Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract
Also known as: Chrysanthemum indicum L., Indian chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum, CIE, Chrysanthemum indicum
Overview
Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) is derived from the dried flower buds of the plant, primarily using ethanol or water extraction methods. It is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is valued for its 'heat-clearing', detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The extract is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, including various flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While CIE has a long history of traditional use, modern scientific research is moderately mature, encompassing numerous in vitro and animal studies, along with some preliminary human investigations. However, large-scale clinical trials and comprehensive meta-analyses specifically focusing on CIE as a standalone intervention are still limited. The current body of evidence ranges from preclinical findings to early-phase clinical observations, supporting its potential as a botanical supplement.
Benefits
Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by animal and in vitro studies. It exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and modulating immune responses in animal models of arthritis and systemic low-grade inflammation. This suggests potential for managing inflammatory conditions. CIE also acts as a potent antioxidant, decreasing oxidative stress markers like MDA and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-PX) in mouse models, indicating protective effects against cellular damage. Furthermore, CIE shows immunomodulatory effects by influencing immune cell apoptosis and proliferation, particularly in synoviocytes within arthritis models, which points to its potential in autoimmune contexts. The extract contains compounds with antimicrobial activity, which could be synergistic with conventional antibiotics, offering support against infectious diseases. Lastly, CIE has been shown to modulate gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like *Lactobacillus* and short-chain fatty acids, which may contribute to its systemic anti-inflammatory effects by reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation.
How it works
Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its primary actions involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, and the reduction of oxidative stress by upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes. CIE also induces apoptosis in pathological immune cells, contributing to its immunomodulatory effects. The bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and terpenoids, are believed to interact with specific molecular targets involved in inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Additionally, CIE modulates the composition of gut microbiota, which can lead to a reduction in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation from the gut into the bloodstream, thereby mitigating systemic inflammation. The specific absorption and bioavailability of CIE's active components are not yet fully characterized but are likely influenced by the extraction method and the final formulation.
Side effects
Overall, Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) appears to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no major toxicity reported at the tested doses. However, due to the limited availability of human clinical data, common side effects in humans are not well documented. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications explicitly reported in the reviewed literature. Despite the lack of reported adverse effects, caution is advised for specific populations. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using CIE due to insufficient safety data in these groups. Furthermore, individuals with known allergies to plants belonging to the Asteraceae family (which includes chrysanthemums) should exercise caution or avoid CIE, as allergic reactions are possible. As with any supplement, it is recommended to start with a low dose and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Dosage
Specific human dosing guidelines for Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) are currently lacking due to limited clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal studies vary significantly; for instance, anti-inflammatory effects were noted in mice with water extract doses ranging from 7 to 28 g/kg/day. In traditional Chinese medicine, CIE is typically consumed as decoctions or standardized extracts, but there is no established consensus on an optimal human dose. The extraction method, whether ethanol or water-based, significantly influences the phytochemical profile and, consequently, the potency of the extract. This variability makes direct translation of animal doses to humans challenging. Without robust human data, it is difficult to specify recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are also not yet defined. Users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation.
FAQs
Can it be used for infections?
CIE exhibits antimicrobial properties in vitro, indicating it may have a role in supporting conventional treatments for various infections, though human clinical evidence is limited.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data in humans for Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) are insufficient. Animal studies suggest good tolerability, but more research is needed to confirm long-term safety in humans.
How quickly do benefits appear?
In animal studies, biochemical changes and observed benefits from Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) typically appear within days to several weeks of treatment initiation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5312047/ – This animal study on mice with an ankylosing spondylitis model demonstrated that Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA) and increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-PX), while also decreasing inflammation over several weeks. The study provides strong preclinical evidence for CIE's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, though it is limited to an animal model.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This narrative review comprehensively summarizes the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) and related species. It provides a detailed phytochemical analysis, highlighting the compounds responsible for its bioactivities, but does not present new clinical data. The review is valuable for understanding the broad spectrum of CIE's potential.
- https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0192415X08006168 – This animal study on rats with adjuvant arthritis showed that total flavonoids from Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) induced synoviocyte apoptosis, inhibited their proliferation, and reduced arthritis symptoms over several weeks. The research provides mechanistic insights into how CIE may alleviate arthritis, despite being limited by its animal model and sample size.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10005712/ – This animal study on mice with diet-induced systemic low-grade inflammation found that Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) significantly reduced TNF-α by 62.8% and LPS by 77.44%. It also demonstrated that CIE modulated gut microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acids. This robust animal study provides strong biochemical endpoints supporting CIE's anti-inflammatory and gut-modulating effects, though human trials are needed.