Botanical Overview
Gardenia jasminoides (fructus), commonly known as Cape Jasmine Fruit, Zhi Zi, or Gardenia Fruit, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The medicinal part used is the fruit, traditionally harvested and dried for various therapeutic purposes across East and Southeast Asia.
Energetics
The fruit is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality, with a bitter taste. Its energetic movement is predominantly descending and outward, with a relaxing tonicity affecting the qi aspect in the body.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cholagogue
- Hepatoprotective
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Irritability
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infections
- High blood pressure
Syndromes
- Hepatitis
- Hyperlipidemia
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Meningitis (adjuvant)
TCM
- Fever
- Thirst
- Jaundice
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Urinary difficulty
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Heart Fire blazing
- Liver Fire rising
- Damp-Heat in the Triple Burner
- Heat Jaundice
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional uses identified.
Unani
No well-documented traditional uses identified.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include genipin, geniposide, iridoid glycosides, crocin, and chlorogenic acid. These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and sedative effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-9 g daily in divided doses
- Powder: oral administration as per traditional formulas
- Extracts standardized to geniposide content used in clinical trials
Safety & Contraindications
Gardenia jasminoides fruit is generally safe in traditional doses. Use with caution during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses. Current evidence shows no major documented drug interactions.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers identified in credible sources.
Selected References
- Gardeniae Fructus (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (World Health Organization, 2002)
- Pharmacological research on Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Liu et al., 2018)
- Traditional use of Gardenia Fruit (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica)