Chrysanthemum

The Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.) is a plant genus originating from East Asia that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Originally coming from China and Japan, it has ranked among the most important medicinal and ornamental plants there for over 2,500 years. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as in Western phytotherapy, it is valued for its diverse therapeutic effects. In addition to its symbolic meaning (e.g., as a symbol of longevity), it is known worldwide today – not only as a garden plant but also as an ingredient in teas, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products.

What benefits does the Chrysanthemum offer?

Chrysanthemums are used both traditionally and in modern times due to their versatile effects:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Chrysanthemum extracts contain bioactive compounds that can modulate inflammatory processes and have anti-inflammatory effects. (1,2,3)
  • Antimicrobial properties: Numerous studies have shown that active compounds from the Chrysanthemum exhibit antimicrobial properties (1,4,5,6).
  • Antioxidant protection: The flowers contain flavonoids and other antioxidant substances that can neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. (1,7,8)
  • Eye health: In TCM, Chrysanthemum tea is considered strengthening for the eyes. It is said to help against fatigue, dryness, and strain – especially with intensive screen work (1,9).
  • Headaches and colds: In tea blends, the plant is used to relieve tension headaches and flu-like infections (9). A positive effect on the immune system and overall health.
  • Liver and heart support: In Asian folk medicine, the Chrysanthemum is also used to support liver function and the cardiovascular system. Studies also point to potential in this area (1,9,10).
  • Cardiovascular system: Various investigations have linked Chrysanthemums to a positive effect on arterial health and the cardiovascular system (1,9,11).
  • Anti-adipogenic effect: Studies showed a significant reduction in lipid accumulation as a result of the active compounds in the plant (1,9,12,13).

How does the Chrysanthemum work?

The positive effects of Chrysanthemums can be attributed to their valuable constituents. Above all, chrysanthemin should be mentioned here, an anthocyanin that is also responsible for the typical flower coloration. However, flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpene saponins are also involved in the effect.

Side effects and risks

Chrysanthemums in usual doses are considered well tolerated. Nevertheless, a few points should be kept in mind, and intake should be discussed with a doctor beforehand:

  • Allergies: People with allergies to plants of the daisy family (e.g., chamomile, arnica) may react sensitively to Chrysanthemums.
  • Skin contact: Direct contact with the plant can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
  • Interactions: If medications are taken at the same time, use should be coordinated with a doctor or therapist.
  • Potentially dangerous for animals: Chrysanthemums contain the toxin pyrethrum. In animals, it can lead to various symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, or even seizures or liver and kidney damage.

Conclusion

Chrysanthemums are far more than decorative autumn flowers. They possess a broad spectrum of health-relevant active compounds that are valued in traditional and modern herbal medicine – whether to support the eyes, the immune defenses, or for colds. Due to their mild and versatile mode of action, Chrysanthemum extracts are especially popular as tea or as a gentle natural remedy – provided they are used properly and in a suitable dose.

Sources:

  1. Sharma, N., Radha, Kumar, M., Kumari, N., Puri, S., Rais, N., Natta, S., Dhumal, S., Navamaniraj, N., Chandran, D., Mohankumar, P., Muthukumar, M., Senapathy, M., Deshmukh, V., Damale, R. D., Anitha, T., Balamurugan, V., Sathish, G., & Lorenzo, J. M. (2023). Phytochemicals, therapeutic benefits and applications of chrysanthemum flower: A review. Heliyon, 9(10), e20232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20232
  2. Suh M.G., Choi H.S., Cho K., Park S.S., Kim W.J., Suh H.J., Kim H. The antiinflammatory action of herbal medicine comprised of Scutellaria baicalensis and Chrysanthemum morifolium. Biosci., Biotechnol., Biochem. 2020;84(9):1799–1809. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1769464.
  3. Wu T.Y., Khor T.O., Saw C.L.L., Loh S.C., Chen A.I., Lim S.S., Kong A.N.T. Anti-inflammatory/Anti-oxidative stress activities and differential regulation of Nrf2- mediated genes by non-polar fractions of tea Chrysanthemum zawadskii and licorice Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. 2011;13(1):1–13. doi: 10.1208/s12248-010-9239-4.
  4. Shan B., Cai Y.Z., Brooks J.D., Corke H. The in vitro antibacterial activity of dietary spice and medicinal herb extracts. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 2007;117(1):112–119. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.03.003.
  5. Shao Y., Sun Y., Li D., Chen Y. Chrysanthemum indicum L.: a comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Am. J. Chin. Med. 2020;48(4):871–897. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X20500421.
  6. Zhang Z.Y., Fang X.P., Diao Z.H., Zeng R.H., Mei X.G. Anti-respiratory syncytial virus effect of the extraction of Chrysanthemum indicum in vitro. Pharmaceutical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army. 2006;22:37–40.
  7. Kundu A., Panwar S. Profiling of carotenoid pigments and their antioxidant activities in ray florets of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum× morifolium) Indian J. Agric. Sci. 2018;88(3):393–399.
  8. Lee M.S., Kim Y. Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells via AMPK/SIRT1 pathway activation. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2726. doi: 10.3390/nu12092726.
  9. Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W., Zandi, P., & Cheng, Q. (2019). A review of Chrysanthemum, the eastern queen in traditional Chinese medicine with healing power in modern pharmaceutical sciences. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 17(6), 13355–13369. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1706_1335513369
  10. Salem G.A., Alamyel F.B., Abushaala F.A., Hussain M.S., Abusheba H., Sahu R.P. Evaluation of the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antiepileptic activities of Chrysanthemum trifurcatum. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2019;117 doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109123.
  11. Shang X., Zhu Z.Y., Wang F., Liu J.C., Liu J.Y., Xie M.L. Hypoglycemic effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract on alloxan-induced diabetic mice is associated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ-mediated hepatic glycogen synthesis. J. Appl. Biomed. 2017;15(1):81–86. doi: 10.1016/j.jab.2016.10.001.
  12. Lee M.S., Kim Y. Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells via AMPK/SIRT1 pathway activation. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2726. doi: 10.3390/nu12092726.
  13. Park M.J., Song J.H., Shon M.S., Kim H.O., Kwon O.J., Roh S.S., Kim G.N. Anti-adipogenic effects of ethanol extract prepared from selected medicinal herbs in 3T3-L1 cells. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 2016;21(3):227. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2016.21.3.227.