8 Amazing Benefits of Rhinacanthus Nasutus

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

The most important health benefits of Rhinacanthus nasutus may include its potential ability to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, treat skin conditions, lower blood pressure, lessen allergy severity, prevent diabetes, lower inflammation, and boost the immune system. It also has anticancer potential.

What is Rhinacanthus Nasutus?

This plant, with the scientific name Rhinacanthus nasutus, is more commonly known as snake jasmine, which is far easier to pronounce and is commonly found in India. It typically grows in tropical, humid climates and is technically a shrub. The value of this plant outside of that country lies in its unique chemical composition and high antioxidant content, making it a valuable asset for herbal treatments and alternative medicine. The entirety of the plant can be used to make a poultice and the extract from the leaves is also highly sought after. You can access the benefits of this herb through topical application and regular consumption.

The versatility of this plant and its many parts makes it highly desirable and snake jasmine supplements, patches, sprays, and decoctions have become much more common in recent years. The many medicinal benefits of snake jasmine come from its high antioxidant content, including beta-sitosterol, tannins, saponins, phenols, lupeol, rhinacanthus A, and rhinacanthus B. Now, let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of Rhinacanthus nasutus. [1]

A branch of jasmine with leaves on white surface

The fragrant and pretty jasmine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Health Benefits of Rhinacanthus Nasutus

Health benefits of rhinacanthus nasutus include:

May Aid with Cognitive Disorders

One of the most valuable and impressive health benefits of snake jasmine is its proven impact on neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The mixture of antioxidants in snake jasmine is able to clear out some of the plaque and stimulate new neural pathways to be formed, slowing the progression of these diseases or stopping it altogether. [2]

May Aid in Skin Care

The leaves and stem of snake jasmine are known to have been both been used to treat various skin diseases, and are known to be regularly used to lessen the severity and irritation of psoriasis and eczema. Furthermore, the decoction of the roots has a slightly different chemical makeup and is used in ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The potentially antioxidant mixture also has a positive effect on the appearance of the skin, lessening scars and age marks, as well as scars from acne and injuries. [3]

May Help Manage Diabetes

Research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease in 2012 has linked the use of snake jasmine with regulated blood sugar levels, making this a potential preventative treatment for diabetes. It can also be used by those suffering from the condition to monitor and regulate those levels. [4]

May Aid With Hypertension

High blood pressure is a major problem, but substances like rhinacanthus A and B have been linked directly to protecting the heart, reducing blood pressure, and generally lowering the strain on the cardiovascular system. This can impact many other possible dangers, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. [5]

Possibly an Anti-allergenic

One of the lesser known benefits of snake jasmine is its role in decreasing allergic responses in the body. By inhibiting certain histamines from being released in the body, snake jasmine can reduce the severity of allergic reactions. [6]

May Have Anticancer Potential

The possibly rich antioxidant content of snake jasmine means that there is significant anticancer potential in this unassuming little herb. A study published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin by a team of Japanese researchers, states that antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular respiration that can wreak havoc on the body. They can later cause or worsen chronic diseases, and cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones. By keeping your antioxidant levels high, you can protect yourself against this constant attack on your body. [7]

Potential Remedy for Stomach Issues

The soothing, possibly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature of snake jasmine may make it ideal for solving gastrointestinal issues. If you are suffering from cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gastric ulcers, or any number of other stomach problems, snake jasmine can be a quick and effective solution. The nutrients and organic compounds can quickly act to get your digestive system back on track. [8]

Word of Caution: Side effects of snake jasmine can include nausea and stomach upset for those with sensitivity to the herb. As with so many herbal remedies, this is a powerful combination of organic compounds, so it is important to discuss adding it to your herbal regimen with trained herbalists or your medical practitioner.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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