Phytochemical constituents, therapeutic potential and toxicity of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis: An in-depth review

Introduction

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE), also known as "Cape Jasmine," is an East Asian blooming species indigenous to East Asia. This plant has extensive utility in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is acknowledged for its ability to combat inflammation, safeguard liver health and possess antioxidant capabilities.

Objective

This review seeks to examine the ethnopharmacological importance of GJE, emphasizing its historical applications, bioactive constituents, and possible therapeutic benefits as well as toxicity.

Methods

An investigation into the phytoconstituents, extraction techniques, and pharmacological effects of the GJE was conducted using a variety of academic databases and search engines. These included Google Scholar, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Flora of China, Wanfang Database, Plant of the World Online, ChemSpider, European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Global Database, Springer Link, and Science Direct.

Outcomes

An examination uncovers a variety of bioactive phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, gardenia’s yellow pigment, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, organic acids and their derivatives, along with other compounds. These components are crucial to the wide-ranging pharmacological applications, which encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular disorders, neurodisorders, anti-tumor, treatment of liver injury, anti-hepatic injury, gastrocellular activity, improvement of gut microbiota, atopic dermatitis, anti-viral, improvement of the quality of sleep, protection from blue light and ultraviolet rays, vitiligo, inhibition of retinal damage, antibacterial activity, anti-senescence activity, anti-thrombosis, osteoporosis protection and postmenopausal syndrome treatment.

Conclusion

GJE is an important medicinal plant recognized for its diverse pharmacological advantages, which are underpinned by its extensive phytochemical composition. Despite its considerable therapeutic promise, it is essential to take its toxicity into account, especially at elevated doses. Additional research is necessary to evaluate its safety profile and enhance its medicinal uses.