Ye Ju Hua Dried Flower Liquid Extract
Also known as: Ye Ju Hua, Chrysanthemum flower, Chrysanthemum indicum
Overview
Ye Ju Hua dried flower liquid extract is derived from the dried flowers of *Chrysanthemum indicum*, a plant with a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. This extract is typically prepared as a tincture or glycerite using cold maceration to preserve its delicate bioactive compounds, which include flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. It is primarily valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. While research on *Chrysanthemum indicum* extracts is growing, with various in vitro and animal studies, high-quality human clinical trials specifically on this extract are limited. Most available evidence is preclinical or from small clinical studies, and systematic reviews often include related *Chrysanthemum* species, making specific conclusions about *C. indicum* challenging.
Benefits
Ye Ju Hua extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effects include significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against bacteria such as *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Propionibacterium acnes*, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for essential oils around 10-25 mg/mL. This effect is largely attributed to oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The extract also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models, likely due to its rich content of flavonoids and terpenoids. Furthermore, it possesses antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress markers. Secondary benefits may include alleviating symptoms of nasal itching and allergic rhinitis, though this has been observed when Ye Ju Hua is part of multi-herb formulations, making it difficult to isolate its specific contribution. While traditionally used for respiratory and skin conditions, robust clinical data in specific populations are lacking, and quantitative clinical effect sizes are not well-established due to the limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Ye Ju Hua extract is primarily linked to its diverse phytochemical profile. Its antimicrobial effects are largely attributed to oxygenated sesquiterpenes, such as α-cadinol, which are believed to disrupt bacterial cell membranes. The anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be mediated by flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammatory responses. Antioxidant activity stems from its polyphenol content, which effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from oxidative damage. While flavonoids generally have moderate oral bioavailability, specific absorption and bioavailability data for the liquid extract of *Chrysanthemum indicum* are currently limited.
Side effects
Ye Ju Hua extract is generally considered safe when used within traditional dosage guidelines, though comprehensive safety data from rigorous clinical trials are limited. Common side effects are not extensively documented but may include allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. The extract is contraindicated during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential effects on fetal development. Caution is also advised during lactation, as its components may pass into breast milk. While no significant drug interactions have been conclusively reported, theoretical interactions with anticoagulants or immunomodulatory drugs are possible given its anti-inflammatory and potential immune-modulating properties. Individuals on medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. Long-term safety data are also lacking, suggesting that short-term use is more commonly practiced.
Dosage
Typical dosing for commercial Ye Ju Hua liquid extracts, such as tinctures, generally ranges from 20-30 drops (approximately 1 mL) diluted in water or juice, taken up to 4 times daily. These extracts commonly use a dry plant material to solvent ratio of 1:3, meaning 1 mL of extract is equivalent to approximately 270-330 mg of dry flower material. There is no established maximum safe dose derived from clinical trials; current recommendations are based on traditional use, which is considered safe within these parameters. The timing of dosage is flexible, often administered multiple times daily for acute symptom relief. It is important to adhere to product-specific instructions and consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice, especially given the limited clinical data on optimal dosing.
FAQs
Is Ye Ju Hua extract safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for Ye Ju Hua extract are currently lacking. Traditional use typically involves short-term application, and it is advisable to follow this practice until more research becomes available.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
No, Ye Ju Hua extract is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential risks that have not been fully evaluated in this population.
How quickly does it work?
Traditional use suggests that symptom relief may occur within days, but robust clinical evidence to confirm the exact onset and duration of action for Ye Ju Hua extract is currently insufficient.
Does alcohol-free extract differ in efficacy?
Alcohol-free extracts generally preserve similar phytochemicals to alcohol-based ones. While the extraction profile might differ slightly, the core bioactive compounds are expected to be present, maintaining comparable efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This in vitro study investigated the essential oil from Juhua (*Chrysanthemum indicum*) and found potent antibacterial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus* (MIC 10 mg/mL) and *Propionibacterium acnes* (MIC 25 mg/mL). The activity was attributed to its high terpenoid content, particularly oxygenated sesquiterpenes like α-cadinol, which disrupt bacterial membranes. The study provides mechanistic evidence for the antimicrobial properties but lacks clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10482051/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of herbal decoctions, including those containing Juhua, for reducing nasal itching symptoms in children. It found that herbal formulas containing Juhua showed efficacy, but Juhua was always part of a multi-herb blend. This makes it challenging to isolate the specific contribution of Juhua to the observed effects, providing indirect evidence for its potential benefits in allergic rhinitis.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10582400/ – This review article discusses the antimicrobial activity of various *Chrysanthemum* species extracts, including *C. morifolium*. It highlights that methanolic extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity against several bacteria, including *S. aureus* and MRSA. While not exclusively focused on *C. indicum*, it supports the broader antimicrobial potential within the *Chrysanthemum* genus, primarily based on in vitro findings.
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