chrysanthemum
Also known as: Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum coronarium L., Chrysanthemum, Juhua, Garland chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum morifolium
Overview
Chrysanthemum refers to several species of flowering plants, primarily *Chrysanthemum morifolium*, *C. indicum*, and *C. coronarium*, widely utilized in traditional herbal medicine and teas, particularly in East Asia. It is commonly consumed as an infusion or extract and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and renoprotective properties. Key bioactive compounds include flavonoids (such as luteolin), terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and triterpenoids. While research is ongoing, with increasing preclinical and some clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on human clinical outcomes are limited. The majority of evidence stems from in vitro and animal studies, with a scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans.
Benefits
Chrysanthemum extracts have demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, primarily in preclinical models. They show promise in lipid metabolism, with chrysanthemum flavonoids reducing blood lipids and liver steatosis in animal models by activating PPARα and AMPK pathways, leading to decreased fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis and improved lipid profiles. *Chrysanthemum coronarium* extract has shown renoprotective effects, attenuating chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in mice by reducing inflammation and fibrosis markers and improving renal function parameters like blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Extracts of *C. indicum* and *C. morifolium* exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, modulating immune responses and oxidative stress in preclinical models. Furthermore, *C. indicum* flower extract has been shown to restore gut microbiota diversity and reduce inflammation in mouse models of chronic inflammation. While these benefits are statistically significant in animal studies (p < 0.05), their clinical significance in humans requires further investigation. Benefits typically emerge after several weeks of administration in animal studies.
How it works
Chrysanthemum exerts its effects through several biological pathways. In lipid metabolism, it activates PPARα and AMPK pathways, which regulate lipid synthesis and inhibit adipogenesis. Its anti-inflammatory actions involve the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), chemokines (e.g., MCP-1), adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1), and cyclooxygenase-2, thereby reducing tissue inflammation and fibrosis. As an antioxidant, chrysanthemum scavenges reactive oxygen species and enhances the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Key molecular targets include nuclear receptors and signaling kinases, with flavonoids like luteolin interacting with these pathways involved in metabolism and inflammation. The oral bioavailability of its active flavonoids and terpenoids can vary, but enzymatic treatment may enhance their bioactivity.
Side effects
Overall, chrysanthemum extracts are generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies, with no significant adverse effects reported in the reviewed animal research. However, human safety data are limited. Allergic reactions, such as those to chrysanthemum pollen or extracts, may occur in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. There are no documented serious drug interactions or contraindications in the current literature. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, including pregnant or lactating individuals and children, are insufficient, and caution is advised. Due to the limited human clinical trials, the full spectrum of potential side effects and interactions in humans is not yet fully understood.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for chrysanthemum are not well-established due to the limited number of human randomized controlled trials. Animal studies have utilized varying doses; for instance, *C. coronarium* extract was administered at doses sufficient to modulate renal markers over a four-week period in mice. Traditionally, chrysanthemum is consumed as a tea infusion prepared from dried flowers, with no standardized dosage for this preparation. The bioavailability of its active compounds may be influenced by factors such as enzymatic processing or co-administration with absorption enhancers. Without robust human clinical data, it is difficult to recommend precise dosages for specific health outcomes, and individuals should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is chrysanthemum effective for lowering cholesterol?
Preclinical evidence supports lipid-lowering effects via PPARα and AMPK activation, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in people.
Can chrysanthemum protect kidney function?
Animal studies suggest renoprotective effects by reducing inflammation and fibrosis markers, showing promise for kidney health, but human data are lacking.
Are there any side effects?
Generally considered safe in traditional use and animal studies. Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals, but serious side effects are not widely reported.
How long until effects appear?
Benefits in animal models have typically been observed after several weeks of continuous administration, suggesting a similar timeframe might be needed in humans.
Is it safe to consume daily?
Traditional use suggests daily consumption is safe, but clinical safety data in humans, especially for long-term use, are limited.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.952588/full – This animal and in vitro study demonstrated that chrysanthemum flavonoids effectively reduce hyperlipidemia and fatty liver in mice by activating PPARα and AMPK pathways. The research showed significant improvements in lipid profiles and provided mechanistic gene expression analysis supporting these findings. A limitation is the lack of human data and small sample sizes in animal groups.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10383626/ – This randomized controlled trial in mice with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) found that *C. coronarium* extract significantly improved renal function markers and histopathology. It also reduced inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression. The study was well-controlled with a placebo group, but its primary limitation is being an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10005712/ – This preclinical study using a mouse model of chronic inflammation showed that *C. indicum* flower extract restored gut microbiota diversity and reduced inflammation markers. The study identified statistically significant changes in bacterial genera abundance. A key limitation is that this research was preclinical and did not involve human subjects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1538311/full – This systematic review analyzed 29 studies on *C. morifolium* and *C. indicum*, highlighting their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, which are linked to flavonoids and terpenoids. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a meta-analysis was not performed. The review emphasizes the need for more clinical trials to confirm these effects in humans.
