Unveiling the Night-Flowering Jasmine: A Comprehensive Review of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis’ (Oleaceae) Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine, and Therapeutic Potential

Authors

• Subham Saha, Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, IndiaFollow
• Soumya Mitra, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani, Bidhannagar, Durgapur 713206, IndiaFollow
• Tathagata Khanra, Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, IndiaFollow
• Saban Karmakar, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, IndiaFollow
• Tamalica Hore, Sports and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, University Colleges of Science & Technology, Kolkata 700009, IndiaFollow
• Subhash C. Mandal, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, IndiaFollow

Abstract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT), typically known as Night-flowering Jasmine or Harsingar or Parijat, is one of the prominent medicinal plants indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Its application dates back to ancient times, with substantial documentation in former religious texts. Native communities have traditionally used this for various human ailments and as an ornamental plant. Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of this plant are rich in various primary and secondary metabolites, providing a wide range of pharmacological effects. The most abundantly found phytoconstituents belong to iridoid glycosides, such as arbortristosides. Comprehensive research has investigated its potential in anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. Preclinical studies show auspicious effectiveness towards the management of metabolic and viral disorders, supported by the non-toxic nature of its extracts, which warrants advanced clinical investigation. This review is designed to deliver a comprehensive sketch of N. arbor-tristis, comprising its phytochemical constituents and traditional applications in Ayurveda and Unani medicine as well as pharmacological properties. By combining existing information, this will guide future research towards therapeutic development and validation.

Recommended Citation

Saha, Subham; Mitra, Soumya; Khanra, Tathagata; Karmakar, Saban; Hore, Tamalica; and Mandal, Subhash C. (2025) "Unveiling the Night-Flowering Jasmine: A Comprehensive Review of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis’ (Oleaceae) Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine, and Therapeutic Potential," International Journal of Traditional Knowledge: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://knowledgeconnect.sastra.edu/ijtk/vol1/iss1/5