also for the development of some industrial products. The present review is to focus on the potential phyto-chemicals and pharmacological activity of plant N. Arbortristis1. Various parts of the plant like seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and fruits have been investigated for their significant pharmacological activity. Phyto-chemicals like flavanoid, glycoside, oleanic acid, essential oils, tannic acid, carotene, friedeline, lupeol, glucose, benzoic acid have been reported for significant hair tonic, hepatoprotective, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-viral, antifungal, anti-pyretic, anti-histaminic, anti-malerial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of Night jasmine and emphasizes the need for further exploring available information

 

KEYWORDS: Medicinal use, Nyctanthes arbortristis

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Nyctanthes arbortristis is one of the most useful traditional medicinal plants in India. It is distributed widely in sub-Himalayan regions and Southwards to Godavari. Each part of the plant has some important medicinal value and is thus commercially exploitable1. It is now considered as a valuable source of several unique products for the medicines against various diseases and also for the development of some industrial products. The present review is to focus on the potential phyto-chemicals and pharmacological activity of plant N. Arbortristis1. Various parts of the plant like seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and fruits have been investigated for their significant pharmacological activity.

 

Phyto-chemicals like flavanoid, glycoside, oleanic acid, essential oils, tannic acid, carotene, friedeline, lupeol, glucose, benzoic acid have been reported for significant hair tonic, hepatoprotective, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-viral, antifungal, anti-pyretic, anti-histaminic, anti-malerial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of Night jasmine and emphasizes the need for further exploring available information

 

Parijat, also known as Night-flowering Jasmine, is an important plant used in traditional medicines for the treatment of various diseases. The plant is used as a herbal remedy for treating various infectious and non-infectious diseases Traditionally, different parts of the plant have been used as herbal remedies for treating conditions like intermittent fevers, arthritis, and sciatica. The plant shows anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties which help in managing pain and fever. It is also used as a laxative, in rheumatism, skin ailments, and as a sedative As per the Ayurveda textbook, the plant provides relief from the symptoms of cough and cold. Drinking fresh Parijat leaves juice with honey helps to reduce the symptoms of fever due to its Ushna (hot) property. The plant also helps in the treatment of arthritis. It balances the aggravated Vata which is considered as a major reason for symptoms. Some researchers suggest its use on the hair scalp to get relief from hair fall. The leaves of the plant can be used to treat ringworm and other skin diseases4. According to Ayurveda, the paste of the Parijat plant leaves, when applied externally, can provide benefits in reducing the pain caused due to an imbalance of Vata dosha due to its Vata-balancing property. It is advised to do a patch test before applying Parijat externally in any form to avoid any allergy.

 

Plant Description:

Night Blooming Jasmine is an evergreen, upright and woody glabrous extensive shrub or small tree that normally grows about 2-4m tall. The plant thrives in moist or wet forests including riparian zones, secondary forests and dense lowland forests, scrub, as well as open areas, both natural and disturbed, and is commonly cultivated in gardens, trail sides, forest gaps and landslides. It has also invaded open forests, forest margins, the sides of streams and shrub lands. The plant grows best in well-draining, sandy soil, preferably somewhere with a lot of space for its roots to spread out. Young twigs are thinly finely hairy. Branches are erect or drooping, angular, olive or bluish-green, lenticellate and glabrescent.1

 

Part of Nyctanthes arbortristis:

Stems:

The branches are somewhat flexuous (bending and twining) and are sparsely finely hairy (pubescent) with simple hairs. The smaller twigs especially, exhibit these hairs.

 

Leaves:

The leaves are long, elliptical and lanceolate (resembling a spear-head), 6-15cm long and 2-7cm wide; smooth and glossy with even margins with petioles about 0.4-0.8cm long.  Lateral veins are curving inside the blade margin but not forming definite loops. The mid-rib under surface is finely hairy.

Flowers:

The flowers are produced at the ends of the branches where they occur as dense clusters of flowers on short stems that arise from the junctions of the leaves and the twigs. The result is a densely crowded end cluster of both flowers and leaves. The flowers are tubular, greenish white to cream (there is a known yellow variety) and the top of the tube splits into five sharply pointed, triangular lobes or petals.  Tubular section of the flower is 2-2.5cm long and the opened flower at night is about 1-1.3cm in diameter. The stamens and anthers are contained within the floral tube.2

 

Although the flowers are not showy to the eye, their sweet scent can overpower. The perfume is distinctly powerful at night – this feature has had its influence on its common name in all languages. The Hindi name translates to queen of the night, while the Manipuri name means moon flower. No fragrant garden is complete without this nocturnal beauty. While night blooming jasmine is a gorgeous plant with charming blooms, the scent also produces severe allergic reactions in some individuals.3

 

Chemical constituents:

•     Leaves: The leaves contain D-mannitol, β-sitosterol, flavanol glycosides, astragalin, nicotiflorin, oleanolic acid, nyctanthic acid, tannic acid, ascorbic acid, methyl salicylate, an amorphous glycoside, an amorphous resin, trace of volatile oil, carotene, friedeline, lupeol, mannitol, glucose, fructose, iridoid glycosides, and benzoic acid.

•     Flowers: The flowers contain essential oils, nyctanthin, D-mannitol, tannins, glucose, carotenoids, glycosides including β-monogentiobioside ester of α-crocetin (or crocin-3), β-monogentiobioside-β-D monoglucoside ester of α-crocetin, and β-digentiobioside ester of α-crocetin (or crocin-1).

•     Seeds: The seeds contain arbortristosides A and B; glycerides of linoleic, oleic, lignoceric, stearic, palmitic and myristic acids; nyctanthic acid; 3,4-secotriterpene acid; and a water-soluble polysaccharide composed of D-glucose and D-mannose.

•     Bark: The bark contains glycosides and alkaloids.

•     Stem: The stems contain the glycoside naringenin-4’-0-β-glucapyranosyl-α-xylopyranoside and β-sitosterol.

•     Flower oil: The flower oil contains α-pinene, p-cymene, 1-hexanol, methylheptanone, phenyl acetaldehyde, 1-decenol and anisaldehyde.

•     Plant: The plant contains 2,3,4,6-tetra-0-methyl-D-glucose; 2,3,6 tri-0-methyl-D-glucose; 2,3,6-tri-0-methyl-D-mannose; 2,3,-di-0-methyl-D-mannose; arbortristosides A, B, and C; and iridoid glycosides.4,5

 

Benefits of Nyctanthes arbortristis:

·       Arthritis:

Parijat or Harsingar leaves are effective herbal remedies for reducing painful conditions like osteoarthritis. As per Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is known as Sandhivata and it occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha. It causes pain, swelling, and joint mobility. Taking Parijat leaves powder helps to balance the aggravated Vata and reduces the symptoms of arthritis because of its Vata balancing property.6

·       Sciatica:

Ayurveda describes sciatica as Gridhrasi, and it is caused by the aggravation of Vata. Sometimes aggravated Kapha and Vata can also cause sciatica. Parijat has Ushna (hot) nature that helps to bring back the aggravated Vata. It also helps to restore the state of equilibrium by maintaining the balance between Kapha and Vata dosha to provide relief in symptoms of Sciatica.

 

Fever:

Parijat or Harsingar can prove to be beneficial in controlling the fever. As per Ayurveda, accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body may sometimes cause fever. Taking Parijat leaves juice with honey helps to reduce the symptoms of fever by reducing Ama because of its Ushna (hot) property.

 

·       Indigestion:

According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed as Agnimandya. It occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the ingested food is left undigested due to Mand Agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and causes indigestion. Parijat helps enhance the Agni, thus leading to improved digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties.7

 

·       Diabetes:

Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an aggravation of Vata-Kapha dosha as well as impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Parijat helps manage diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Tikta (bitter) properties. It helps prevent the accumulation of Ama and improves the function of insulin, thereby managing blood sugar levels and reducing the symptoms of diabetes.8

·       Joint pain:

Parijat oil can help to reduce bone and joint pain. According to Ayurveda, bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly caused due to an imbalanced Vata. Applying Parijat oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata-balancing property.

·       Hairfall:

Parijat has Keshya (hair tonic) property which helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth. Juice of Parijat flower or paste of the seeds, when applied to the scalp, can give quick results and also promote hair growth.

·       Ringworm:

Ringworm or Dadru with itching and burning sensation is due to an imbalance of Kapha and Pitta dosha. Parijat leaves juice helps to control fungal infections and itching associated with ringworm. This is due to its Kushtghna (useful in skin disease) and Kapha pacifying properties.9

·       For the treatment of Malaria:

Studies have found that parijat leaves are very beneficial for the treatment of the symptoms of malaria. Parijat leaves alleviate malaria fever and helps reduce the parasite concentration in the body. The leaves also reduce inflammation caused by malaria significantly.10

 

Other facts:

·       Night blooming jasmine is a popular ornamental due to its showy and fragrant white flowers, and has for this reason been introduced around the world.

·       It is also used as a hedge plant and cultivated as a medicinal plant.

·       Leaves have an unpleasant odor when crushed.

·       Night blooming jasmine can be grown in cooler climates as a house or conservatory plant.

·       Night-blooming jasmines flower up to four times per year, after which, they produce white berries full of seeds.

·       In Kathmandu, its flowers are presented as offerings to Shiva and Ganesh.

·       Nepalese shamans create ritual incense from the leaves and fresh flowers, eat the fresh flowers, and smoke them when dried to increase spiritual healing energies.

·       Fresh powdered leaves of Night blooming jasmine show promising control against the beetles rice weevil and Trogoderma granarium.

·       Essential oil is used as mosquito repellent.11

 

Side Effects of Nyctanthes Arbortristis:

Parijat should be used cautiously and in moderation. There can be a few side effects of Parijat that can be seen:

·       Parijat leaves have a bitter and sharp taste that can cause vomiting for first time consumers.

·       Continuous use of parijat leaves can cause gastric lesions as it contains methyl salicylate.

·       The leaves also contain tannic acid that can cause stomach irritation, nausea, and vomiting for some people.

·       Ingesting large amounts of Parijat leaves at once can cause nausea, stomach irritation, and diarrhoea due to the presence of glycoside in the leaves.12

 

Safety and side effects:

Generally speaking, jasmine tea is incredibly healthy with little to no side effects. However, it does contain caffeine, which may cause issues for some people. Side effects of ingesting too much caffeine include anxiety, restlessness, jitters, and stomach issues (37 Trusted Source). Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake as it may raise miscarriage risk.Jasmine tea also contains catechins, which could reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron from foods. In high quantities, catechins may increase your risk of iron deficiency anemia (38 Trusted Source). Still, this mostly applies to people at risk of iron deficiency, including pregnant women, young children, and people with dietary restrictions. That said, if you’re at risk of iron deficiency, consider drinking jasmine tea between meals instead of with meals — or waiting at least an hour after eating to drink the tea.13

 

CONCLUSION:

Cestrum nocturnum commonly known as queen of the night is a popular ornamental species widely distributed for its strongly fragrant flowers that bloom at night. It is a species of Cestrum in the plant family Solanaceae (the potato family) native to Mexico, Central America (i.e. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) and Cuba. It aggressively colonizes disturbed sites such as road edges and forest gaps forming dense impenetrable thickets and resulting in competition with and displacement of native plant species.14 Evening scented jessamine, jessamine, lady of the night, lady-of-the-night, night blooming jasmine, night cestrum, night jessamine, night queen, night-blooming jasmine, night-flowering cestrum, night-flowering jasmine, night-scented jasmine, queen of the night, night blooming cestrum and bastard jasmine are some of the common popular names of the plant. C. nocturnum is also known to be poisonous if ingested, forming a risk to grazing livestock and has been known to produce hay-fever like symptoms in some people.15

 

REFERENCE:

1.      Hussain A and Ramteke A. Flower extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis modulates glutathione level in hydrogen peroxide treated lymphocytes. Pharmacognosy Res. 2012 Oct-Dec; 4(4): 230–233

2.      Agrawal J and Pal A. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn--a critical ethnopharmacological review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Apr 19; 146(3): 645-58

3.      Uses of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L

4.      Rangika BS, Dayananda PD, and Peiris DC. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of aqueous extract of flowers from Nycantus arbor-tristis L. in male mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015; 15: 289. 

5.      Tripathi A, Kumar S and Srivastava SK. Medicinal Properties of Harsingar (Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis Linn.): A Review. Int J Creat Res Thoughts. 2021. Volume 9, Issue 1. 

6.      Thokala M. A Literary Review of Nyctanthes Arbortristislinn (Parijatha) Linn in Ayurvedic Classics. World J Pharm Res. Volume 7, Issue 04, 410-419. 

7.      Sopi RB and Khan MFH. Bronchodilatory effect of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbortristis. Pharmacognosy Res. 2013 Jul-Sep; 5(3): 169–172. 

8.      https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2128/#b

9.      https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/CEMNO

10.   http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2713666

11.   https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/cestrum_nocturnum.htm

12.   https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/265827

13.   http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Night%20Blooming%20Jasmine.html

14.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cestrum_nocturnum

15.   http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Cestrum+nocturnum

 

 

 

Received on 23.04.2022            Modified on 10.05.2022

Accepted on 21.05.2022       ©A&V Publications All right reserved

Res.  J. Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics.2022;14(3):179-182.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5836.2022.00031