¹Department of Botany, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, India.
²Department of Botany, NSS College, Pandalam, Kerala, India.

*Corresponding author:Soorya SS, Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, India Email Id: sooryasindhu97@gmail.com

Copyright: © Soorya SS, et al. 2025. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Information:Submission: 20/07/2025; Accepted: 11/08/2025; Published: 13/08/2025

The genus Jasminum comprises deciduous shrubs and climbers belonging to the family Oleaceae and includes more than 200 species that are both cultivated and found growing wild worldwide. These species are valued for their traditional applications in medicine, perfumery, and cultural practices. Jasminum species are rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, and glycosides. Bioactive constituents isolated from these species have been reported to exhibit therapeutic potential against cancer, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Jasminum extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anthelmintic activities. The essential oils of Jasminum are extensively used in perfumery and aromatherapy, while the flowers hold ceremonial and cultural significance in several countries. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on the morphological, phytochemical, and pharmacological attributes of Jasminum species. It also identifies key bioactive compounds and phytopharmacological activities, emphasizing their potential as valuable resources for drug discovery and therapeutic development.

Keywords:Jasminum species; Morphology; Phytochemicals; Pharmacological effects

Herbal medicines and plant-based chemicals are widely used from ancient period throughout the world and the traditional knowledge of plants has become an important tool in the invention of new drugs and nutraceuticals [1] The medicinal value of plants possess important dimensions in the past few decades for the discovery diverse array of secondary metabolites from plant extracts rather than minerals and primary metabolites [2]. More than 80% individuals from developed countries use traditional medicines and its compounds derived from medicinal plants. Medicinal plants serve as one of the most valuable sources for deriving herbal medicines [3]. Jasminum species are widely associated with aromatic, pharmaceuticals, phytochemicals and cosmetic industries [4]. Jasminum species are commonly cultivated across various regions of India. The genus Jasminum, comprising both shrubs and climbers, is taxonomically classified under the family Oleaceae commonly known as the olive family and encompasses over 200 species globally. Of these, nearly 40 species have been documented as naturally occurring or cultivated within the Indian subcontinent. Jasmine is traditionally recognized as a culturally significant floricultural crop in India. The major jasmine species grown in the state are Kakada (Jasminum multiflorum Burm. F.), Sooji Mallige (Jasminum auriculatum Vanl.) Gundu mallige (Jasminum sambac Ait) and Jaji Mallige (Jasminum grandiflorum Linn). Jasmine is grown for its highly scented flowers. The roots, leaves and flowers of Jasminum plants are used for the treatment of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, conjunctivitis and dermatitis [5]. The extensive traditional use and commercial importance of Jasminum species, comprehensive analysis summarizing their phytochemical diversity, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic applications remain limited. Hence, this systematic review that consolidates existing knowledge, elucidates the phytopharmacological activities of the genus, and identifies future directions for their exploration in drug discovery and nutraceutical development.

Jasminum is the largest genus of the olive family Oleaceae with ∼200 species, which includes flowering shrubs and vines. Jasminum species are widely considered as medicinal plant and has been used since ancient times [6]. In Southern and Eastern parts of India Jasmines are considered as the most important ornamental flowering plant and widely cultivated for their appealing appearance and pleasant fragrance. Jasminum species are cultivated for ornamental gardening, landscape enhancement, the preparation of garlands, hair adornment, and the extraction of essential oils. The basic chromosome number of Oleaceae family is x=13 [7].

The Jasminum genus is considered native to the warm climates of tropical and temperate areas, with its distribution extending from Portugal and The Canary Islands across Southern Europe to Taiwan, Tahiti, and Australia. Jasmine is particularly valued for its fragrant flowers and the extraction of essential oil. The Indo-Malayan region is considered the centre of origin of Jasminum species and India exhibiting significant genetic diversity within the genus. Although the distribution of the Jasminum genus is globally tropical, a significant concentration of species is found in India, China, and the Malayan region. In India, the major jasmine-producing states are Tamil Nadu and Karnataka [8].

Most Jasminum species possess climbing branches without tendrils, although some species exhibit a bushy or creeping growth habit. The leaves, which may be simple or compound, exhibit a variety of shapes including acuminate, lanceolate, cordate, pointed, and oval. Leaf coloration ranges from dark green to light green. The leaf texture varies and can be rough, smooth, pubescent, glabrous, leathery, or velvety, with either an even or uneven leaf base. The flowers of Jasminum species are white, yellow, or very pale pink in colour, and are strongly fragrant. They usually possess five petals, although the number can range from four to nine. Flowers are usually produced in cymose clusters comprising at least three blossoms, although single flowers may occasionally appear at the ends of branchlets. Each flower generally contains two locules and one to four ovules. The flower buds exhibit various shapes, including conical-pointed, conical-rounded, and ovate-rounded forms. The fruit of Jasminum is a two-lobed black berry [9].

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Jasminum [10]

Phytochemical analysis of leaf and flower extracts of Jasminum multiflorum examined the presence of various bioactive compounds, including tannins, sterols, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids [12]. The important phytochemical constituents identified from this species are secoiridoids, which are derived from iridoid-based bicyclic ring structures known as iridanes. The aqueous extract of Jasminum multiflorum contains secoiridoid glycosides, including multifloroside, hydroxyoleoside-11-methylester, 10- hydroxyoleuropein, 10-hydroxyligustroside, jusmultiside, and multiflorin [13]. Phytochemical estimation of Jasminum sambac showed the presence of alkaloids phenols flavonoids, tannins, saponin, and phytosterols [14]. Jasminum sambac was characterized with a wide range of phytochemicals. Its major phytoconstituents were iridoidal glycoside, benzyl xylosylglucoside, phenylethyl primeveroside, linalyl malonylglucoside, dotriacontanoic acid, hesperidin, oleanolic acid, daucosterol, and volatile compounds [15]. Chemical constituents isolated from various parts of Jasminum grandiflorum include secoiridoid glycosides such as demethyl-2″- epifraxamoside, 2″-epifraxamoside, and jasminanhydride. [16]. Phytochemical estimation of Jasminum grandiflorum revealed the presence of secoiridoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins [17]. The primary phytochemical investigation of Jasminum officinale leaves confirmed the occurrence of various bioactive compounds including, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids, saponins, and tannins [18]. Flower buds of Jasminum officinale were identified with six iridoid glycosides as aucubin, loganin, jasgranoside B, deacetyl asperulosidic acid, methylcatalpol, and dehydroxyshanzhiside [19]. Phytochemical examination of the chloroform and methanolic extracts of Jasminum fluminense revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Analysis of the chloroform and methanolic leaf extracts indicated the presence of terpenoids, phenolic compounds, methyl linolenate, hexadecanoic acid, linolenic acid, squalene, and D-α-tocopherol. Similarly, phytochemical screening of the chloroform and methanolic flower extracts showed the presence of lipids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, including hexadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, linolenic acid, linoleoyl chloride, (2E,6E)-farnesylbenzoate, hexatriacontane, glucose benzyloxime pentaacetate, and phenylethanolamine.

Phytochemical assessment of leaves and flowers of Jasminum polyanthum revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, quinones, saponins, and terpenoids. The important phytochemical constituents are from secoiridoid class of compounds - jaspolyside, oleoside-11- methyl ester, 7,11-oleoside dimethyl ester, methyl glucooleoside, augustifolioside, oleuropein, and isonuezhenide [21]. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract of Jasminum humile confirmed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds,

coumarins, steroids, anthraquinones, betacyanins, carbohydrates, fixed oils, and resins [22]. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of essential oils extracted from freshly collected flowers of Jasminum humile revealed the presence of seventeen distinct chemical constituents, predominantly belonging to the terpenoid and phenolic classes. Esters and sesquiterpenes were the main constituents. Esters formed the major class of compounds, and included benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, methyl anthranilate, methyl jasmonate, and methyl epijasmonate. The sesquiterpene fraction was primarily composed of nerolidol, farnesene, and caryophyllene [23]. Caffeic glycoside, secoiridoid glucoside, and flavonoids were the major phytochemicals isolated from the leaves of Jasminum mesnyi. Several glucosides have been isolated from the methanolic leaf extract including hydroxyljasmesosidic acid, jasminin, jasmoside, jasmesoside, oleuropein, secologanin, sambacoside, and jasminin. [24]. The leaves of Jasminum mesnyi contain essential oil, with coumarin identified as the main component. The oil also contains high amounts of monoterpenols such as linalool, terpineol, and geraniol [25]. Phytochemical and biological studies were conducted in the flowering branches of Jasminum fruticans shown the presence of phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids and phenolic acid. Phenolic profiling of J. fruticans extracts by LC/ESI-MS/MS indicated the presence of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, hyperoside, rutin, quercetin, naringenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and gallic acid [26]. Alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and phenolic compounds were identified in the phytochemical analysis of Jasminum auriculatum [27]. GC-MS analysis of flower absolutes from Jasminum auriculatum revealed the presence of several lipid derivatives, terpenoids, and alkaloids including methyl hexadecanoate, (Z)-jasmone, methyl linolenate, indole, (2E,6E) α- farnesene, (E)-phytol, (2E,6E)-farnesol, 2,3-epoxy squalene, squalene, δ-jasmine lactone, and nerolidol [28].

Anti-inflammatory activity
The anti-inflammatory potential of the total methanolic extract from the aerial parts of Jasminum grandiflorum L. (JTME) was investigated using two experimental rat models-acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and adjuvant-induced arthritis. In vitro antiinflammatory activity of JTME methanolic fractions was tested calorimetrically and described the inhibitory COX and LOX activities were determined by using colorimetric inhibitor screening assay kits. The anti-inflammatory activity of JTME was shown in a dose-dependent manner at 400 mg/kg. It lowered the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and MPO in the intestines and also protected the tight junctions of intestinal cells by maintaining the levels of claudin and occludin [29]. The antiinflammatory activity of Jasminum sambac was analysed using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma. The ethanolic root extract of J. sambac demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced inflammation at all dose levels, with the highest effect observed at 400 mg/kg. A significant reduction in granuloma formation was observed at 200 and 400 mg/kg in the cotton pellet-induced inflammation model [30].

Evidence indicates that 70% ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Jasminum lanceolarium (EJL) exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity, as demonstrated by the suppression of COX-2 and 5-LOX expression in carrageenan-induced inflamed rats. The extracts of J. lanceolarium showed strong anti-inflammatory effect at 400 mg/kg. Eleven compounds were isolated from the active extracts, including six lignanoids and five iridoids, which exhibited significant antiinflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.76 to 5.22 mg/ mL when tested for their ability to inhibit phospholipase A₂. The antiinflammatory effect was attributed to their ability to inhibit the breakdown of membrane phospholipids and reduce the production of both COX-2 and 5-LOX, thereby lowering prostaglandin release [31].

Compounds isolated from Jasminum officinale, including the identified sesquiterpenoids Jasminol A, G, and H (nor-cinalbicanetype) and Jasminol B (eremophilene-type), were analyzed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the stem extract. The evaluation performed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. All four compounds showed moderate inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and exhibited low cytotoxicity, with CC₅₀ values greater than 200 μm [32]. The antiinflammatory effects of the extract of Jasminum fruticans were investigated along with two other species, Centaurea pichleri subsp. pichleri and Conyza canadensis, by measuring the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The methanolic extract of J. fruticans was found to be less active in antiinflammatory action compared with the other two plant extracts. The activity of J. fruticans in the control group was recorded as 11 ± 9 μM, while in the LPS-treated group it was 4.28 ± 2.41 μM. The effects of the J. fruticans extract on TNF-α, IFN-γ, PGE₂, and NO levels were estimated as ± 2109.82, ± 115.63, ± 2121.62, and ± 55.72 μM, respectively [33].

The antioxidant activity of Jasminum arborescens leaf extracts prepared in petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol has been evaluated in vitro. The antioxidant potential of the solvent extracts at varying concentrations was evaluated using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The ethanolic extract showed higher antioxidant activity compared with the chloroform and petroleum ether extracts [34]. The ethanolic leaf and dried flower extracts of Jasminum grandiflorum showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 15 μg/ mL, comparable to that of the standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 12 μg/ mL). The extracts also showed nitric oxide radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 98 μg/mL, comparable to that of curcumin (IC₅₀ = 92 μg/mL). In addition, the extracts also exhibited strong reducing power, with an IC₅₀ of 19.5 μg/mL, comparable to quercetin (IC₅₀ = 15.5 μg/mL) [35].

The hydromethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum multiflorum (Burm. f.) Andrews was analyzed for its antioxidant potential. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and the β-carotene–linoleic acid assay. At a concentration of 75 μg/mL, J. multiflorum extract showed strong antioxidant activity with 68.23 ± 0.35% inhibition in the β- carotene-linoleic acid assay and a TEAC value of 60.30 ± 0.60 μmol Trolox g⁻¹ in the FRAP assay [36]. The antioxidant properties of the ethyl acetate extract of Jasminum officinale L. leaves have been investigated. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and FRAP assay. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of J. officinale exhibited strong DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 33.85 ± 1.09 μg/mL. The FRAP assay revealed an IC₅₀ value of 15.14 ± 0.25 μM (expressed as Fe2+ equivalents). In addition, the EAF showed significant α-amylase inhibitory activity, ranging from 13.25% to 74.51%, with an IC₅₀ value of 47.40 ± 0.29 μg/mL [37]. The free radical scavenging activity of the 70% hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Jasminum sambac was evaluated using DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) in the DPPH assay was 122 μg/mL for the extract. The total antioxidant capacity and reducing power were 155.40 μg/mL and 44.28 μg/mL, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide were 173.94 μg/mL and 125 μg/mL, respectively. The extract showed higher free radical scavenging activity against hydrogen peroxide compared with nitric oxide and DPPH, and exhibited moderate reducing power and total antioxidant capacity [38].

Antimicrobial activity of Jasminum auriculatum leaves was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, and MIC values were determined by the serial dilution method. The ethanolic extract of J. auriculatum exhibited inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms. The extent of inhibition varied among the organisms, with zones of inhibition ranging from 11 to 16 mm. Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole (100 μg/mL) showed inhibition zone diameters ranging from 15–24 mm and 16–17 mm, respectively. The extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with a MIC of 0.78 mg/mL and a zone of inhibition of 16.65 ± 0.6 mm [39].

The antibacterial activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Jasminum sambac flowers was evaluated against E. faecalis, S. enterica, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. pyogenes, using microdilution and disc diffusion techniques. Both extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil showed a broader inhibition zone (8–41 mm) than the methanolic extract (7–17 mm). In particular, the essential oil demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against E. faecalis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL [40]. The antimicrobial efficacy of Jasminum grandiflorum absolute was assessed against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, as well as the fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, using agar diffusion and agar dilution assays. Jasmine absolute showed moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella spp., as well as the Gram-positive bacterium E. faecalis [41]. The ethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum mesnyi was studied for its antibacterial activity using broth dilution and agar disc diffusion assays. Significant growth inhibition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila was observed with the diethyl ether fraction, producing inhibition zones of 19 mm and 17 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 250 μg/mL. The disc diffusion assay demonstrated growth inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria (A. hydrophila, V. parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) on agar plates. The hexane fraction (HF) also showed inhibitory effects on the growth of B. anthracis, B. subtilis, and S. aureus. [42].

In vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the flowers, stems, leaves, and roots of Jasminum officinale was assessed against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using broth dilution and agar diffusion methods. The flowers, stems, and leaves showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/mL against all bacteria. The root extract had an MIC of 2 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa and 4 mg/ mL against E. faecalis, S. aureus, and E. coli. All extracts showed significant antibacterial activity in the agar diffusion assay [43].

The whole plant of Jasminum angustifolium was studied for its anticancer effect. Male Swiss albino mice were used to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of ethanolic (EEJA) and aqueous (AEJA) extracts of J. angustifolium against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced tumors. The average life span of the EAC tumor control group was 18.2 ± 1.3 days. In contrast, oral administration of EEJA and AEJA at a dose of 500 mg/kg increased the average life span to 39.4 ± 0.5 days and 36.7 ± 0.7 days, respectively. Treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5- FU) resulted in an average life span of 37.5 ± 1 day, confirming its potent antitumor effect. A considerable reduction in body-weight gain in animals treated with EEJA and AEJA further supported their antitumor potential [44]. The anticancer activity of Jasminum sambac has been evaluated in Swiss albino mice induced with Dalton’s ascites lymphoma. The methanolic flower extract of J. sambac exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in both HeLa and mouse fibroblast cell lines. The IC₅₀ values for cancer and normal cells were determined to be 93.8 μg/mL and 123.3 μg/mL respectively, at concentrations ranging from 25 to 400 μg/mL. significant improvements in blood profiles and reductions in AST, ALT, ACP, ALP, and LDH levels were observed following oral administration of the methanolic extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, supporting the anticancer potential of Jasminum sambac [45].

Methanolic extracts from five different Jasminum species- Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum azoricum, Jasminum sambac (single-flower), Jasminum sambac (double-flower), and Jasminum nudiflorum were investigated for their potential anticancer properties against a liver cancer cell line (HepG2). The percentage inhibition and concentration-dependent response were evaluated for J. azoricum treated HepG2 cells. At a concentration of 10 μg/mL, cell viability was 41.85 ± 0.89%, while at 100 μg/mL, it was reduced to 2.25 ± 0.10%. These findings indicate that J. azoricum exhibits potent anticancer activity and effectively inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation at both concentrations [46].

Plant extracts of Jasminum grandiflorum were screened for antifungal activity under in vitro conditions. Healthy leaf tissues, along with adjacent infected tissues, were surface-sterilized using ethanol and rinsed with sterile distilled water. The disinfected leaf segments were inoculated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Leaves of J. grandiflorum showed dark-coloured lesions with concentric rings. The isolated pathogen produced brownish mycelium and conidia arranged in chains, with both vertical and horizontal septations. Morphological analysis identified the pathogen as belonging to the genus Alternaria, and molecular characterization using primers AaF and AaR confirmed the species-level identity as Alternaria alternata [47]. The antifungal effects of flower extracts from Jasminum officinale was evaluated against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The n-hexane fraction exhibited minimal antifungal activity, with zones of inhibition measuring 2.1 ± 1.3 mm and 3.2 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. The n-butanol fraction demonstrated greater antifungal activity than the standard drug against C. albicans, with a zone of inhibition of 20.9 ± 1.2 mm. Moderate antifungal efficacy was observed in the chloroform fraction, with inhibition zones measuring 13.1 ± 1.3 mm against C. albicans and 12.3 ± 0.6 mm against A. niger [48].

The antifungal activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia species was evaluated using broth microdilution and disc diffusion methods. Essential oils and methanolic extracts of the flowers and leaves were prepared using solvent extraction and hydrodistillation techniques. Sabouraud dextrose agar was used to culture skin samples collected from individuals with dandruff, and fungal growth was confirmed microscopically using the Tween assimilation test. Two Malassezia species were isolated and identified based on their morphology and ability to assimilate Tween. The leaf and flower extracts of J. sambac showed antifungal activity, with inhibition zones of 11.10 ± 1.92 mm, 12.90 ± 1.68 mm, and 13.06 ± 0.26 mm.

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 80 to 160 mg/mL. The study concluded that Malassezia-associated skin infections can be effectively treated with J. sambac extracts [49].

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with the ethanolic extract of Jasminum cuspidatum leaves. A significant reduction in blood glucose levels was observed with the extract at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg compared with the diabetic control group. Treatment with glibenclamide (4 mg/kg) also produced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. The extract at 200 mg/kg showed less glucose-lowering activity compared with the 400 mg/kg dose and glibenclamide [50]. The antidiabetic potential of the ethanolic flower extract of Jasminum sambac has been evaluated through glucose tolerance studies. The extract was tested using oral glucose tolerance tests as well as alloxan and streptozotocin-induced diabetes models. In all models, animals treated with the extract showed significantly lower blood glucose levels compared with the diabetic control group. However, the antidiabetic activity of the J. sambac extract was found to be less effective than the standard drug [51].

Ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Jasminum sambac leaves were tested in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels. The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was less effective compared with the aqueous extract, whereas glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared with the diabetic control group [52].

The n-hexane, chloroform, and aqueous leaf and stem extracts of Jasminum sambac were analysed for their viricidal activity against the foot-and-mouth disease virus using cell culture techniques. The n-hexane extract showed no viricidal activity, whereas the alcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited potential antiviral activity at concentrations of 1000–2000 μg/mL. The chloroform extract was cytotoxic at 1000 μg/mL and 2000 μg/mL in BHK-21 cells, but antiviral activity was observed at lower concentrations of 125 μg/mL and 250 μg/mL. The antiviral potential of J. sambac was attributed to oleuropein, a chemical constituent in the flowers known to inhibit the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) [53].
Oleuropein, a phytochemical extracted from the flowers of Jasminum officinale, was investigated for its antiviral effects against the HepG2 2.2.15 cell line (hepatitis B virus) and for its impact on duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) replication in ducklings. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the cell culture medium, while DHBV levels in duck serum were analyzed using a dot blot assay. Oleuropein inhibited the secretion of HBsAg in HepG2 2.2.15 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ value of 23.2 μg/mL. It also reduced viremia in DHBV-infected ducks [54]. The antiviral activity of compounds isolated from Jasminum multiflorum was assessed against hepatocellular carcinoma cells infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The antiviral efficacy was validated using anchorage independent assays, transwell migration assays, and cell-spreading assays. The flower extract of J. multiflorum demonstrated a selective antiviral effect on HepG2 and Huh-7 cell lines. Treatment with the leaf and flower extracts of J. multiflorum resulted in significant reductions in viral load, with decreases of 80.6 ± 2.1% and 91 ± 0.8%, respectively [55].

The Cytotoxic activity of a 95% ethanolic extract from Jasminum humile aerial parts was assessed against MCF-7, HepG-2 and THP- 1 cell lines using the MTT assay, with doxorubicin employed as the positive control. The extract exhibited cytotoxic effects in a concentration-dependent manner. High cytotoxic potential was observed in the ethanolic extract of Jasminum humile, as evidenced by its lowest IC₅₀ values recorded against THP-1 (46.63 μg/mL) and HepG-2 (59.47 μg/mL) cell lines. These results suggest that aerial parts of Jasminum humile possess strong cytotoxic potential [56].

The dried leaves of Jasminum sambac (L.) were evaluated for cytotoxicity using a brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The crude ethanolic extract showed strong activity against Artemia salina, with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL, respectively. The extract caused concentration-dependent mortality in brine shrimp nauplii, indicating potent cytotoxic properties [57].

The anthelmintic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Jasminum mesnyi was evaluated using adult Indian earthworms (Eisenia fetida). The study demonstrated that the plant extract at concentrations of 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL induced paralysis and death in the worms. Distilled water was used as the control, while Albendazole (10 mg/ mL) served as the reference drug. The results demonstrated that the extract exhibited significant anthelmintic activity [58].
The dichloromethane (DCM-F) and n-butanol (BuOH-F) fractions of Jasminum grandiflorum were separated and evaluated for their anthelmintic activity. The isolated compounds were tested against two groups of helminths—cestodes and arthropods. Four main compounds were found in the most active BuOH-F fraction: two flavonoids (kaempferol-3-O-neohesperoside and rutin) and two secoiridoid glycosides (oleuropein and ligstroside). In the BuOH-F fraction, rutin exhibited the strongest anthelmintic activity at 41.04 μg/mL against H. muscae adult worms. These findings confirmed the anthelmintic potential of Jasminum grandiflorum L. [59].

The methanolic leaf extract and its fractions of Jasminum amplexicaule were evaluated for antidiarrheal activity using various experimental models in mice, including castor oilinduced, magnesium sulphate-induced, anti-enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility assays. The methanolic extract (ME) demonstrated significant antidiarrheal activity at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The n-butanol fraction (BUF) exhibited lower activity than the methanolic extract [60].

The hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum L. leaves was evaluated for anti-ulcer activity using an aspirin and pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model in albino rats. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Treatment with the extract resulted in a significant reduction in the volume of gastric juice, total acidity, free acidity, and ulcer index, along with an increase in gastric pH. A dose-dependent and statistically significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the ulcerative lesion index was observed when compared to the standard drug, omeprazole (30 mg/kg, orally). These findings indicated the gastroprotective potential of J. grandiflorum L. in experimentally induced gastric ulcers [61].
The anti-ulcer activity of alcoholic extracts from the leaves and roots of Jasminum grandiflorum was evaluated in albino rats using aspirin- and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models. Both leaf and root extracts exhibited significant anti-ulcer effects, as evidenced by increased gastric pH and reduced gastric juice volume, total acidity, and free acidity [62].

This review examines the morphological and phytopharmacological aspects of Jasminum species, highlighting their importance as both ornamental and medicinal plants for human use. Jasminum species are distributed pantropically, with the majority concentrated in India, China, and Malaya. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, jasmines are commercially cultivated in countries such as India, Thailand, China, and the Philippines for their fresh flowers. These species are rich in a wide array of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, tannins, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, and various bioactive compounds such as iridoids, secoiridoids, lactones, and secoiridoid glycosides— namely oleuropein, secologanin, multifloroside, oleopolyanthoside, hydroxyoleoside 11-methyl ester, augustifolioside, multiflorin, sambacosides, jaspolyside, jaspofoliamoside, jaspolinaloside, jusmultiside, jasmoside, and jasminin. Pharmacological studies on Jasminum species have revealed their diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-aging, antiviral, antidiarrheal, anticancer, and cytotoxic properties. These bioactive constituents possess promising potential for the development of standardized formulations such as nutraceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, and herbal therapeutics. In addition to their medicinal value, Jasminum essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and the cosmetic industry due to their fragrance and therapeutic benefits. Exploration of novel delivery systems and commercialization strategies could not only enhance the clinical applicability of Jasminum phytoconstituents but also expand their potential in global healthcare and economic sectors.

I am grateful to my mentor and colleagues for their constructive suggestions and valuable insights during the preparation of this review paper. I also extend my sincere thanks to the library and online databases of MG College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for providing access to relevant scientific literature.