# Centaurea cyanus

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/centaurea-cyanus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** cornflower, bachelor's button, bluebottle, hurtsickle, cyani flos, blue cornflower, garden cornflower, Kornblume, bleuet, fiordaliso, aciano

## Overview

Centaurea cyanus (cornflower) contains flavonoids including cyanidin glycosides and polyphenolic compounds such as centaurein and cynaroside, which drive its primary [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. These compounds appear to inhibit complement system activation and suppress edema formation by interfering with inflammatory mediator cascades in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in animal models (PMID: 10624883) - preliminary evidence only
• Inhibition of edema formation (carrageenan-, zymosan-, and croton oil-induced) - animal studies only
• Complement system modulation through inhibition of plasma hemolytic activity - experimental evidence
• Traditional use for minor ocular inflammations - historical use without clinical validation
• Potential anaphylatoxin activity reduction - based on pharmacological experiments only

## Mechanism of Action

The flavonoid centaurein and related polyphenols in Centaurea cyanus inhibit plasma hemolytic activity, suggesting interference with the classical or alternative complement cascade at the level of C3 convertase or upstream activation steps. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and cynaroside further suppress pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediator release, likely by downregulating NF-κB signaling pathways and inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity. These combined actions reduce vascular permeability and leukocyte migration, mechanistically explaining the observed inhibition of carrageenan-, zymosan-, and croton oil-induced edema in rodent models.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Centaurea cyanus is entirely preclinical, derived from animal models with no published randomized controlled trials in humans. In rodent edema models, topical and oral preparations inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema and croton oil-induced ear edema, though quantified effect sizes and exact dosages vary across studies and have not been validated in human tissue. One experimental study (PMID: 10624883) documented modulation of the complement system via inhibition of plasma hemolytic activity, representing a mechanistically plausible but unconfirmed pathway in humans. The overall evidence strength is low; extrapolation to clinical supplementation is premature without human pharmacokinetic and efficacy data.

## Nutritional Profile

Centaurea cyanus (cornflower) is not consumed as a significant food source; it is primarily used as an herbal/medicinal plant and edible flower garnish, so comprehensive macronutrient data per 100 g of fresh petals is limited in peer-reviewed literature. Available phytochemical data includes: **Anthocyanins** – the dominant pigments are protocyanin complex and cyanidin-3-O-(6''-succinylglucoside)-5-O-glucoside (centaurocyanin), with total anthocyanin content in dried flower heads estimated at approximately 1.5–4.0 mg/g dry weight, primarily cyanidin-based glycosides responsible for the characteristic blue color. **Flavonoids** – apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and their glycosides (e.g., apigenin-4'-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside) are present at approximately 0.5–2.0% of dry weight collectively. **Phenolic acids** – chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and protocatechuic acid are reported, contributing to total phenolic content of roughly 15–30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract depending on extraction method. **Sesquiterpene lactones** – including cnicin and related guaianolides at trace to low concentrations (~0.1–0.5% dry weight), which contribute to the [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. **Polyacetylenes** – trace amounts reported. **Minerals** – dried flower heads contain potassium (~15–20 mg/g), calcium (~5–10 mg/g), magnesium (~2–4 mg/g), iron (~0.05–0.15 mg/g), and zinc (~0.02–0.05 mg/g) on a dry weight basis (values approximate and dependent on soil/growing conditions). **Vitamins** – no reliable quantitative data on vitamin content exists in peer-reviewed literature; any contribution would be negligible given typical usage quantities (1–3 g dried flowers per cup of tea). **Fiber/Protein** – crude fiber approximately 10–15% and crude protein approximately 8–12% of dry weight in whole flower heads, though these are not nutritionally relevant at typical consumption levels. **Volatile compounds** – small amounts of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the essential oil fraction (<0.1% yield). **Bioavailability notes** – anthocyanin bioavailability is generally low (1–5% absorption in humans); however, cyanidin glycosides may undergo partial hydrolysis in the gut, and metabolites (protocatechuic acid, phenolic acids) are absorbed more efficiently. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate bioavailability improved by gut microbiota-mediated deglycosylation. The plant is typically consumed as an infusion (tea) or tincture, which extracts water-soluble phenolics and anthocyanins effectively but limits extraction of lipophilic sesquiterpene lactones.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details are available as human trials are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human safety trials have been conducted for Centaurea cyanus extracts, making definitive risk profiling impossible at this time. Individuals with known allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (including ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds) face a theoretical cross-reactivity risk and should avoid use. Because cornflower contains compounds that may modulate complement and [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s, caution is warranted in individuals taking immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, or NSAIDs, as additive or antagonistic interactions are theoretically possible. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended due to a complete absence of safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for Centaurea cyanus is extremely limited, with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. The only available study (PMID: 10624883) demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects of flower-head polysaccharides in animal models, but no human data, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes were reported.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In European phytotherapy, Centaurea cyanus flower-heads have been traditionally used for treating minor ocular [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. Historical use dates back to the Iron Age in Britain and Ireland, where it was known as an archaeophyte with broader applications in herbal medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Calendula, Euphrasia (Eyebright), Rose petals, Elderflower

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Centaurea cyanus used for medicinally?

Centaurea cyanus, or cornflower, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and mild diuretic properties. Preclinical animal studies show its flavonoid compounds, particularly centaurein and cynaroside, can reduce edema induced by carrageenan, zymosan, and croton oil, though no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects.

### What are the active compounds in Centaurea cyanus?

The primary bioactive compounds identified in Centaurea cyanus include the flavonoid glycosides centaurein (luteolin-7-glucuronosylglucoside) and cynaroside (luteolin-7-glucoside), as well as the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside responsible for the plant's blue pigmentation. These polyphenols are believed to collectively mediate the plant's anti-inflammatory and complement-modulating activities documented in experimental research.

### Does Centaurea cyanus affect the immune system?

In experimental studies, Centaurea cyanus extracts inhibited plasma hemolytic activity, which is a marker of complement system function — a key branch of innate immunity. This suggests the plant's polyphenols may modulate immune activation upstream in the complement cascade, though this effect has only been demonstrated in vitro or in animal models and not confirmed through human immunological trials.

### Is Centaurea cyanus safe to take as a supplement?

Safety data for Centaurea cyanus in humans is essentially absent, as no formal clinical trials have assessed its tolerability or adverse effect profile. People allergic to other Asteraceae family plants such as ragweed or chamomile should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. Until robust human data are available, supplementation is considered experimental and should only be undertaken under medical supervision.

### What does the WHO monograph say about Centaurea cyanus?

The WHO monograph classification for Centaurea cyanus acknowledges its traditional use and documents preclinical pharmacological evidence for anti-inflammatory activity, specifically edema inhibition and complement modulation. However, the monograph reflects that supporting human clinical evidence is insufficient to make definitive therapeutic recommendations, classifying the available data as preliminary and calling for further controlled research before clinical guidelines can be established.

### What is the evidence quality for Centaurea cyanus' anti-inflammatory effects?

Most evidence for Centaurea cyanus comes from animal studies demonstrating inhibition of edema in carrageenan-, zymosan-, and croton oil-induced models, which represent preliminary evidence only. Clinical trials in humans are lacking, making it difficult to confirm whether these animal-model benefits translate to therapeutic efficacy in people. The WHO monograph acknowledges traditional use for minor ocular inflammations, but emphasizes that this is based on historical use rather than validated clinical data.

### Is Centaurea cyanus safe to use for eye health?

Centaurea cyanus has a long history of traditional use for minor ocular inflammations, and the WHO recognizes this historical application in its monograph. However, no rigorous clinical safety or efficacy studies have been conducted to support its use for eye conditions in modern practice. Anyone considering use for eye-related concerns should consult a healthcare provider, particularly since unvalidated treatments may delay appropriate medical care for serious eye conditions.

### How does Centaurea cyanus interact with the complement immune system?

Experimental evidence indicates that Centaurea cyanus may modulate the complement system through inhibition of plasma hemolytic activity, which is a measurable indicator of complement function. This mechanism could theoretically contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects observed in animal models, as complement activation drives inflammation and tissue damage. However, these findings are derived from in vitro and animal studies, and the clinical significance of complement modulation by this ingredient in human subjects remains unknown.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*