Gardenia florida

The gardenia (Gardenia florida/ jasminoides) is an evergreen shrub from the gardenia genus (Gardenia) within the Rubiaceae family. Gardenia florida is originally native to India and China.

Its varieties are now used worldwide as ornamental plants. The strongly sweet-scented, white or slightly yellowish fresh flowers are the source of fragrances. Gardenia jasminoides produces orange-colored berries, Fructus gardeniae, which are used in folk medicine.

The berries are also used as an anti-inflammatory in Japan and as a stimulant, diuretic and emetic in Chinese folk medicine.

The berries are also used in Asia to dye silk yellow.

Extracts of Gardenia florida have been attributed antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects (Xiao W et al. 2017). The substance "Gardenia acetal" detectable in Gardenia florida has been shown to have a sedative effect (Sergeeva OA et al. 2010).

Cosmetic use:

Gardenia florida oil (INCI), the essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers.

Gardenia florida extract (INCI) is the extract from the flowers and the fruit.

1. Sergeeva OA et al (2010) Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify β1 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 285: 23985-23993.
2. Xiao W et al (2017) Chemistry and bioactivity of Gardenia jasminoides. J Food Drug Anal. 2017 Jan;25(1):43-61.
3. Xing H et al(2015) Antidepressant-like effect of the water extract of the fixed combination of Gardenia jasminoides, Citrus aurantium and Magnolia officinalis in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress. Phytomedicine 22:1178-1185.