# Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/jasmine
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Middle Eastern
**Also Known As:** Common Jasmine, True Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine, White Jasmine, Summer Jasmine, Hardy Jasmine, Jessamine, Jasminum vulgare, Chambeli, Yasmin, Mo Li Hua

## Overview

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) contains bioactive compounds including linalool, benzyl acetate, and indole, which are believed to modulate GABAergic and serotonergic pathways to produce sedative and CNS-depressant effects. In Unani medicine, it has been used traditionally as a mild anesthetic, astringent, and nervine sedative, though rigorous clinical evidence in humans remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• CNS depressant effects - Traditional use only, no clinical evidence available
• Mild anesthetic properties - Traditional use only, no clinical evidence available
• Astringent effects - Traditional use only, no clinical evidence available
• Sedative properties - Traditional use only, no clinical evidence available
• Potential [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) - Based on presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, no clinical evidence available

## Mechanism of Action

The volatile compound linalool found in Jasminum officinale is thought to modulate GABA-A receptor activity, mimicking benzodiazepine-like sedative effects by enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Benzyl acetate and indole may interact with [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) (5-HT) receptors, contributing to anxiolytic and mood-modulating activity. Tannins present in jasmine plant parts account for its astringent effects by precipitating surface proteins and constricting mucosal tissues.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence supporting the therapeutic uses of Jasminum officinale in humans is virtually absent, with most data derived from traditional Unani texts and ethnopharmacological records rather than controlled trials. Preclinical animal studies have demonstrated CNS-depressant activity with jasmine extracts, including reduced locomotor activity and prolonged sleep duration in rodent models, but these have not been translated into human clinical trials with defined dosages or endpoints. A small number of aromatherapy studies using jasmine essential oil report reduced anxiety scores and improved mood in participants, though these studies typically involve heterogeneous populations, lack blinding, and use subjective outcome measures. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary, and no regulatory body has approved Jasminum officinale for any clinical indication.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Trace amounts", "fiber": "Trace amounts"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_c": "Approximately 2 mg per 100 g", "calcium": "Approximately 20 mg per 100 g", "iron": "Approximately 0.2 mg per 100 g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"flavonoids": "Present, specific concentration not well-documented", "phenolic_compounds": "Present, specific concentration not well-documented", "jasmonates": "Present, specific concentration not well-documented"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of these compounds can vary based on preparation methods and individual metabolic differences. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are generally more bioavailable when consumed as part of a whole food matrix."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Jasminum officinale extracts, powders, or standardized forms, as human trials have not been conducted. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Jasmine is generally considered safe when used in culinary or aromatherapy contexts, but concentrated extracts or essential oils may cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to fragrance compounds such as benzyl acetate or linalool. Due to its purported GABAergic activity, jasmine supplements may theoretically potentiate the effects of CNS depressants, sedatives, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, warranting caution with concurrent use. Jasmine essential oil is not recommended for internal use during pregnancy, as some Unani texts cite emmenagogue properties, and safety in lactation has not been established. No formally documented drug-herb interaction studies exist for Jasminum officinale, so individuals on psychiatric or neurological medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Jasminum officinale were identified in the available research. The current literature consists primarily of phytochemical reviews and traditional use documentation without controlled human studies or PubMed citations.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine systems, Jasminum officinale flowers have been used for centuries as a CNS depressant, mild anesthetic, astringent, and sedative. The whole plant and flowers have been employed for various ailments with documented historical use in China.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Passionflower, Lavender, Valerian, Lemon Balm

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in Jasminum officinale?

The primary bioactive compounds in Jasminum officinale include linalool, benzyl acetate, indole, benzyl alcohol, and tannins. Linalool and benzyl acetate are volatile aromatic constituents believed responsible for the sedative and CNS-depressant properties, while tannins contribute to the astringent effects traditionally valued in Unani medicine.

### Does jasmine have scientifically proven sedative effects?

Animal studies have demonstrated that jasmine extracts can reduce locomotor activity and prolong barbiturate-induced sleep in rodents, suggesting GABA-A receptor modulation via linalool. However, no large-scale, randomized controlled trials in humans have confirmed sedative efficacy at specific dosages, so clinical claims remain based primarily on traditional Unani use and preliminary preclinical data.

### Can jasmine supplements interact with medications?

Because Jasminum officinale may enhance GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission, there is a theoretical risk of additive CNS depression when combined with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, or alcohol. No pharmacokinetic drug-herb interaction studies have been conducted in humans, so caution is advised and healthcare providers should be consulted before combining jasmine extracts with any CNS-active medications.

### Is jasmine safe to use during pregnancy?

Jasmine is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in concentrated extract or essential oil forms, as traditional Unani texts attribute emmenagogue properties to the plant, meaning it may stimulate uterine contractions. Safety data from controlled human studies during pregnancy and lactation are entirely absent, so avoidance is the most prudent approach.

### How is jasmine used in Unani medicine?

In Unani medicine, Jasminum officinale is classified as a nervine sedative and mild CNS depressant, used traditionally to manage anxiety, insomnia, and headaches, as well as topically for its astringent and mild anesthetic properties on skin and mucosal surfaces. Preparations typically include floral infusions, aromatic oils, and poultices, though standardized dosing protocols do not exist and usage is guided by classical Unani texts rather than clinical evidence.

### What is the difference between jasmine tea and jasmine supplement extracts?

Jasmine tea is typically an infusion of jasmine flowers steeped in hot water, providing a mild concentration of active compounds, while jasmine supplements are concentrated extracts that deliver higher doses of bioactive constituents like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Supplement extracts are standardized for potency and offer more consistent dosing, whereas tea provides a gentler, traditional consumption method with lower bioavailability. The choice between forms depends on whether you prefer traditional preparation methods or concentrated supplemental dosing.

### Who should avoid jasmine supplements or use them with caution?

Individuals taking sedative or CNS-depressant medications should use caution with jasmine, as traditional use suggests mild depressant properties that could potentially potentiate drug effects. People with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulants should consult a healthcare provider, as jasmine's astringent properties may affect hemostasis. Additionally, individuals with known allergies to Oleaceae family plants should avoid jasmine supplements to prevent allergic reactions.

### How does jasmine's antioxidant activity compare to other herbal antioxidants?

Jasmine contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant activity, though clinical evidence quantifying its potency relative to other herbs like green tea or turmeric is limited. Traditional use and in vitro studies suggest meaningful antioxidant potential, but human studies directly comparing jasmine to other botanical antioxidants are largely absent from scientific literature. More rigorous comparative research is needed to establish jasmine's ranking among commonly used antioxidant herbs.

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