What is Parijat?
Parijat, scientifically identified as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, is a species of flowering plant in the Oleaceae (Olive) family. This small, often thorny tree or large shrub is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, distinguished by its fragrant white flowers with an orange-red corolla tube, which bloom at dusk and fall off at dawn, hence its common name "Night-flowering Jasmine" or "Coral Jasmine." Its leaves are rough and hairy.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Parijat holds cultural significance in various traditions and is recognized for its fruit, which is a round to heart-shaped capsule containing a single seed. The plant's lifecycle, from evening bloom to morning descent, is a striking botanical phenomenon.
Other Names of Parijat
- Night-flowering Jasmine
- Coral Jasmine
- Harshringar
- Sheuli
- Parijatham
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<h3> Absolute Contraindications of Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) </h3> <h4> Pregnancy & Breastfeeding (Pregnant or nursing people)</h4> <ul> <li> 🤰</li> <li> Recommendation: Avoid Parijat extracts or concentrated preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless supervised by a clinician experienced in herbal medicine.</li> <li> Reasoning: Several experimental studies show Parijat fractions contain bioactive alkaloids and other compounds that produce cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects in cell models; because these activities can theoretically affect dividing embryonic/fetal tissues and there are no robust human safety studies, standard precaution is to avoid use in pregnancy and lactation.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis alkaloids activates p53 independent cell death receptor and necroptosis pathways in HepG2 cells</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Smita Parekh, Ambika Arkatkar, Anjali Soni, Parizad Patel, Kanchan Mishra</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37162805/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The 2023 in-vitro study examined crude and alkaloid extracts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and found significant cytotoxicity against human HepG2 liver cancer cells, with evidence of apoptosis and necroptosis (changes in Bax/Bcl-2, DNA fragmentation, caspase activity). Authors conclude the extracts induce programmed cell-death pathways. While the work focuses on cancer cell lines (not pregnant subjects), the presence of apoptosis-inducing alkaloids supports a precautionary stance for pregnancy and lactation due to potential risks to rapidly dividing tissues and lack of human reproductive safety data.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Autoimmune disease with unstable or severe activity (e.g., active lupus, multiple sclerosis) </h4> <ul> <li> ⚠️</li> <li> Recommendation: Do not start or increase Parijat in active, uncontrolled autoimmune disease without specialist guidance (rheumatologist or clinical immunologist). If already using, consult your specialist before continuing.</li> <li> Reasoning: Experimental animal studies report immunostimulatory activity (increased antibody and cell-mediated responses) from some Parijat extracts. In susceptible people this immune stimulation could theoretically exacerbate autoimmunity or interact with immune-modulating therapies.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Immunostimulant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: A Puri, R Saxena, R P Saxena, K C Saxena, V Srivastava, J S Tandon</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8046941/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In a 1994 animal study, 50% ethanolic extracts of seeds, flowers and leaves stimulated both antigen-specific (humoral) and non-specific immune responses in mice, increasing antibody formation, delayed-type hypersensitivity and macrophage migration index. Activity varied by plant part and fraction. The authors identified immunostimulant principles particularly in seed lipids and aqueous leaf/flower fractions. Because the plant modulates immune responses in vivo, clinicians advise caution in patients with autoimmune disease or those on immunosuppressants until human interaction data are available.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Concurrent use with anticancer chemotherapy (active oncology treatment)</h4> <ul> <li> 🚫</li> <li> Recommendation: Do not take Parijat extracts concurrently with chemotherapy unless directed by the oncology team; discuss any herbal use with your oncologist.</li> <li> Reasoning: Parijat extracts contain phytochemicals that can induce apoptosis and alter mitochondrial pathways in cancer cells. This bioactivity could unpredictably interact (additive, antagonistic or altering pharmacodynamics) with cytotoxic drugs; without controlled clinical data, concurrent use during active chemotherapy is contraindicated.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Mitochondria mediated inhibitory effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) flower extract against breast adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma: An in vitro and in vivo study</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Pooja Goswami, Virendra Singh, Biplob Koch</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38992400/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>This 2024 study showed Parijat ethyl-acetate flower extracts induce mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in breast adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma models, causing cell-cycle arrest and reducing tumor burden in mice. While results support anticancer potential, the authors stress further work before clinical use. For patients receiving standard chemotherapy, unpredictable pharmacodynamic interactions (potentiation or interference) are possible, so combined unsupervised use is not recommended.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> High-dose unsupervised use (risk of sedation and CNS depression)</h4> <ul> <li> ⚠️</li> <li> Recommendation: Avoid high-dose or concentrated Parijat preparations without clinical supervision; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy after use.</li> <li> Reasoning: Pharmacovigilance and animal studies indicate CNS-depressant/tranquillizing effects at higher doses, causing drowsiness, prolonged sleep time, and lethargy; unsupervised high doses may impair alertness and interact with sedatives.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Analysis of anti-rheumatic activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vivo and pharmacovigilance approaches</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Ayushi Sharma, Anjana Goel, Zhijian Lin</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38116080/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In a 2023 in vivo and pharmacovigilance assessment, hydroethanolic leaf extracts were generally safe at tested doses but the pharmacovigilance component reported potential adverse effects at high doses (drowsiness, sedation, lethargy). The paper documents central nervous system depressant signals in animal models and recommends caution regarding dose and monitoring, especially when combined with other CNS depressants.</p> </li> </ul> <h3> Relative Contraindications of Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) </h3> <h4> People on antidiabetic medications (risk of additive hypoglycaemia)</h4> <ul> <li> 🩸</li> <li> Recommendation: If you take insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, consult your physician before using Parijat; monitor blood sugar closely if the herb is added.</li> <li> Reasoning: Animal and in vitro work shows Parijat extracts inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and produce dose-dependent blood glucose reductions in diabetic models; when combined with antidiabetic drugs this may increase hypoglycemia risk.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia- and hyperglycemia-associated nephrotoxicity by improving anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory status in high-fat diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Sayed Adam Mousum, Sahabuddin Ahmed, Basveshwar Gawali, Mohit Kwatra, Anwaruddin Ahmed, Mangala Lahkar</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29858739/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In a rat model of diet+STZ induced diabetes, Nyctanthes leaf extract produced dose-dependent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and improved antioxidant/inflammatory markers. The authors report restoration of kidney and aorta histology and suggest the hypoglycemic action is pharmacologically relevant; translated to humans, this supports caution when combining Parijat with other glucose-lowering agents.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> People taking sedative or CNS-depressant drugs (benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol)</h4> <ul> <li> 🍷</li> <li> Recommendation: Avoid combining Parijat with other sedatives; discuss with your clinician and reduce doses or monitor closely if both must be used.</li> <li> Reasoning: Experimental and pharmacovigilance data show Parijat can produce sedation and prolong sleeping time in animal models; combining with CNS depressants may cause excessive drowsiness or respiratory depression in susceptible individuals.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Tranquilizing, antihistaminic and purgative activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: (as indexed on PubMed; see article PMID 12127232)</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12127232/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Classic pharmacological screening showed the water-soluble extract produced central nervous system depression (increased pentobarbitone sleeping time, reduced spontaneous motor activity), hypothermia and antihistaminic effects in animal tests. These findings are consistent with sedative potential and warrant caution when combining Parijat with other sedating agents.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> People on immune-modifying drugs (biologics, strong immunosuppressants)</h4> <ul> <li> 🧬</li> <li> Recommendation: Discuss with your provider before using Parijat if you are on immunosuppressants or immune-modifying biologics; avoid unsupervised use.</li> <li> Reasoning: Parijat has been shown to alter immune parameters (both stimulatory and modulatory effects depending on extract/fraction). This unpredictable immune modulation could reduce efficacy or increase risk when combined with prescribed immune therapies.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Immunostimulant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: A Puri, R Saxena, R P Saxena, K C Saxena, V Srivastava, J S Tandon</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8046941/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The 1994 study reported increased humoral and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in mice given ethanolic extracts (noting strongest activity in seeds and aqueous leaf/flower fractions). Such immune stimulation can be clinically meaningful; hence combining with immunosuppressive treatments could be counterproductive or unpredictable without medical supervision.</p> </li> </ul>
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<h4> Drowsiness / Sedation</h4> <ul> <li> 😴</li> <li> Side effect summary: At higher doses Parijat extracts can cause drowsiness, increased sleep time and lethargy.</li> <li> Recommendation: Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy; avoid combining with other sedatives and seek medical advice if symptoms are marked.</li> <li> Reasoning: Animal pharmacology and pharmacovigilance data document CNS-depressant signals; effects appear dose-related.</li> <li> Severity Level: Moderate</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Analysis of anti-rheumatic activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vivo and pharmacovigilance approaches</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Ayushi Sharma, Anjana Goel, Zhijian Lin</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38116080/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In the 2023 pharmacovigilance-linked study the hydroethanolic extract was generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses in rats; however, the pharmacovigilance component reported potential adverse effects at high doses including drowsiness, sedation, and lethargy. The authors recommend dose caution and monitoring particularly when the extract is used alongside other CNS depressants.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Gastrointestinal upset / Purgative effect (loose stools) </h4> <ul> <li> 💩</li> <li> Side effect summary: Traditional use and experimental tests show Parijat may have a laxative or purgative action in some preparations, leading to loose stools or mild cramping.</li> <li> Recommendation: Start with low dose formulations and stop if significant diarrhea or cramping occurs; seek medical care for severe dehydration.</li> <li> Reasoning: Pharmacological screens demonstrate purgative activity and stimulation of gut motility in animal models, consistent with traditional usage as a laxative.</li> <li> Severity Level: Mild</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Tranquilizing, antihistaminic and purgative activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: (as indexed on PubMed; see article PMID 12127232)</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12127232/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Pharmacological evaluation of the water-soluble fraction reported purgative effects alongside CNS and antihistaminic actions in animal models. The study supports traditional reports of mild laxative activity; side effects in humans are generally described as dose-dependent and typically mild when present.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with antidiabetic drugs</h4> <ul> <li> 🩺</li> <li> Side effect summary: Parijat has glucose-lowering activity; when taken with insulin or oral hypoglycemics it can increase the risk of low blood sugar.</li> <li> Recommendation: If you use antidiabetic medication, consult your prescribing clinician before using Parijat and monitor glucose closely when starting or changing doses.</li> <li> Reasoning: Animal models and enzyme inhibition studies demonstrate Parijat’s antihyperglycemic effects through alpha-glucosidase inhibition and other mechanisms; additive effects are plausible.</li> <li> Severity Level: Moderate</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia- and hyperglycemia-associated nephrotoxicity by improving anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory status in high-fat diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Authors: Sayed Adam Mousum, Sahabuddin Ahmed, Basveshwar Gawali, Mohit Kwatra, Anwaruddin Ahmed, Mangala Lahkar</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29858739/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The rat study showed dose-dependent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity, with biochemical and histological improvements in diabetic models. The authors attribute effects to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways as well as enzyme inhibition. Translating to humans, this supports caution for combined use with prescription glucose-lowering therapies.</p> </li> </ul>
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<h4> Antidiabetic agents (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, etc.)</h4> <ul> <li> Interaction_Details: Parijat extracts reduce blood glucose in animal models and inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes; combining with prescription hypoglycaemics may produce additive glucose lowering and risk of hypoglycaemia.</li> <li> Severity: Moderate</li> <li> Recommendation: Consult your prescribing clinician; monitor blood glucose more frequently and adjust drug doses as advised.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29858739/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia- and hyperglycemia-associated nephrotoxicity by improving anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory status in high-fat diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats</li> <li> Scientfic_Study_Authors: Sayed Adam Mousum, Sahabuddin Ahmed, Basveshwar Gawali, Mohit Kwatra, Anwaruddin Ahmed, Mangala Lahkar</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In this experimental diabetes model, Parijat leaf extract produced dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose, improved antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced inflammatory markers; the extract also restored kidney and vascular histology. The measurable hypoglycemic effect in a controlled animal model supports the likelihood of pharmacodynamic interaction with antidiabetic medications in humans, hence the recommendation for monitoring and medical supervision.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, alcohol)</h4> <ul> <li> Interaction_Details: Parijat has demonstrated CNS-depressant/tranquillizing effects in animal studies; co-administration with other sedatives may increase drowsiness, sedation, or impairment.</li> <li> Severity: Moderate</li> <li> Recommendation: Avoid combining with other central sedatives or alcohol; if unavoidable, use lower doses and close monitoring.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12127232/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Tranquilizing, antihistaminic and purgative activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract</li> <li> Scientfic_Study_Authors: (See article indexed on PubMed, PMID 12127232)</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Laboratory pharmacology demonstrated that the water-soluble portion of an alcoholic leaf extract produced central nervous system depression and prolonged sedative-sleep responses in animal models. These data are consistent with clinical pharmacovigilance signals of sedation at higher doses and suggest additive sedative effects when combined with other CNS depressants.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Immunosuppressants / Biologic immunomodulators (e.g., anti-TNF agents, calcineurin inhibitors)</h4> <ul> <li> Interaction_Details: Parijat can modulate immune responses (stimulation of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in animals); this could oppose or unpredictably alter the effect of immunosuppressive drugs.</li> <li> Severity: Moderate</li> <li> Recommendation: Discuss with your specialist before combining; avoid unsupervised concurrent use.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8046941/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Immunostimulant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L</li> <li> Scientfic_Study_Authors: A Puri, R Saxena, R P Saxena, K C Saxena, V Srivastava, J S Tandon</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The animal study found increased humoral antibody formation, delayed hypersensitivity responses and enhanced macrophage migration after Parijat extract administration. Because these immune effects can alter biological balance, the extract may interfere with intended immunosuppression or change infection risk profiles when combined with immunosuppressive medications.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Antineoplastic drugs / Chemotherapy</h4> <ul> <li> Interaction_Details: Parijat extracts possess pro-apoptotic and mitochondrial-disrupting activity in cancer models; theoretical interactions with chemotherapeutic agents could be additive, synergistic or antagonistic depending on agents and timing.</li> <li> Severity: Severe (potential for clinically meaningful interaction; avoid without oncology approval)</li> <li> Recommendation: Do not take Parijat during active chemotherapy unless explicitly approved and supervised by the oncology team; herbal use should be disclosed to the treating oncologist.</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38992400/</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Title: Mitochondria mediated inhibitory effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) flower extract against breast adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma: An in vitro and in vivo study</li> <li> Scientfic_Study_Authors: Pooja Goswami, Virendra Singh, Biplob Koch</li> <li> Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies show Parijat flower fractions induce mitochondrial pathway apoptosis, alter expression of apoptosis-related proteins and reduce tumor burden in animal models. Authors highlight potential for therapeutic development but also note the need for caution: without controlled clinical trials, combining such biologically active extracts with conventional chemotherapy carries unpredictable interaction risk and is not advised without oncology oversight.</p> </li> </ul>
