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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Harshingar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) contains active compounds including iridoid glycosides, nyctanthoside, and beta-sitosterol that demonstrate antipyretic properties. These compounds appear to work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and modulating inflammatory pathways in the body. The leaves also contain tannins and mannitol which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research suggests these bioactive constituents help regulate body temperature through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, though evidence remains preliminary (Level C). Traditional Ayurvedic use supports its effectiveness for managing intermittent fevers.
Can I take Harshingar if I am on blood thinners?
No, Harshingar should not be taken if you are on blood-thinning medications. This herb may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. The presence of active compounds like iridoid glycosides may affect blood clotting mechanisms. If you are taking any blood thinners, consult your healthcare provider before using Harshingar or any herbal supplements. This interaction is significant enough that Harshingar is contraindicated for individuals on anticoagulant therapy.
What is the recommended dosage of Harshingar leaf?
The typical adult dosage of Harshingar is 2-4 grams of dried leaf prepared as a tea, taken once or twice daily. Alternatively, a standardized extract of approximately 500mg may be used. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations often use fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and individual factors. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations, as higher doses may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Is Harshingar safe to use during pregnancy?
No, Harshingar is not considered safe during pregnancy. This herb is contraindicated for pregnant women due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine-stimulating effects that could pose risks to the developing fetus. Traditional use and available evidence (Level C) do not support its use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid Harshingar in all forms, including teas and extracts. Breastfeeding women should also exercise caution and seek medical advice before use.
What is Harshingar used for in Ayurvedic medicine?
Harshingar, also known as Night Jasmine or Parijat, has been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine primarily for treating intermittent fevers, including malaria-like symptoms. The leaves and flowers are traditionally employed for managing rheumatism, joint pain, and inflammatory conditions. Additional traditional uses include treating cough, asthma, and digestive complaints. The herb is considered sacred in Hindu culture and is often used in religious ceremonies. Current evidence supporting these uses is rated at Level C, indicating limited clinical evidence but established traditional use.
What are the side effects of Harshingar?
Harshingar is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, but some individuals may experience side effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools. Mild allergic reactions, including skin rash or itching, may occur in sensitive individuals. These side effects are typically dose-dependent and may resolve by reducing the amount taken. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or persistent digestive issues, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, also known as Harshingar or Night Jasmine, is a perennial woody shrub of the Oleaceae family with significant traditional use in Ayurveda for treating inflammation, fever, and joint-related disorders [PMID:23376280, PMID:38148217, PMID:37925001].
Background
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is a perennial woody shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family, characterized by fragrant flowers that bloom at night [PMID:38148217, PMID:41213599]. It is widely utilized in traditional Indian medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani [PMID:23376280, PMID:39873741].
Traditional uses
Traditional uses include treating intermittent fevers, arthritis, obstinate sciatica, helminthiasis, skin ailments, ulcers, piles, liver diseases, and as a laxative or sedative [PMID:23376280, PMID:35017935, PMID:39873741, PMID:38992400]. It has also been used for antibilious conditions, gynecological disorders, and cough [PMID:41213599, PMID:25600986].
Active compounds
Bioactive components include alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), sterols (e.g., beta-sitosterol), triterpenes, saponins, and glycosides [PMID:39873741, PMID:42107754]. Specifically, it contains iridoid glycosides such as Arbortristoside-A and nyctanthoside, phenylethanoid glycosides like nyctanthesin B, and the apocarotenoid crocetin in the tubular calyx [PMID:42107754, PMID:42287724, PMID:35747356].
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduction of inflammatory mediators such as free radicals, lipid peroxidation, nitrous oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) [PMID:37925001, PMID:42287724]. Antimalarial activity is suggested to occur via the production of oxidative stress, similar to artemisinin [PMID:35017935]. In cancer cells, it may activate p53-independent cell death receptors and necroptosis pathways [PMID:37162805].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DMalaria
An observational study reported parasite clearance in 76.6% of 120 patients in an earlier study; a subsequent study monitored pyrexia and parasitemia in 20 patients using a leaf paste [PMID:27914754]. In vivo tests in mice showed schizonticidal activity increased with doses of 100-200 mg/kg [PMID:35017935].
Evidence DRheumatoid Arthritis
Hydroethanolic leaf extract (500 mg/kg BW) in rat models reduced paw volumes and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and COX-2) while increasing IL-10 [PMID:38116080]. In vitro studies showed downregulation of TNF-α [PMID:37630377].
Evidence DEpilepsy/Convulsions
Methanolic extract at 400 mg/kg in mice defended against the progress of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizures and associated EEG changes [PMID:38776672].
Evidence DCough
Oral administration of a branched polysaccharide fraction (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly inhibited citric acid-induced cough efforts in guinea pigs [PMID:25600986].
Evidence DCancer
Alkaloid extracts from fruit and leaf showed cytotoxicity in HepG2 liver cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential [PMID:37162805, PMID:39711022].
Safety & adverse effects
A study in Sprague-Dawley rats evaluated the safety of a 500 mg/kg BW dose of hydroethanolic leaf extract as part of a sub-acute toxicity and pharmacovigilance approach [PMID:38116080].
Evidence summary
The majority of evidence is based on in vitro studies, animal models (mice, rats, guinea pigs), and computational simulations (in silico), with limited open-label observational clinical data. Most findings are categorized as level D evidence.
2.PMID: 35017935 (2021) — Evaluation of In vivo Antimalarial Property of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Night Jasmine) Leaves. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
3.PMID: 41213599 (2026) — Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant in Traditional and Contemporary Medicine. · Planta medica
4.PMID: 38148217 (2023) — Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Illuminates Unique Traits of Elusive Night Flowering Jasmine Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis). · Physiologia plantarum
5.PMID: 39873741 (2026) — Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.: comprehensive insights into its medicinal, phytochemical and safety profiles. · Natural product research
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 37925001 (2024) — Nyctanthes arbor-tristis bioactive extract ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation through the inhibition of NF-κB signalling pathway. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
7.PMID: 37140779 (2024) — Phytochemical Screening of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Plant Extracts and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity Analysis. · Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
8.PMID: 42107754 (2026) — Neuroprotective efficacy of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in a rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
9.PMID: 38380570 (2024) — Anti-inflammatory and urease inhibitory iridoid glycosides from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
10.PMID: 42287724 (2026) — Isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. · Natural product research
11.PMID: 23300557 (2012) — Bioactivity guided fractionation of leaves extract of Nyctanthes arbor tristis (Harshringar) against P falciparum. · PloS one
12.PMID: 35941256 (2022) — Biosynthesis and biophysical elucidation of CuO nanoparticle from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn Leaf. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology
13.PMID: 38199059 (2024) — Quantification of Arbortristoside-A isolated from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis using HPLC: Method development and pharmaceutical applications. · Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences
14.PMID: 37367436 (2024) — Isolation of Arbortristoside-A from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis seeds and its structural validation by X-ray crystallographic analysis. · Natural product research
15.PMID: 38256852 (2023) — Computational Molecular Docking and Simulation-Based Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn Phytochemicals. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
16.PMID: 38776672 (2024) — Ameliorative effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. by suppression of pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice: An insight from EEG, neurobehavioral and in-silico studies. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
17.PMID: 38794151 (2024) — Investigating the Antiviral Properties of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn against the Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, Nipah, and Chikungunya Viruses: A Computational Simulation Study. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
18.PMID: 36083429 (2023) — Bioactive Compounds from Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn as Potential Inhibitors of Janus Kinases (JAKs) Involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis. · Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
19.PMID: 37162805 (2023) — Nyctanthes arbor-tristis alkaloids activates p53 independent cell death receptor and necroptosis pathways in HepG2 cells. · 3 Biotech
20.PMID: 33242363 (2021) — Evaluation of natural dyes Curcuma longa and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis with different mordants on plant tissues under fluorescence microscopy. · Microscopy research and technique
21.PMID: 8046941 (1994) — Immunostimulant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
22.PMID: 27914754 (2016) — Antiparasitic and disease-modifying activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. in malaria: An exploratory clinical study. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
23.PMID: 25600986 (2015) — Extracted polysaccharide from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves: chemical and antitussive properties. · International journal of biological macromolecules
24.PMID: 38515931 (2024) — Chemical Profiling and Biological Activities on Nepalese Medicinal Plant Extracts and Isolation of Active Fraction of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. · TheScientificWorldJournal
25.PMID: 38116080 (2023) — Analysis of anti-rheumatic activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vivo and pharmacovigilance approaches. · Frontiers in pharmacology
26.PMID: 37630377 (2023) — In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Rheumatic Arthritis Activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
27.PMID: 38992400 (2024) — 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. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
28.PMID: 31973079 (2020) — Therapeutic Efficacy of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Flowers to Inhibit Proliferation of Acute and Chronic Primary Human Leukemia Cells, with Adipocyte Differentiation and in Silico Analysis of Interactions between Survivin Protein and Selected Secondary Metabolites. · Biomolecules
29.PMID: 35747356 (2022) — Preparation and evaluation of wound healing activity of phytosomes of crocetin from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in rats. · Journal of traditional and complementary medicine
30.PMID: 39711022 (2024) — Fluorescent Staining-Assisted Evaluation of the Anticancer Potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Extracts in HepG2 Liver Cancer Cells. · Luminescence : the journal of biological and chemical luminescence