Jasminum multiflorum (Oleaceae) Star Jasmine

Das K
Dec 7
5 min read

Jasminum multiflorum (Winter Jasmine, Kundphool)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Jasminum multiflorum

Family: Oleaceae (Olive family)

Genus: Jasminum

The Oleaceae family is known for its fragrant flowers and includes several trees and shrubs of economic importance for wood, oil, and medicine. Many members contain secoiridoid compounds with bitter and therapeutic properties.

Related Herbs from the same family:

Olea europaea (Olive, Jaitun): While native to the Mediterranean, its oil (Taila) is highly valued in Ayurveda for massage (Abhyanga) and as a base for medicinal oils. It represents the family's significance for producing valuable fixed oils.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Night-flowering Jasmine, Parijata): A revered Ayurvedic herb native to the Indian subcontinent. Its flowers are used for fever, arthritis, and as a bitter tonic, and its leaves for sciatica and fever.
Fraxinus spp. (Ash tree): Species like Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash) are used in Western herbalism for anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, particularly for gout and arthritis. Fraxinus ornus (Manna Ash) yields a sweet laxative.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Febrifuge (reduces fever), Detoxifying, Astringent, Galactagogue (mild), Carminative (relieves gas), Anthelmintic (expels worms).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Jasminum multiflorum plant in medicine are the leaves, roots, and flowers.

Leaves: The primary part used for fevers, skin diseases, and as a poultice for wounds and headaches.
Roots: Used for their stronger analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for toothache and muscular pain.
Flowers: Used for their mild fragrance in oils and for digestive issues.
Stems/Bark: Occasionally used in decoctions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Secoiridoids (Jasmultiside, Oleoside derivatives): Characteristic bitter compounds of the Oleaceae family. Their actions include significant Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects. They are also potent Antioxidants and may contribute to hepatoprotection.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin, Luteolin): Present in leaves and flowers. Their actions include strong free-radical scavenging (Antioxidant), Anti-inflammatory, and Vasoprotective (strengthens blood vessels) effects.

Triterpenoids (Betulinic Acid, Ursolic Acid): These compounds have demonstrated Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and potential Antitumor activities. They contribute to the plant's wound-healing and pain-relieving properties.

Alkaloids (Jasminine): Isolated from the plant, these may contribute to its reported mild sedative and analgesic (Nervine) effects.

Tannins: Provide an Astringent action, useful for toning tissues, treating diarrhea, and cleansing wounds.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensations)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the leaves is administered to reduce fevers, especially those accompanied by a feeling of heat and body aches. It is also used to quench excessive thirst.

Reasoning: The febrifuge and anti-inflammatory properties of its secoiridoids and flavonoids help lower body temperature and soothe systemic inflammation.

Shoola (Pain) - Shirahshoola (Headache) & Dantashoola (Toothache)

Formulation: Leaf poultice (headache); root bark decoction as mouthwash (toothache).

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste and applied to the forehead for headaches. A decoction of the root bark is used as a gargle or mouthwash to relieve toothache and gum inflammation.

Reasoning: The analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds (triterpenoids, secoiridoids) provide local relief from pain and reduce swelling in affected tissues.

Kushta (Skin Diseases) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf paste or decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: The paste of fresh leaves is applied on ringworm, ulcers, and other skin infections. A decoction of the leaves is used to wash chronic, non-healing wounds.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins and antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory flavonoids help cleanse wounds, reduce discharge, and promote tissue contraction and healing.

Krimi (Worms) & Udara Shoola (Abdominal Colic)

Formulation: Leaf juice or flower infusion.

Preparation & Use: The juice of the leaves or an infusion of the flowers is given to expel intestinal worms. It is also used to relieve colicky pain and flatulence.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic property is attributed to specific alkaloids or bitter principles. The carminative action helps expel gas and ease spasms in the digestive tract.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Jasminum multiflorum is primarily a medicinal plant, though the flowers are sometimes used to scent teas.

Kunda Leaf Decoction for Fever

Purpose: To reduce fever and associated body aches.

Preparation & Use:

Take 8-10 fresh leaves or 1 tsp dried leaves.
Boil in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.
Strain and drink warm, twice a day during fever.

Analgesic Root Mouthwash for Toothache

Purpose: For temporary relief of toothache and gum inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

Boil a 2-inch piece of crushed root bark in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes.
Strain and let it cool to a warm temperature.
Gargle and swish the decoction in the mouth for 1-2 minutes. Spit out. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

Wound-Cleansing Wash

Purpose: To clean ulcers and promote healing.

Preparation & Use:

Prepare a strong decoction with a handful of leaves in 4 cups of water, boiled down to 2 cups.
Let it cool completely.
Use this decoction to gently clean the wound 2-3 times daily.

7. Disclaimer:Jasminum multiflorum has a history of traditional use, but scientific data on its safety and efficacy is limited. Internal use should be moderate and short-term. The plant may have uterotonic effects, so it is contraindicated during pregnancy. As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic doctor before use, especially for treating specific medical conditions. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni
Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products (Raw Materials Series)
Compendium of Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka (relevant for regional uses)
Ethnobotany of India series by T. Pullaiah.

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Parijata, Night Jasmine)

Species: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis | Family: Oleaceae | Genus: Nyctanthes
Similarities: A direct botanical relative from the same family. Both are used as febrifuges and for joint pain. Parijata is more specifically used for arthritis, sciatica, and as a bitter tonic, while Kunda is used more for skin ailments and headaches.

2. Clerodendrum phlomidis (Agnimantha)

Species: Clerodendrum phlomidis | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Clerodendrum
Similarities: Both are important in Ayurveda for fever and inflammation. Agnimantha is a key component of the Dashamula formula, used for Vata disorders and pain. Both share analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi)

Species: Vitex negundo | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Vitex
Similarities: Both are renowned for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, used extensively for headaches, joint pain, and skin conditions. Leaves of both are used in poultices. Nirgundi has stronger scientific validation for its pain-relieving effects.

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PREHEALING

Jasminum multiflorum (Oleaceae) Star Jasmine

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