Quick summary

Jasminum officinale, commonly known as Jasmine, is an aromatic plant used traditionally and studied primarily for its essential oil in aromatherapy. Clinical research specifically on Jasmine is limited, with most evidence related to its use in complementary and alternative medicine derived from general aromatherapy contexts. The current evidence base is preliminary and does not support specific clinical claims.

What is it

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a flowering plant known for its fragrant white blossoms. It produces essential oils widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. Traditionally valued for its pleasant aroma, Jasmine oil is extracted and applied in various complementary health practices, especially aromatherapy.

Traditional uses

  • Used in aromatherapy for relaxation and mood enhancement
  • Applied in cosmetics and perfumes for fragrance
  • Utilized in traditional medicine for presumed calming effects

Active compounds

Jasmine essential oil contains a range of aromatic compounds, including indole, benzyl acetate, linalool, and other volatile constituents. These compounds contribute to its distinctive fragrance and potential biological activities observed in vitro.

Potential benefits with evidence levels

  • Complementary health effects via aromatherapy

    Preliminary human clinical evidence
    Aromatherapy with essential oils from various plants, including Jasmine, is used as a complementary therapy to potentially ease psychological and physiological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, nausea, and menopausal symptoms. However, clinical trials have mostly involved other essential oils like lavender, and Jasmine itself was not shown to have significant isolated effects. (Caballero-Gallardo et al., 2025)
  • Pain relief and labor outcome improvement

    Human randomized controlled trial
    A clinical trial comparing aromatherapy with Jasmine and Salvia in first-time mothers during labor found that Salvia significantly reduced pain severity and shortened labor stages, while Jasmine did not differ significantly from control. (Kaviani et al., 2014)
  • Potential antimicrobial and cosmetic uses

    In vitro and traditional use evidence
    Essential oils from aromatic plants including Jasmine are recognized for fragrance and may have antimicrobial properties in cosmetic and alternative medicine applications. Direct clinical evidence assessing Jasmine’s specific efficacy and safety in these uses is lacking. (Sharmeen et al., 2021; Abdi-Moghadam et al., 2023)

Side effects

No severe adverse effects or toxicity specifically related to Jasmine have been reported in available clinical trials or reviews. Nonetheless, evidence is limited and adverse effects known from broader essential oil use have not been fully described here.

Drug interactions

No data on drug interactions involving Jasminum officinale were found in current research.

Who should avoid it

No specific contraindications for Jasmine use were identified. However, due to limited data, caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Aromatherapy with Jasmine was tested in laboring women without significant benefits or adverse effects, but more research is needed before recommending its use in these populations.

Evidence limitations

The existing evidence on Jasmine’s clinical effects is limited by a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials focused specifically on this herb. Most data derive from general aromatherapy studies or in vitro research on essential oils rather than direct human clinical evidence. Standardization of Jasmine preparations and dosing remains lacking, and there is no consistent evidence regarding effectiveness or safety. More rigorous, well-designed clinical studies are necessary to clarify Jasmine’s role and safety profile.

References

Last reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This herb information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before using Jasmine or any herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing medical conditions, or are taking medications.