Coral Jasmine

Overview

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is a plant that is predominantly native to south Asia such as India, Pakistan, Nepal. The plant is also found in Thailand and Indonesia. The plant is widely used to treat many illnesses in numerous medicinal systems such as in Ayurveda, Siddha-Ayurveda, and Yunani systems of medicines. 

Vernacular Names

Srigading (Indonesia), parijat (Sanskrit), night Jasmine

Agroecology

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis thrives on red and black soils with a pH range of 5,6-7,5. Arid and semi-arid climates such as dry hillside and rocky ground suit the plant well. The plant may grow from sea level to 1500 m altitude near the equator, with a broad range of rainfall.

Morphology

• Barks - flaky grey with sharply quadrangular young branches.
• Leaves - simple, opposite, ovate, apex acute or acuminate, rough, and have short stiff hairs.
• Flowers - The inflorescence may be solitary axillary or in terminally trichotomous cymes. Flowers are pleasantly fragrant with white corolla and orange-red centre. 
• Fruits - compressed, capsule, and orbicular.
• Seeds - orbicular and flattened

Cultivation

Easily propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Chemical Constituents

Calceolarioside A, 4-hydroxy hexahydrobenzofuran-7-one, b-sitosterol, Rengyolone and its acetate, Arbortristoside and numerous other compounds.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• The flowers are used to induce menstruation.
• Cholagogue, laxative, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties are all provided by the bitter leaves.
• The leaves juice can be used to treat loss of appetite, piles, liver disorders, biliary disorders, chronic fever, malarial fever, sciatica, and rheumatism.
• Different portions of the plant can be used to treat cough, hiccup, diarrhea, snakebite, and ulcers
• The plant inflorescence is used to treat scabies and other skin diseases.
• Other uses include expectorant, sedative, hair tonic, and treatment of bilious fever, diabetes, bronchitis, snakebite, and numerous other illnesses.