Health Care Professional Information
Scientific Name
Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum sinense, Chrysanthemum japonense
Clinical Summary
Derived from the flower and aerial parts of the plant, Chrysanthemum is used commonly in traditional Chinese medicine to treat hypertension, angina, and fever. In vitro and animal studies indicate cytotoxic (10)(12), anti-inflammatory (13), immunomodulatory (14), and neuroprotective (9) (11) properties. Chrysanthemum was also shown to reverse multidrug resistance in human breast cancer cells (15); and topical application was found effective against atopic dermatitis in mice (16).
Clinical trials have yet to be conducted to determine these effects in humans.
Chrysanthemum is one of the eight components of PC-SPES, an herbal formulation used in trials of prostate cancer.
Purported Uses
- Angina
- Common cold
- Fever
- Hypertension
Constituents
- Essential oils: Bornol
- Alkaloids: Stachydrine
- Sesquiterpenes: Alantolactone
- Glycosides: Acacetin-7-rhamnoglucose, cosmosin, acacetin-7-glucose, diosmetin-7-glucose
- Flavonoids: luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside
- Other compounds: Adenine, choline, camphor
(8)
Mechanism of Action
In vitro studies indicate that chrysanthemum has cytotoxic (4) and antibacterial (6) properties. Extracts of chrysanthemum showed no effect on insulin levels (7). In a study of mice, chrysanthemum significantly decreased serum IgE, IgG1, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels and reduced mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13 in dorsal skin lesion (16).
Chrysanthemum was shown to reverse multidrug resistance in human breast cancer (MCF-7/ADR) cells via an increase in Rh123 accumulation and a decrease of Rh123 efflux indicating a blockage of the activity of P-gp (15). In another study, chrysanthemum induced apoptosis in various tumor cells via inhibition of the JAK1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways (12).
Pharmacokinetics
A study done in rats showed that Luteolin and Apigenin reached the peak level at 1.1 and 3.9 hours following oral administration of 200mg/kg of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract (CME). Both the compounds were completely excreted in 72 hours after ingestion of CME.
(8)
Contraindications
Patients with allergy to ragweed should avoid this herb.
Adverse Reactions
Reported: Contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity reaction, photosensitivity.
(2) (3)
Herb-Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive drugs: Theoretically, chrysanthemum may have an additive hypotensive effect.
Literature Summary and Critique
Clinical studies have not been performed with chrysanthemum.
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, 2nd Ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999.
- Sharma SC, Tanwar RC, Kaur S. Contact dermatitis from chrysanthemums in India. Contact Dermatitis. 1989;21:69-71.
- Kuno Y, Kawabe Y, Sakakibara S. Allergic contact dermatitis associated with photosensitivity, from alantolactone in a chrysanthemum farmer. Contact Dermatitis. 1999;40:224-5.
- Ukiya M, et al. Constituents of Compositae plants III. Anti-tumor promoting effects and cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines of triterpene diols and triols from edible chrysanthemum flowers. Cancer Lett. 2002;177:7-12.
- Lee JR, et al. A new guaianolide as apoptosis inhibitor from Chrysanthemum boreale. Planta Med. 2001;67:585-7.
- Urzua A, Mendoza L. Antibacterial activity of fresh flower heads of Chrysantemum coronarium. Fitoterapia. 2003;74(6):606-8.
- Hussain Z, Waheed A, Qureshi RA, Burdi DK, Verspol EJ, Khan N, Hasan M. The effect of medicinal plants of Islamabad and Murree region of Pakistan on insulin secretion from INS-1 cells. Phytother Res. 2004;18(1):73-7.
- Chen T, Li L, Lu XY, et al. Absorption and excretion of luteolin and apigenin in rats after oral administration of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55:273-77.
- Kim IS, Koppula S, Park PJ, et al. Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (CM) extract protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Dec 10;126(3):447-54.
- Xie YY, Yuan D, Yang JY, Wang LH, Wu CF. Cytotoxic activity of flavonoids from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium on human colon cancer Colon205 cells. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2009 Sep;11(9):771-8.
- Kim IS, Koppula S, Park PJ, et al. Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (CM) extract protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Dec 10;126(3):447-54.
- Kim C, Kim MC, Kim SM, et al. Chrysanthemum indicum L. extract induces apoptosis through suppression of constitutive STAT3 activation in human prostate cancer DU145 cells. Phytother Res. 2013 Jan;27(1):30-8.
- Lee do Y, Choi G, Yoon T, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Chrysanthemum indicum extract in acute and chronic cutaneous inflammation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 4;123(1):149-54.
- Cheng W, Li J, You T, Hu C. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of the extracts from the inflorescence of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 3;101(1-3):334-7.
- Yang L, Wei DD, Chen Z, Wang JS, Kong LY. Reversal of multidrug resistance in human breast cancer cells by Curcuma wenyujin and Chrysanthemum indicum. Phytomedicine. 2011 Jun 15;18(8-9):710-8.
- Park S, Lee JB, Kang S. Topical Application of Chrysanthemum indicum L. Attenuates the Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Suppressing Serum IgE Levels, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in Nc/Nga Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:821967
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Chrysanthemum has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.
Chrysanthemum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but very little laboratory research has been conducted. It is thought that the flower causes dilation of the coronary arteries and therefore increases blood flow to the heart, but this effect has not been clearly documented in humans. The mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and fever-reducing activities is not known. Some studies indicate that chrysanthemum extracts can kill cancer cells in the laboratory setting, but it is not known whether this effect occurs in the human body.
Purported Uses
- To treat angina
Chrysanthemum is used to treat angina in traditional Chinese medicine, but research has not been conducted.
- To prevent and treat common cold
Although chrysanthemum is used to treat the common cold in traditional Chinese medicine, it has not been studied in humans.
- To reduce fever
Chrysanthemum is used as a fever reducer in traditional Chinese medicine but human data are lacking.
- To reduce high blood pressure
Although chrysanthemum is used to treat high blood pressure in traditional Chinese medicine, clinical studies have not been conducted.
Research Evidence
No clinical studies have tested chrysanthemum in humans.
Chrysanthemum is one of the components in PC-SPES, which has been used against prostate cancer in clinical trials.
Do Not Take If
- You are allergic to ragweed.
- You are taking medication to lower your blood pressure (In theory, chrysanthemum may have an additive effect; use with caution).
Side Effects
- Contact dermatitis (redness, swelling, and itching of the skin)
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight and chance of getting a sunburn
Special Point
- Chrysanthemum may cause increased sensitivity to light. Patients undergoing radiation therapy should use this herb with caution.
Last updated: June 11, 2013
anti-inflammatory (AN-tee-in-FLA-muh-TOR-ee)
Having to do with reducing inflammation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antibacterial (AN-tee-bak-TEER-ee-ul)
A substance that kills bacteria or stops them from growing and causing disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)apoptosis (A-pop-TOH-sis)
A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body’s normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood pressure (blud PREH-sher)
The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dermatitis (DER-muh-TY-tis)
Inflammation of the skin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fever (FEE-ver)
An increase in body temperature above normal (98.6 degrees F), usually caused by disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)herbal (ER-bul)
Having to do with plants.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hypersensitivity (HY-per-SEN-sih-tih-vih-tee)
An exaggerated response by the immune system to a drug or other substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)IL-13
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. IL-13 is made by a type of T lymphocyte. It reduces inflammation by blocking production of cytokines by macrophages. It also increases the number and activity of B lymphocytes. IL-13 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. It is a type of cytokine. Also called interleukin-13.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)IL-4
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. IL-4 is made by a type of T lymphocyte. It causes B lymphocytes to increase and to make antibodies and also increases the production of T lymphocytes. IL-4 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. IL-4 is a type of cytokine. Also called interleukin-4.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)insulin (IN-suh-lin)
A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lesion (LEE-zhun)
An area of abnormal tissue. A lesion may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)medicine (MEH-dih-sin)
Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mRNA
A type of RNA found in cells. mRNA molecules carry the genetic information needed to make proteins. They carry the information from the DNA in the nucleus of the cell to the cytoplasm where the proteins are made. Also called messenger RNA.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)multidrug resistance (MUL-tee-... reh-ZIH-stunts)
Adaptation of tumor cells to anticancer drugs in ways that make the drugs less effective.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pharmacology (FAR-muh-KAH-loh-jee)
The study of the origin, chemistry, and uses of drugs and their effects on the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)radiation (RAY-dee-AY-shun)
Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)resistance
Failure of a cancer to shrink after treatment.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sensitivity (SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee)
When referring to a medical test, sensitivity refers to the percentage of people who test positive for a specific disease among a group of people who have the disease. No test has 100% sensitivity because some people who have the disease will test negative for it (false negatives).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)topical (TAH-pih-kul)
On the surface of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)traditional Chinese medicine (truh-DIH-shuh-nul chy-NEEZ MEH-dih-sin)
A medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. It is based on the belief that qi (the body's vital energy) flows along meridians (channels) in the body and keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to restore the body’s balance and harmony between the natural opposing forces of yin and yang, which can block qi and cause disease. Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage. Also called Oriental medicine and TCM.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)transcription (tran-SKRIP-shun)
In biology, the process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a sequence of DNA that is a gene.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
