Abstract: 

Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn is one of the important medicinal plant widely distributed throughout India. Herbal medicine maintained their popularity because of cultural reasons. Nearly 25%of prescribed drugs are derived from plant sources. Nyctanthes arbor tristis linn is type of ornamental plant used for decorative purposes but it has more medicinal values in each part of the plant. It’s availability is from sub-Himalayan region to Southward Godavari region. It is derived from two Greek word ‘Nykhta’-Night and ‘anthos’-flower. It is a type of mythological plant which is having high medicinal values. This also called as Night Flowering Jasmine because flowering of buds will takes place only during night time and start fall from midnight and become dull in the early morning or during sun raise hence it is called as “Tree of Sadness”. By extracting various active constituents from different parts of plant body are used for the management various disorder. Because of presence of  high content phytochemicals such as Flavanol glycosides, essential oils, tannic acid, lupeol and oleanic acid, this Night flowering jasmine extract is used in various treatment of diseases and reported as Hepatoprotective, Anti-malarial,  Anti-inflammatory agent, Anti-Cancer and Anti-oxidant activity. At present world’s population, 99% of the peoples are seeking towards herbal medicines due to its less side effects, less ADR, less toxicity and also less cost. Hence at present review emphases on history of herbal medicines, botanical description of coral jasmine, morphology, active constituents, biological activities of essential compounds, synonyms, and pharmacological activities.

Keywords: Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn, Anti-Oxidant, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Arbortristoside.