Comparison of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum Flos in China

Chen L, Liu Y, Huang X, Zhu Y, Li J, Miao Y, Du H, Liu D · Chemistry & Biodiversity · 2021 July

DOI 10.1002/cbdv.202100206

Objective

To investigate the chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective effects of various chrysanthemum varieties in China.

Conclusions

Chrysanthemums were found to be rich in chemical constituents, with significant differences in phenolic acids and flavonoids among different varieties. The antioxidant activities varied among the chrysanthemum varieties, with Tongchengju and Chuju showing the highest effects. In terms of hepatoprotective effects, Huangshangongju, Hangju-Fubaiju, Jinsihuangju, and Chuju exhibited positive effects on liver function and antioxidant indexes.

Critical Appraisal

Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.

This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.

Learn more about Critical Appraisal

Insights

Chrysanthemum, a traditional Chinese medicine, shows significant antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects, making it a potential resource for functional foods and medicinal materials.

A comprehensive evaluation of 25 common chrysanthemum varieties in China was carried out for their chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective effects. Initially, the water extracts from chrysanthemums were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and 29 chemical components were identified. It was observed that chrysanthemums were rich in chemical constituents with significant differences in the contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids among the varieties. Afterwards, the antioxidant activities of different chrysanthemums were investigated through different assays. The relationships between nine main components and antioxidant activities were examined to identify the antioxidant constitutes in chrysanthemums. The study also examined the capacity for each cultivar to protect against cell damage, with certain cultivars standing out with higher efficacy. The hepatoprotective effects of eight mainstream varieties were determined using a model of acute alcoholic liver injury. The chrysanthemums were found to protect the liver from injury by impacting relevant liver function and antioxidant indexes. Selected varieties could decrease certain liver activities, while others significantly decreased harmful content in liver tissue, showing significant antioxidant capacity.