Beauty of the Night

Mirabilis jalapa

Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as the four-o'clock plant, originates from tropical and subtropical regions of America but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. Traditionally, its use is not well-documented; however, it has been cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its colorful flowers. Scientifically, research indicates that the movement of the plant's corolla involves complex hormonal pathways, calcium-ROS signaling, and WRKY-mediated transcriptional regulation. Additionally, a study identified a ribosome-inactivating protein (MAP-EQRQ) in Mirabilis jalapa, which interacts with both eukaryotic and bacterial ribosomes, suggesting potential biological activity. The antimicrobial Streptomyces strain MIRK71 was also isolated from the plant, showing promise for bioactive compounds. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been reported to date, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential applications.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

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

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 Beauty of the Night?

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

What does the scientific evidence say about Beauty of the Night?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Beauty of the Night; 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 Beauty of the Night?

The strongest finding for Beauty of the Night carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Beauty of the Night safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Beauty of the Night interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Beauty of the Night in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Beauty of the Night?

Beauty of the Night is also known as: Ночная красавица, Belle de nuit.

Is Beauty of the Night 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. T2 Antibacterial potential and chromatographic profiling of bioactive compounds from endophytic Streptomyces sp. strain MIRK71 isolated from Mirabilis jalapa (L.). literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Structure of Ribosome-Inactivating Protein from Mirabilis jalapa and Its L12-Stalk-Dependent Inhibition of Escherichia coli Ribosome. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Potential Regulatory Networks Underlying Corolla Movement in Mirabilis jalapa (Nyctaginaceae). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 MirMAN-mediated mannose promotes root development in Arabidopsis via the MYB41-DWF4 module regulating brassinosteroid signaling pathways. literature abstract metadata
  5. 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