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Mirabilis jalapa

Mirabilis jalapa

Mirabilis jalapa is a flowering plant utilized across various traditional medicinal practices. Historically, it has been applied to treat conditions such as gonorrhea, abscesses, boils, diabetes, colic, and edema, while also serving as a purgative or vermifuge. Scientific research suggests potential antimicrobial properties, particularly when extracts are used in combination, and has identified ribosome-inactivating proteins within the plant. There is also evidence regarding its complex hormonal signaling pathways. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
purgative · abscess
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional · TCM
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • purgative Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • abscess traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • boils traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bruises traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dropsy (edema) traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • pimples traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carbuncle traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cathartic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • colic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • gonorrhea traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that ethanol and aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana and Mirabilis jalapa showed synergistic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. D PMID
  • The study found that corolla movement in Mirabilis jalapa involves hormonal pathways, Ca2+-ROS signaling, and WRKY-mediated transcriptional regulation. D PMID
  • The study determined the crystal structure of Mirabilis jalapa's ribosome-inactivating protein (MAP) and found it binds to both eukaryotic and E. coli ribosomes. D PMID
  • Strain MIRK71, an endophytic Streptomyces species from Mirabilis jalapa, exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens. D PMID
  • MirMAN-mediated mannose promotes Arabidopsis root development by enhancing auxin-related gene expression and regulating BR signaling via MYB41-DWF4. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Mirabilis jalapa?

Mirabilis jalapa (Mirabilis jalapa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Mirabilis jalapa traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Mirabilis jalapa for: purgative, abscess, boils, bruises, diuretic, dropsy (edema). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Mirabilis jalapa?

Mirabilis jalapa appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Mirabilis jalapa?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Mirabilis jalapa; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that ethanol and aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana and Mirabilis jalapa showed synergistic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

How strong is the evidence for Mirabilis jalapa?

The strongest finding for Mirabilis jalapa carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Mirabilis jalapa safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Mirabilis jalapa in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Mirabilis jalapa interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Mirabilis jalapa in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Mirabilis jalapa?

Mirabilis jalapa is also known as: Ночная красавица.

Is Mirabilis jalapa a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Antibacterial potential and chromatographic profiling of bioactive compounds from endophytic Streptomyces sp. strain MIRK71 isolated from Mirabilis jalapa (L.). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Structure of Ribosome-Inactivating Protein from Mirabilis jalapa and Its L12-Stalk-Dependent Inhibition of Escherichia coli Ribosome. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Potential Regulatory Networks Underlying Corolla Movement in Mirabilis jalapa (Nyctaginaceae). literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 MirMAN-mediated mannose promotes root development in Arabidopsis via the MYB41-DWF4 module regulating brassinosteroid signaling pathways. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Synergistic and multi-targeting efficacy of Acalypha wilkesiana and Mirabilis jalapa: an integrated in-vitro and in-silico investigation against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. literature abstract metadata