Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract
Also known as: Wild Chrysanthemum, Indian Chrysanthemum, Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract, Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Overview
Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract is derived from *Chrysanthemum indicum* L., a perennial plant with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a subject of interest for skin protection and general health. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. While research is ongoing, current evidence primarily comes from in vitro and animal studies, with a limited number of human trials. The quality of evidence is emerging, with well-controlled studies demonstrating its potential, but more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It provides significant skin protection against UV damage by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), key enzymes involved in photoaging. This effect has been observed in human keratinocyte cell lines. The extract also exhibits strong antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to flavonoids that inhibit cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin formation. Furthermore, it demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses (e.g., HSV-1), fungi, and parasites, though efficacy varies with plant part and extraction method. Secondary benefits include potential anticonvulsant activity via GABA neurotransmitter stimulation, observed in animal models, and a suggested modulation of postprandial lipid metabolism in a small human study. While in vitro studies show significant effects (e.g., p < 0.05 for ROS reduction), human clinical effect sizes require further establishment. Benefits are primarily studied in vitro and in healthy adults, with limited data for specific patient populations.
How it works
Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. The extract inhibits UVB-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which are crucial mediators of photoaging and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory action is primarily due to flavonoids that inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, leading to decreased prostaglandin synthesis. The antimicrobial properties are likely mediated by terpenoids and flavonoids, which can disrupt microbial cell membranes or interfere with their replication processes. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting a possible modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, contributing to its observed anticonvulsant effects. The extract contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, and their individual bioavailability and synergistic interactions are still being investigated.
Side effects
Overall, Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract appears to have a favorable safety profile, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed studies. Common side effects are not well documented, and no significant toxicity has been observed in vitro or in small human trials. Data on uncommon or rare side effects are insufficient, though traditional use suggests low toxicity. Drug interactions are not well studied; however, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs due to potential additive effects. Contraindications are largely unknown, but individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. There is currently no specific safety data available for special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or patients with chronic diseases, thus use in these groups is not recommended without further research and medical supervision.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Wild Chrysanthemum Flower Extract has not been definitively established in humans, with effective concentrations varying widely in in vitro studies. Optimal dosage ranges for human consumption are also not well-defined; one human study utilized unspecified extract doses taken with a high-fat meal for antioxidant effects. The maximum safe dose remains unknown, though traditional use suggests that moderate doses are generally well-tolerated. For antioxidant benefits, acute consumption with meals may be beneficial. For skin protection, specific timing for topical or systemic dosing has not been standardized. It is recommended to use extracts standardized for flavonoid or terpenoid content to ensure consistency in potency. The bioavailability of the active compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, may be limited, and formulation can significantly impact absorption. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Wild Chrysanthemum extract effective for skin protection?
Yes, in vitro evidence supports its ability to protect against UV-induced damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells.
Can it be used as an antimicrobial agent?
It demonstrates broad antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, but its clinical efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in humans needs further confirmation.
Is it safe for daily use?
Limited safety data suggest low toxicity, but comprehensive clinical safety studies, especially for long-term daily use, are currently lacking.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Antioxidant effects may be observed within hours after consumption, while skin protection effects have been demonstrated acutely in cell models.
Are there any known drug interactions?
No well-documented interactions exist, but caution is advised, particularly with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory medications, due to potential additive effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4754249/ – This in vitro study on human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) demonstrated that Wild Chrysanthemum extract effectively reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2/9) expression, and modulated MAPK phosphorylation, indicating its protective effects against photoaging.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9866508/ – A randomized controlled trial involving 37 healthy adults showed that Chrysanthemum extract, consumed with a single meal, exhibited antioxidant activity and positively modulated markers related to postprandial lipid metabolism. This suggests potential benefits for metabolic health, though the study was small and short-term.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This systematic review, encompassing various studies on *C. indicum* and *C. morifolium*, confirmed the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Chrysanthemum extracts. It highlighted that the efficacy can vary significantly based on the specific plant part used and the extraction methodology employed.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9889/dff13c76d0839463dd4ea6a01d802e9d80f1.pdf – This systematic review, focusing on animal and in vitro studies, concluded that flavonoids present in Chrysanthemum exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects through cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and demonstrate anticonvulsant activity via modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission. The review emphasizes preclinical evidence, calling for more human trials.
