Embedded Files
Four O'Clocks
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Diarrhea, digestive problems, nausea, skin irritation, stomach pain, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: Minutes
Rate of Poison: Hours
Causes Death: No
Treatment: Some sources say that the symptoms will disappear over a short period of time, but it is best to see a doctor if you are feeling the more severe symptoms.
These flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The four o'clocks bloom throughout the evening till early in the morning and remain closed throughout the day. Cross-breeding is very common among these flowers. When solid colours are planted together (parental generation), they tend to cross-breed, resulting in flowers that either have a solid pale colour or spotted flowers consisting of multiple colours (F1 generation).
Photos: D. A. Wilkerson
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
No known main toxin. Composed of numerous toxins that cause a variety of symptoms.
Other Toxins and Chemical Constituents
Other Toxins and Chemical Constituents
Campesterol
Campesterol
Campesterol is a steroid that is known to cause irritation. The compound is known to target the eyes, kidney, liver, and heart, but it is considered to only be a moderate irritant.
Level of Toxin: 21.2% (all sterols)
Impacting Dosage: Unknown
Stigmasterol
Stigmasterol
Stigmasterol is a phytosterol and a steroid known to be an irritant that can result in acute toxicity or cause skin irritation. This may contribute to the irritant effects that result when coming in contact with the plant. If inhaled, stigmasterol could cause respiratory irritation. While it is not known entirely that this compound is responsible for the dermatitis, it is likely that this compound contributes to any negative skin reaction.
Level of Toxin: 21.2% (all sterols)
Impacting Dosage: Unknown
β-sitosterol
β-sitosterol
High levels of β-sitosterol have been known to cause heart problems within males who have had heart attacks. However, more research is required to confirm this theory.
Level of Toxin: 7%
Impacting Dosage: ~2178 grams.
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-1-Methylisoquinoline-7,8-diol
2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-Octadecadienol
3-Dihydroflavone 7-β-D-glucopyranoside
9-O-Methyl-4-Hydroxyboeravinone B
Astragaloside IV
Betaxanthin
Cholest-5-en-24-one
Cyclopentasiloxane
Dihydrostigmasterol
Flazin
Indicaxanthin (I)
Leaf Acetate
Mirabijalone B
Miraxanthin-II
Monoterpene
p-Coumaryl-Ester
p-Hydroxybenzldehyde
Rutin
Ursolic Acid
β-myrcene
(E)-Ocimene
3-(4-(Dimethylamino)Cinnamoyl)-4-Hydroxycoumarin
4'-Hydroxy-2
Alanine
Astragaloside VI
Boeravinone C
Cholestan-16-one
Daucosterol
Dopamine
Gingerglycolipid A
Isosteviol
Linoleic Acid
Mirabijalone C
Miraxanthin-III
N-D-α-Phenylyglycine
Pentadecylic Acid
Protocatechualdehyde
Sterol
Urea
(Z)-Ocimene
3,6-Dioxa-2,7-Disilaoctane
9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid
Arabinose
Benzene
Boeravinone F
Cholestane
Dicaffeic Acid
Ferulic Acid
Glycerin Monoeicosate
Kynurine
Lukianol
Mirabijalone D
Miraxanthin-IV
Oleanolic Acid
Pentaerythritol, TMS
Pyrimidine
Tetrapyrazine
Vulgaxanthin-I (II)
1,5,9,13-Tetradecatetraene
3-Deoxypregnenlone
9,17-Octadecadienal
Astragaloside II
Benzyl Benzoate
Butoxyethyl Acetate
Chrysophanol
Dicoumarol
Feruloyl O-Methyldopamine
Hexadecanoic Acid
Laminaribiitol
Mirabijalone A
Miraxanthin-I
Miraxanthin-V
Oleic Acid
pgl-3-O-Glucoside
Q-3-O-Rhamnoside
Triterpene
β-amyrins
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Roots, seeds
Contact Hazard: May cause dermatitis or skin rash.
Animals Affected: Cats, dogs
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Flowers, leaves, roots, stems
Properties: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antigonorrheal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-oxidant, antiparasitic, antispasmotic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, cathartic, dermatological, diuretic, emetic, hallucinogenic, immune-modulary, laxative, purgative, tonic.
Components: β-sitosterol
Antidote: None known
Preparation: Decoction, extract, infusion, paste.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Abdominal Colic
Abscesses: Decoction of leaves.
Boils: Poultice of leaves.
Conjunctivitis
Diarrhea
Dysentery: Decoction
Earache: Juice from the leaves.
Edema
Inflammation: Juice from the root.
Kidney Infections: Decoction.
Muscular Pain
Skin Allergy: Juice from the leaves.
Swelling: Leave infusion.
Location
Location
Europe: Indigenous people used the root as an aphrodisiac and a hallucinogen.
Latin America: Roots used as a purgative and emetic.
Malagasy: Entire plant used to treat intestinal pains.
Mexico: Decoction used to treat dysentery.
South Africa: Roots used as a purgative.
Zaire: Seed powder used for infected wounds.
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Abdominal Colic
Abscesses: Decoction of leaves.
Boils: Leaves
Bone Fracture: Infusion of leaves applied on skin to reduce swelling.
Diarrhea: Juice from the root.
Dropsy
Dry Skin
Fevers: Juice from the root.
Indigestion: Juice from the root.
Inflammation: Leaves used to reduce inflammation.
Intestinal Pain
Kidney Infection: Decoction, taken orally.
Menstrual Disorders: Powdered root mixed with corn flower.
Muscle Contraction: Methanolic extract from flowers, leaves, and stems have been known cause contractions in a portion of the small intestine (jejunum muscle). Also inhibits smooth muscle contraction.
Scabies: Root paste applied as a poultice.
Sprain: Leaves crushed and mixed with salt.
Wounds: Leaf juice
Location
Location
Brazil: Leaves used to treat inflammation and pain inducing diseases.
China: Treated constipation, diabetes, and injuries.
India: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as a laxative.
Latin America: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as a laxative.
Madagascar: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as an analgesic and laxative.
Mexico: Plant used as an analgesic.
Pakistan: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as a laxative.
South Africa: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as a laxative.
Zaire: Plant used to treat allergies, inflammations, infections, and painful conditions. Also used as a laxative.
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Flower dye, leaves, seeds.
Nutrients:
Carbohydrates
Minerals: Chromium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, zinc
Proteins
Taste: Sharp (Leaves)
WARNING: This plant is not meant for consumption.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Colouring: Red dye from flowers used to colour food.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Dye: Dye from the flowers can be used to colour food.
Leaves: Young leaves can be cooked like vegetables.
Seeds: Seeds crushed can be used to substitute pepper.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of four o'clocks by Bois, D.; Frederick Warne (Firm); Herincq, B.; Step, Edward; Watson, William - Wikimedia Commons
Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock Family)
Genus: Mirabilis
Other Names: Beauty-of-the-Night, False Jalap, Marvel of Peru, Miracle Flower of Peru
Synonyms: M. ambigua, M. jalapa var. jalapa, M. jalapa subsp. lindheimeri, M. lindheimeri, M. jalapa var. lindheimeri, M. pedunculata, M. planiflora, M. pubescens, M. suaveolens, M. xalapa.
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Bloom Colours: Pink, magenta, red, copper, yellow, purple, white
Bloom Time: July - October
Type: Annual and perennial, depending on the location.
Height: 2 - 3 ft
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Habitat: Gardens
Origin: Mexico
States: AL, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NM, NY, NV, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT
Provinces: ON
Related Species
Related Species
Mirabilis albida
(Hairy Four O'Clock)
Photo: Patrick Alexander - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis coccinea
(Scarlet Four O'Clock)
Photo: Alan Schmierer - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis elegans
(Mirabilis)
Photo: Jardín Botánico Nacional, Viña del Mar, Chile - Flickr
License: CCNC 2.0
Mirabilis laevis
(Desert Wishbone-Bush)
Photo: Stickpen - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis longiflora
(Sweet Four O'Clock)
Photo: Alan Schmierer - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis macfarlanei
(MacFarlane's Four O'Clock)
Photo: Gene Yates - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis multiflora
(Colorado Four O'Clock)
Photo: Patrick Alexander - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Mirabilis oxybaphoides
(Smooth Spreading Four O'Clock)
Photo: Stan Shebs - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 3.0
Mirabilis volacea
(Heartleaf Umbrella Wort)
Photo: Manuel Ortiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Other Species
Other Species
Mirabilis aggregata
Mirabilis collina
Mirabilis expansa
Mirabilis glandulosa
Mirabilis hintoniorum
Mirabilis longipes
Mirabilis oblongifolia
Mirabilis polyphylla
Mirabilis pumila
Mirabilis suffruticosa
Mirabilis urbani
Mirabilis austrotexana
Mirabilis decipiens
Mirabilis gigantea
Mirabilis gracilis
Mirabilis hirsuta
Mirabilis microchlamydea
Mirabilis odorata
Mirabilis pringlei
Mirabilis rotundifolia
Mirabilis tenuiloba
Mirabilis watsoniana
Mirabilis campanulata
Mirabilis donahooiana
Mirabilis glabra
Mirabilis grandiflora
Mirabilis intercedens
Mirabilis nesomii
Mirabilis oligantha
Mirabilis pudica
Mirabilis russellii
Mirabilis texensis
Mirabilis weberbaueri
Mirabilis ciliatifolia
Mirabilis dumetorum
Mirabilis glabrifolia
Mirabilis greenei
Mirabilis latifolia
Mirabilis oaxacae
Mirabilis polonii
Mirabilis pulchella
Mirabilis sanguinea
Mirabilis triflora
Mirabilis wrightiana
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
Al-Snafi, A. E., Talab, T. A., Jabbar, W. M., & Alqahtani, A. M. (2021). Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mirabilis jalapa-A review. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 1(2), 034-045. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349304729_Chemical_constituents_and_pharmacological_activities_of_Mirabilis_jalapa-A_review
Assmann, G., Cullen, P., Erbey, J., Ramey, D. R., Kannenberg, F., & Schulte, H. (2006). Plasma sitosterol elevations are associated with an increased incidence of coronary events in men: results of a nested case-control analysis of the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) study. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 16(1), 13-21. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475305000815
Cayman Chemical. (2023) Safety Data Sheet acc. to OSHA HCS. Retrieved from https://cdn.caymanchem.com/cdn/msds/18079m.pdf
Liya, F. I., Yasmin, M. F., Chowdhury, N. S., Charu, T. K., & Fatema, I. B. (2021). Mirabilis jalapa: A review of ethno and pharmacological activities. Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research, 9(1), 1-10. From https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2021/1/20-041.pdf
Michalet, S., Cartier, G., David, B., Mariotte, A. M., Dijoux-Franca, M. G., Kaatz, G. W., ... & Gibbons, S. (2007). N-caffeoylphenalkylamide derivatives as bacterial efflux pump inhibitors. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 17(6), 1755-1758. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960894X06014776
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound LCSS for CID 173183, Campesterol. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Campesterol#datasheet=LCSS.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound LCSS for CID 5280794, Stigmasterol. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Stigmasterol#datasheet=LCSS.
NC State Extension. (n.d.). Mirabilis jalapa. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/mirabilis-jalapa/
Piattelli, M., Minale, L., & Nicolaus, R. A. (1965). Pigments of centrospermae—V.: Betaxanthins from Mirabilis jalapa L. Phytochemistry, 4(6), 817-823. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942200862585
Plants For A Future. (n.d.) Mirabilis jalapa - L. Retrieved from: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mirabilis+jalapa
Wag!. (n.d.) Four O'Clock Poisoning in Dogs. Retrieved from: https://wagwalking.com/condition/four-oclock-poisoning
Walker, C. I., Trevisan, G., Rossato, M. F., Franciscato, C., Pereira, M. E., Ferreira, J., & Manfron, M. P. (2008). Antinociceptive activity of Mirabilis jalapa in mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 120(2), 169-175. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108004297
Yi‐Fen, W., Ji‐Jun, C., Yan, Y., Yong‐Tang, Z., Shao‐Zong, T., & Shi‐De, L. (2002). New rotenoids from roots of Mirabilis jalapa. Helvetica Chimica Acta, 85(8), 2342-2348. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1522-2675(200208)85:8%3C2342::AID-HLCA2342%3E3.0.CO;2-S
Zachariah, S. M., Aleykutty, N. A., Viswanad, V., Jacob, S., & Prabhakar, V. (2011). In-vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. Free Radicals and Antioxidants, 1(4), 82-86. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2231253611140138
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
Al-Snafi, A. E., Talab, T. A., Jabbar, W. M., & Alqahtani, A. M. (2021). Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mirabilis jalapa-A review. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 1(2), 034-045. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349304729_Chemical_constituents_and_pharmacological_activities_of_Mirabilis_jalapa-A_review
Kamran, A. W., Nawaz, S., & Ali, S. Mirabilis jalapa. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zarbad-Shah/publication/288822103_Antimicrobial_activities_essential_element_analysis_and_preliminary_phytochemical_analysis_of_ethanolic_extract_of_Mirabilis_jalapa/links/5683e62c08aebccc4e0fd5db/Antimicrobial-activities-essential-element-analysis-and-preliminary-phytochemical-analysis-of-ethanolic-extract-of-Mirabilis-jalapa.pdf
Liya, F. I., Yasmin, M. F., Chowdhury, N. S., Charu, T. K., & Fatema, I. B. (2021). Mirabilis jalapa: A review of ethno and pharmacological activities. Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research, 9(1), 1-10. From https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2021/1/20-041.pdf
Plants For A Future. (n.d.) Mirabilis jalapa - L. From https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mirabilis+jalapa
Walker, C. I., Trevisan, G., Rossato, M. F., Franciscato, C., Pereira, M. E., Ferreira, J., & Manfron, M. P. (2008). Antinociceptive activity of Mirabilis jalapa in mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 120(2), 169-175. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108004297
Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension. (n.d.). Four O'Clocks, Mirabilis jalapa. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-oclocks-mirabilis-jalapa/
Zachariah, S. M., Aleykutty, N. A., Viswanad, V., Jacob, S., & Prabhakar, V. (2011). In-vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. Free Radicals and Antioxidants, 1(4), 82-86. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2231253611140138
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Al-Snafi, A. E., Talab, T. A., Jabbar, W. M., & Alqahtani, A. M. (2021). Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mirabilis jalapa-A review. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 1(2), 034-045. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349304729_Chemical_constituents_and_pharmacological_activities_of_Mirabilis_jalapa-A_review
Liya, F. I., Yasmin, M. F., Chowdhury, N. S., Charu, T. K., & Fatema, I. B. (2021). Mirabilis jalapa: A review of ethno and pharmacological activities. Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research, 9(1), 1-10. From https://www.netjournals.org/pdf/AMPR/2021/1/20-041.pdf
Kamran, A. W., Nawaz, S., & Ali, S. Mirabilis jalapa. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zarbad-Shah/publication/288822103_Antimicrobial_activities_essential_element_analysis_and_preliminary_phytochemical_analysis_of_ethanolic_extract_of_Mirabilis_jalapa/links/5683e62c08aebccc4e0fd5db/Antimicrobial-activities-essential-element-analysis-and-preliminary-phytochemical-analysis-of-ethanolic-extract-of-Mirabilis-jalapa.pdf
Plants For A Future. (n.d.) Mirabilis jalapa - L. From https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mirabilis+jalapa
Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension. (n.d.). Four O'Clocks, Mirabilis jalapa. From https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-oclocks-mirabilis-jalapa/
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
Al-Snafi, A. E., Talab, T. A., Jabbar, W. M., & Alqahtani, A. M. (2021). Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mirabilis jalapa-A review. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 1(2), 034-045. From https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349304729_Chemical_constituents_and_pharmacological_activities_of_Mirabilis_jalapa-A_review
Dave's Garden. (2002). Mirabilis, Four o'Clocks, Marvel of Peru, Night Missy, Queen of the Night. From https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/92
Project Purity Seeds. (n.d.). Mirabilis jalapa 'Red.' From: https://www.projectpurityseeds.com/store/p297/Four-Oclocks-Flower-Seeds.html
Plants For A Future. (n.d.) Mirabilis jalapa - L. From: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mirabilis+jalapa
Walker, C. I., Trevisan, G., Rossato, M. F., Franciscato, C., Pereira, M. E., Ferreira, J., & Manfron, M. P. (2008). Antinociceptive activity of Mirabilis jalapa in mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 120(2), 169-175. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108004297
Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension. (n.d.). Four O'Clocks, Mirabilis jalapa. From https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/four-oclocks-mirabilis-jalapa/
Date of page creation: November 18, 2023
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