The Medicinal Landscape of Chrysanthemum indicum L.: Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Modern Evidence
ORCID
- Elena Alexa: 0000-0003-2833-2552
- Tao Zhang: 0000-0003-1079-5364
Abstract
Chrysanthemum indicum L. (C. indicum), a perennial herb widely distributed across East Asia,has long been utilised in traditional medicine and as a functional food ingredient. Contemporaryresearch has revealed a chemically diverse phytochemical profile, dominated byflavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils, carotenoids, and polysaccharides,which collectively underpin its broad pharmacological potential. Experimentalstudies demonstrate that extracts and isolated constituents of C. indicum exert pronouncedantioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anticancereffects in vitro and in vivo, often through modulation of key molecular pathwayssuch as NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasomes, AMPK–SIRT1, and Nrf2 signalling. Emergingpharmacokinetic evidence indicates variable oral bioavailability and metabolic transformationof major bioactive compounds, highlighting formulation challenges that may influencetherapeutic efficacy. Toxicological studies suggest a generally favourable safety profileat traditionally used doses, although long-term and clinical safety data remain limited.Regulatory positioning varies internationally, with applications spanning traditional herbalpreparations, dietary supplements and functional foods. Despite promising preclinicalfindings, significant challenges persist, including chemical standardisation, bioavailabilityoptimisation, mechanistic clarification and the paucity of well-designed clinical trials. Thisreview critically synthesises current knowledge on the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacologicalactivities, pharmacokinetics, safety considerations and regulatory landscape ofC. indicum, identifying key research gaps and outlining future directions to support itsevidence-based development as a therapeutic and dietary agent.
Keywords
Chrysanthemum indicum L, traditional Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, nutraceuticals, functional foods
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-03-04
Publication Title
Nutraceuticals
Volume
6(1)
Issue
17
Deposit Date
2026-04-02
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Liu, Gavin; Alexa, Elena; and Zhang, Tao, "The Medicinal Landscape of Chrysanthemum indicum L.: Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Modern Evidence" (2026). Research Outputs: 2025-Present. 28.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/schfsehro/28