Chrysanthemum Morifolium
Also known as: Florist’s chrysanthemum, Ju Hua, Chrysanthemum morifolium
Overview
Chrysanthemum morifolium, commonly known as Florist’s chrysanthemum or Ju Hua in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a flowering plant primarily used as a dried flower for teas and extracts. In TCM, it is valued for its "heat-clearing" and detoxifying properties. Research indicates its potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular support. The plant's therapeutic effects are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. While numerous in vitro and animal studies support these properties, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, making definitive conclusions about its efficacy in humans challenging. It is generally considered safe for consumption based on traditional use, but more rigorous clinical data are needed to establish standardized dosages and comprehensive safety profiles.
Benefits
Chrysanthemum morifolium exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and some human observational studies. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are well-documented in vitro and in animal models, showing a reduction in inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, with some evidence of lung protection in injury models. The plant contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids that contribute to its antimicrobial activity, suggesting potential against bacterial and viral infections, though clinical efficacy in humans is unproven. Novel carbon dots derived from C. morifolium decoction have demonstrated anxiolytic effects in mice by modulating HPA axis hormones and neurotransmitters, indicating potential for anxiety relief. Furthermore, some research suggests its potential in cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and preventing hyperlipidemia, and delaying aging. However, the strength of evidence for most of these benefits in humans is limited due to a scarcity of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meaning clinical significance and optimal conditions for benefit are not yet robustly established.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Chrysanthemum morifolium are attributed to its rich array of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. Its anti-inflammatory effects are primarily mediated by triterpenoids and flavonoids, which inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative pathways, thereby reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The antimicrobial activity stems from multiple compounds that target bacterial and viral pathogens. Anxiolytic effects may involve the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and neurotransmitter systems, such as monoamines and amino acids, influencing mood and stress responses. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, flavonoids and terpenoids generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, allowing them to exert systemic effects. These compounds interact with various biological pathways to produce their observed health benefits.
Side effects
Chrysanthemum morifolium is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic, classified as "top grade" in Traditional Chinese Medicine texts, with common side effects being rare. Animal studies and extensive traditional use have not reported significant adverse effects. However, a lack of large-scale human safety trials limits definitive conclusions regarding its comprehensive safety profile. There are no well-documented drug interactions or contraindications, but caution is advised for specific populations. Due to its potential immunomodulatory effects, individuals who are pregnant or taking immunosuppressants should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. While no severe adverse reactions have been widely reported, the absence of extensive clinical data means that potential rare or long-term side effects, as well as interactions with specific medications, cannot be entirely ruled out. Users should monitor for any unusual reactions, especially when starting supplementation.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosage for Chrysanthemum morifolium established from rigorous clinical trials. Traditional use typically involves the infusion of dried flowers, with common recommendations ranging from 3-10 grams per day as a tea. In research studies, extract doses vary widely, and animal studies often utilize ethanol extracts or isolated compounds, which do not directly translate to human dosing. The optimal dosage for specific health benefits and the maximum safe dose remain undefined due to insufficient clinical data. Timing of consumption generally aligns with traditional practices, suggesting daily intake as a tea or supplement. Due to the lack of clinical standardization, individuals should start with lower doses and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when considering concentrated extracts or specific health conditions, to ensure safety and appropriate use.
FAQs
Is Chrysanthemum morifolium effective for anxiety?
Animal studies suggest anxiolytic potential, with research showing modulation of stress hormones and neurotransmitters. However, human clinical trials are currently lacking, so its effectiveness for anxiety in humans is not yet established.
Can it be used for infections?
In vitro studies indicate that Chrysanthemum morifolium possesses antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. However, its clinical efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in humans has not been proven through robust clinical trials.
Is it safe?
Based on extensive traditional use and animal studies, Chrysanthemum morifolium is generally considered safe with no major adverse effects reported. However, comprehensive human clinical safety data are limited, so caution is advised, especially for pregnant individuals or those on immunosuppressants.
How long does it take to see benefits?
The time frame to observe benefits in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical studies. Animal studies have shown effects after days to weeks of administration, but these findings may not directly translate to human response times.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This systematic review by Liang et al. (2025) synthesized preclinical evidence on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of C. morifolium phytochemicals. It highlighted the synergistic potential of these compounds with conventional antimicrobials, though it noted the reliance on preclinical data and the limited clinical evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10373738/ – Cui et al. (2023) conducted an RCT in mice, demonstrating that novel carbon dots derived from C. morifolium decoction reduced anxiety-like behavior. The study suggested that this effect was mediated via modulation of the HPA axis, indicating potential anxiolytic properties, though it was an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7381867/ – Liu et al. (2020) performed an in vivo animal study using a mouse model of acute lung injury. Their research showed that an ethanol extract of C. morifolium exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, providing protective benefits against lung injury, but this was an animal study without human RCTs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00746/full – Tao et al. (2018) reviewed the properties of polysaccharides isolated from C. morifolium, identifying their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. The review primarily summarized preclinical data, emphasizing the need for further clinical confirmation of these findings.
