What Are The Health Benefits Of Jasmine Flowers?

Originating in the majestic Himalayan Mountains, the jasmine family consists of about 200 different plant species native to the semitropical climates of Asia. The aromatic flower is used for beguiling the senses, adorning sacred temples, flavoring tea and scenting the sacred water of Buddhist monks. Besides jasmine's obvious beauty and euphoric scent, its leaves, stem and root are all used in Chinese medicine for treating fever, pain and inflammation. Research into its chemical properties reveals that jasmine, flower and all, may be as healthful as it is beautiful.

Antibacterial

The essential oils of many plant varieties break down the cell walls of various bacteria; jasmine's flower is rich with essential oils. Researchers in India investigated the antibacterial properties of jasmine's oils against a particularly resistant strain of E. coli, a bacteria that invades the immune system. Researchers identified 75 active chemical components in jasmine oil and subsequently produced a synthetic version. Both the synthetic and natural oil possessed the ability to stop reproduction of and kill E. coli. More research is needed to validate for clinical use.

Antioxidant

Epidemiologists marvel at results that associate tea consumption in China with low rates of coronary heart disease. In a June 1999 study published in the "Journal of Nutrition," researchers evaluated the antioxidant effects of jasmine tea on cholesterol levels in hamsters. They fed hamsters a high-fat diet and gave no or varying doses of jasmine green tea extract. Doses matched average consumption in humans drinking 3, 9 or 15 cups daily. The hamsters receiving the jasmine extract had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers believe this may be due to the extract's ability to inhibit absorption of fat. Drinking jasmine tea regularly may translate to reducing the effects of high fat consumption in humans.

Anti-cancer Treatment

A compound found in jasmine, methyl jasmonate, may have anti-cancer properties. A January 2010 study published by "Anticancer Drugs" combined this compound with the plant compound perillyl alcohol, both known to inhibit cancer growth in laboratory studies, with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. All inhibit cancer growth to some extent, and together they provided up to 98 percent growth inhibition in breast cancer cells. Since the chemotherapy drug alone causes severe side effects, researchers say adding the more gentle plant compounds that have shown to fight the cancer cells reduces some of the toxicity while enhancing the effects of the chemotherapy. Clinical trials are needed at varying doses to demonstrate the compound's effectiveness.

Aromatherapy and Menopause

Jasmine aromatherapy massage may help reduce the symptoms of menopause. A September 2008 study published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" involved 60 women ages 45 to 54 experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, dizziness, insomnia, pain and headache. The women were divided into two groups. One group received weekly massages with jasmine, combined with other essential oils, for eight weeks. The other group received no treatment. The women receiving massage experienced fewer symptoms than the nonmassage group. Researchers believe the oils may have phytoestrogen effects. This was a small study but results are promising for further research. Essential oils can be very concentrated and may cause skin irritation. Consult a qualified professional regarding its use.

What Are the Health Benefits of Jasmine Flowers?

Antibacterial

Antioxidant

Anti-cancer Treatment

Aromatherapy and Menopause

References

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