Gardenia
Also known as: Gardenia jasminoides, Gardenia, Cape Jasmine
Overview
Gardenia jasminoides, commonly known as Gardenia or Cape Jasmine, is a plant native to Asia. Its fruits, leaves, and flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The extract is rich in iridoid glycosides, particularly geniposide, which are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects. Gardenia extract is being explored for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties, as well as its potential in treating gastric inflammation, improving healthspan, and providing neuroprotection. Research on Gardenia jasminoides is ongoing, with several in vitro and in vivo studies showing promising results. However, large-scale human clinical trials are still lacking. The available evidence is primarily from animal studies and in vitro experiments, with some studies on model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans. Human studies are limited, highlighting the need for further research to confirm its benefits and safety in humans.
Benefits
Gardenia jasminoides extract has demonstrated several potential health benefits in preclinical studies. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing serum interleukin (IL)-17, IL-33, and gastric epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels, while increasing prostaglandin E2 levels, suggesting protective effects against H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation. In Caenorhabditis elegans, treatment with Gardenia jasminoides fruit ethanol extract (GFE) increased lifespan by 27.1% and improved healthspan-related markers such as pharyngeal pumping, muscle quality, and resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, iridoids from Gardenia jasminoides possess antioxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. However, it's important to note that the majority of these findings are based on animal and model organism studies, and more research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans.
How it works
Gardenia jasminoides exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory action is associated with the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17 and IL-33, and the increase in the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E2, modulating the inflammatory response. The lifespan extension observed in C. elegans is linked to the inhibition of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and the activation of SKN-1/Nrf, promoting the expression of stress resistance-related genes. Geniposide, a major component of Gardenia extract, is believed to target the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and activate SKN-1/Nrf in C. elegans. The extract also interacts with the gastrointestinal system, protecting against H. pylori-induced inflammation and enhancing gastric mucosal protection.
Side effects
The safety profile of Gardenia jasminoides is generally considered good based on traditional use and animal studies. However, due to the limited human data, potential side effects cannot be completely ruled out. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented in the available literature. There is no specific information on drug interactions, but caution should be exercised when using it with other medications, especially those affecting the gastrointestinal system. No specific contraindications are documented, but it should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with known allergies to iridoid glycosides. The use in special populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases should be approached with caution due to the lack of specific studies. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of Gardenia jasminoides in humans.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of Gardenia jasminoides for humans is not yet established due to limited human studies. In animal studies, doses ranging from 98 mg/kg to 395 mg/kg were effective in reducing inflammation and improving gastric health. In C. elegans, a dose of 10 mg/mL of the extract was effective in increasing lifespan and improving healthspan. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined and requires further research. Continuous treatment was used in the C. elegans study, but the timing for human use is not specified. The extract can be administered in various forms, but the most studied form is the ethanol extract. The absorption factors are not well-studied in humans. There is no specific information on required cofactors for the effective use of Gardenia jasminoides extract. Until more human data is available, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Gardenia jasminoides.
FAQs
Is Gardenia jasminoides safe?
While generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies, the lack of extensive human studies means potential side effects and interactions need careful monitoring. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
How should I take Gardenia jasminoides?
The optimal timing and administration protocols are not well-established for human use. Follow the guidance of a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
What results can I expect from taking Gardenia jasminoides?
Animal and C. elegans studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and lifespan-extending effects, but these need confirmation in human trials. Results may vary, and it's not a substitute for medical treatment.
Can Gardenia jasminoides replace my current medications?
No, Gardenia jasminoides is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It may interact with other medications, so consult your doctor.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/1/92 – This in vivo study on rats infected with H. pylori found that Gardenia jasminoides extract reduced inflammatory markers and improved gastric histopathology. The study suggests a potential anti-inflammatory and protective effect against H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation. However, the findings are limited by the animal model and require further validation in human studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31614060/ – This study investigated the effects of Gardenia jasminoides fruit ethanol extract (GFE) on lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that GFE increased lifespan by 27.1% and improved healthspan-related markers. While the study provides valuable insights into the potential anti-aging effects of Gardenia, it is important to note that the findings are based on a model organism and may not directly translate to humans.
- https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/78/7/1108/7055313 – This research delves into the impact of Gardenia jasminoides fruit ethanol extract (GFE) on the longevity and overall health of Caenorhabditis elegans. The study revealed a notable 27.1% increase in lifespan among the worms treated with GFE, accompanied by enhancements in healthspan markers. These findings suggest potential anti-aging properties of Gardenia, although their direct applicability to humans remains to be established through further research.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293681/ – This study provides an overview of the pharmacological effects of iridoids derived from Gardenia jasminoides, highlighting their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. The review summarizes existing literature on the topic, but it does not present new data or human clinical trial results. The study underscores the potential therapeutic benefits of Gardenia's iridoids, while acknowledging the need for further research to validate these effects in humans.
- https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FMH.2025.9420030 – This systematic review explores the diverse pharmacological effects of iridoids extracted from Gardenia jasminoides, emphasizing their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective properties. While the review offers a comprehensive summary of existing research, it lacks novel data and human clinical trial findings. The study highlights the promising therapeutic potential of Gardenia's iridoids, while acknowledging the necessity for additional research to confirm these effects in human subjects.
