Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract
Also known as: Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat., Florist's chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum flower extract, Chrysanthemum morifolium
Overview
Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract is derived from the dried flowers of the Chrysanthemum morifolium plant, a member of the Compositae family. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The extract contains multiple bioactive compounds including flavonoids (e.g., cynaroside, apigenin), triterpenoids, volatile oils, and phenolic acids. It is primarily used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential protective effects against acute lung injury and other inflammatory conditions. Research on Chrysanthemum morifolium extract is moderately mature, with multiple in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical studies, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on this extract are limited.
Benefits
The extract demonstrates strong antioxidant activity, showing significant free radical scavenging effects in various in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical scavenging), primarily attributed to flavonoids like cynaroside and apigenin. Ethanol extracts have shown significant anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of acute lung injury, reducing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. The extract also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, potentially enhancing conventional antimicrobial therapies through multi-target mechanisms. Additional potential benefits include anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and cardiovascular protective effects, though these require further clinical validation. Most data derive from preclinical models, and effect sizes and clinical significance are not well quantified in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
How it works
The antioxidant effects of Chrysanthemum morifolium are primarily due to its flavonoid and phenolic compounds, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory activity involves the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways, likely mediated by triterpenoids and flavonoids. The antimicrobial effects may result from the disruption of microbial membranes and the inhibition of microbial enzymes, supported by the presence of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. Bioavailability details are limited, but flavonoids generally have moderate oral bioavailability, which can be influenced by extraction methods.
Side effects
Chrysanthemum morifolium extract is traditionally considered safe and non-toxic, with no significant adverse effects reported in animal studies or traditional use. However, human safety data from rigorous randomized controlled trials are lacking. Caution is advised for individuals with allergies, particularly those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. No well-documented drug interactions or contraindications have been identified in the reviewed literature. Comprehensive safety assessments in human populations are needed to fully understand its safety profile and potential interactions.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing established from high-quality clinical trials for Chrysanthemum morifolium extract. Traditional use involves infusions or ethanol extracts, and experimental doses vary widely in animal studies. Optimal dose, timing, and formulation require clinical validation. Due to the lack of human clinical data, specific recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be definitively provided. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are also not well-defined, emphasizing the need for further research.
FAQs
Is Chrysanthemum morifolium extract safe?
It is generally regarded as safe based on traditional use and animal studies, but human clinical safety data are limited, and caution is advised for individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae family.
What benefits can be expected from Chrysanthemum morifolium extract?
Preclinical studies most strongly support antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Potential antimicrobial properties are also noted, but clinical efficacy in humans remains to be confirmed.
How fast do the effects of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract appear?
Preclinical studies show effects within days to weeks. However, human data are insufficient to determine the onset of effects in people.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9866508/ – This analytical study quantified flavonoids in Chrysanthemum morifolium extract and demonstrated its strong antioxidant activity in vitro. It provides chemical profiling but lacks clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7381867/ – This animal randomized controlled trial in mice with acute lung injury showed that Chrysanthemum morifolium ethanol extract reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, demonstrating a protective effect. However, it is an animal model and lacks human data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This narrative systematic review highlighted the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Chrysanthemum morifolium and Chrysanthemum indicum, suggesting potential synergy with antibiotics. It is a review, not a meta-analysis, and has limitations in quantitative synthesis.