Gardenia fruit is typically available from June to October, characterized by its red color, often used as a powder for coloring sticky rice. However, few people know that the Gardenia plant, from its leaves, flowers, roots, to its fruit, has numerous health benefits.
The Gardenia plant, also known as Gardenia jasminoides, belongs to the Rubiaceae family.
The Gardenia plant is also known as Gardenia jasminoides…
1. Health Benefits of Gardenia
Each part of the Gardenia plant contains beneficial compounds for health with various applications, specifically:
- Leaves: contain iridoid cerbinal.
- Fruit peel: contains ursolic acid.
- Fruit seeds: contain iridoid glycosides such as shanzhiside, gardosid, along with organic acids, pigments α-crosin and α-crocetin.
- Flowers: contain essential oils and steroids.
Not everyone is aware of the benefits of the Gardenia plant, and here are some of its uses that you can refer to. Note that one should not use the leaves, stems, roots, or fruits of Gardenia for medicinal purposes without a doctor’s guidance.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
According to a study published in the NIH Library, two compounds, geniposides and genipins in Gardenia essential oil, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. The extract from Gardenia leaves has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that protect the body from pathogens and environmental irritants.
Gardenia flowers are white with a distinctive fragrance. (Image: ST).
Reduces Depression and Anxiety
A study from Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine indicates that Gardenia, with its extracted essential oil, is used in aromatherapy to soothe mood, relax, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality.
Anti-Obesity Effects
A study published in the Journal of Physical Nutrition and Biochemistry reports that Gardenia contains genipin, which promotes the production of enzymes necessary for fat digestion, thus aiding in weight loss.
This extract also helps regulate abnormal lipid levels, glucose intolerance, and high insulin concentrations.
Digestive Support
The fruit peel of the Gardenia plant contains ursolic acid, which is linked to supporting and preventing gastrointestinal infections such as gastritis, ulcers, and infections related to Helicobacter pylori, as well as acid reflux.
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health, ursolic acid has various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Gardenia fruit has many medicinal uses. (Image: ST).
Enhances Blood Circulation, Reduces Fatigue and Pain
The essential oil from the Gardenia plant is effective in activating blood circulation when used as a massage oil.
Moreover, according to a study published in Food Bioscience, Gardenia essential oil also helps alleviate pain and discomfort related to premenstrual syndrome and arthritis, as well as reduce injuries associated with sports activities caused by muscle fatigue, such as sprains and muscle cramps.
Reduces the Risk of Respiratory Issues
The distinctive fragrance of Gardenia flowers is believed to help treat respiratory problems caused by colds. You can use Gardenia essential oil in diffusers to relieve sore throats, nasal congestion, sinus blockage, and respiratory inflammation. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of Gardenia enhance its benefits.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy showed that crocetin found in Gardenia has effects on treating lung damage caused by radiation in mice. However, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Improves Skin Health
Gardenia oil is considered a natural moisturizer for dry skin, promoting shine and repairing damage to make the skin appear healthier.
According to research published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, Gardenia contains Ferulic Acid, a potent antioxidant that strengthens cell membranes against damage caused by bacteria or sunlight.
