# Chrysanthemum Greens (Chrysanthemum coronarium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chrysanthemum-greens
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Chrysanthemum coronarium, Chrysanthemum coronarium L., garland chrysanthemum, crown daisy, edible chrysanthemum, Japanese chrysanthemum greens, shungiku, tong hao, ssukgat, chop suey greens, Mediterranean chrysanthemum

## Overview

Chrysanthemum greens (Chrysanthemum coronarium) are a edible leafy vegetable rich in flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin, which exert antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects primarily by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating NF-κB signaling. Preliminary research suggests these bioactives may slow [cellular senescence](/ingredients/condition/longevity) and support kidney function by reducing fibrotic and uremic markers.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce cellular aging markers based on in vitro studies showing 10-50 μg/mL extract reduced senescence indicators in human endothelial cells (Preliminary evidence)
• Supports kidney health in animal models, with extract reducing blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and kidney fibrosis markers in mice with induced chronic kidney disease (Preliminary evidence)
• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models, suppressing [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and cytokines in both cell and animal studies (Preliminary evidence)
• Shows potential for [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) protection in Drosophila models, mitigating intestinal inflammation and barrier damage (Preliminary evidence)
• Contains [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acids that exhibit stability and bioavailability (Preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Luteolin and chlorogenic acid in Chrysanthemum coronarium inhibit NF-κB pathway activation, reducing downstream [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression including IL-6 and TNF-α. These flavonoids also directly scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, which collectively suppress oxidative stress-driven [cellular senescence](/ingredients/condition/longevity). In kidney tissue, the extract appears to inhibit TGF-β1/Smad signaling, a key pathway driving interstitial fibrosis and the accumulation of collagen that impairs glomerular filtration.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for Chrysanthemum coronarium extract remains limited; the most notable human-relevant data come from in vitro studies using 10–50 μg/mL extract concentrations on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which demonstrated measurable reductions in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and p21 expression. Animal model studies have shown oral extract administration significantly lowered blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels while reducing kidney fibrosis markers, suggesting nephroprotective potential. No randomized controlled trials in humans have been published to date, meaning all benefit claims are preliminary and require significant clinical validation. The current evidence base is preclinical, and extrapolating dosages or therapeutic outcomes to humans is not yet scientifically supported.

## Nutritional Profile

Chrysanthemum greens (Chrysanthemum coronarium) are a low-calorie leafy vegetable (~22 kcal per 100g raw). Macronutrients per 100g fresh weight: carbohydrates ~3.9g, protein ~2.4g, fat ~0.3g, dietary fiber ~2.4g. Moisture content is high at approximately 91-93%. Micronutrients are notably rich: Vitamin A (as beta-carotene ~2500-3500 μg RAE/100g, making it one of the richer leafy green sources), Vitamin C ~33mg/100g, Vitamin K ~350μg/100g (high bioavailability as phylloquinone), folate ~19-23μg/100g, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ~0.17mg/100g. Minerals include potassium ~569mg/100g, calcium ~105mg/100g (moderate bioavailability due to moderate oxalate content), iron ~1.7mg/100g (non-heme, enhanced by co-consumed Vitamin C), phosphorus ~44mg/100g, magnesium ~26mg/100g, and manganese ~0.43mg/100g. Bioactive compounds include chlorogenic acid and other caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (~50-200mg/100g dry weight), luteolin and apigenin glycosides (~10-80mg/100g dry weight), beta-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin (~1.5-2mg/100g combined carotenoids supporting the documented [anti-aging](/ingredients/condition/longevity) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties), and volatile aromatic compounds including camphor, borneol, and chrysanthenone contributing to its distinctive flavor. Fiber composition includes both soluble and insoluble fractions supporting gut motility. Carotenoid bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fat. [Calcium absorption](/ingredients/condition/bone-health) is partially inhibited by moderate levels of oxalic acid (~70-100mg/100g).

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages are limited to preclinical models: in vitro studies used 10-50 μg/mL extract, while animal studies used unspecified oral doses over 4 weeks. No human dosage recommendations or standardized extract concentrations have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chrysanthemum greens are generally considered safe when consumed as a food vegetable across East Asian cuisines, with no established toxicity at culinary intake levels. Individuals with allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (including ragweed, marigold, and daisy) may experience cross-reactive allergic responses and should exercise caution. Concentrated extracts may theoretically potentiate the effects of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin due to flavonoid-mediated platelet inhibition, though no direct drug interaction studies exist. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to normal food amounts and avoid high-dose supplemental extracts due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

Current research on Chrysanthemum greens is limited to preclinical models with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. Key studies include in vitro work on human umbilical vein endothelial cells showing anti-senescence effects, mouse models of chronic kidney disease demonstrating renoprotective properties, and Drosophila intestinal [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) models (PMID: 41180090) showing [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) protection.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Chrysanthemum coronarium has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Korean folk medicine for centuries as a functional food for detoxification, reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and supporting liver and kidney health. Modern research builds on this traditional context, investigating its potential for inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and vascular protection.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other dark leafy greens, quercetin, resveratrol, green tea extract, milk thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are chrysanthemum greens used for in supplements?

Chrysanthemum greens are being investigated in supplement form primarily for their antioxidant and potential anti-aging properties, driven by their luteolin and chlorogenic acid content. In vitro studies at 10–50 μg/mL concentrations showed reductions in cellular senescence markers such as p21 and β-galactosidase in human endothelial cells, though no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects yet.

### Are chrysanthemum greens the same as chrysanthemum tea?

No, they are distinct products from related but different species. Chrysanthemum greens refer to the edible leafy shoots of Chrysanthemum coronarium, commonly eaten as a vegetable in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking, while chrysanthemum tea is typically brewed from the dried flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum. The bioactive compound profiles differ between the two, with greens being notably richer in luteolin and chlorogenic acid found in leaf tissue.

### Can chrysanthemum greens help kidney function?

Animal model research suggests that Chrysanthemum coronarium extract may support kidney health by reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and fibrosis markers associated with TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation. However, these findings come exclusively from rodent studies and have not been replicated in human clinical trials, so chrysanthemum greens cannot currently be recommended as a treatment or intervention for kidney disease.

### What is the active compound in chrysanthemum greens?

The primary bioactive compounds identified in Chrysanthemum coronarium greens include luteolin, a flavone with well-documented NF-κB inhibitory and antioxidant activity, along with chlorogenic acid, a phenolic acid that modulates oxidative stress by boosting superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Additional compounds including apigenin and various carotenoids contribute to the overall antioxidant profile of the leaf tissue.

### Are chrysanthemum greens safe to eat every day?

As a culinary vegetable, chrysanthemum greens are considered safe for regular consumption at typical food amounts and have been eaten daily in parts of East Asia for centuries without documented adverse effects in healthy individuals. People with known Asteraceae family plant allergies (ragweed, chamomile, echinacea) should be cautious of potential cross-reactivity, and those taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin should consult a healthcare provider before consuming concentrated extracts due to possible flavonoid-mediated platelet effects.

### What is the evidence quality for chrysanthemum greens' anti-aging benefits?

Current evidence for chrysanthemum greens' effects on cellular aging comes primarily from in vitro studies, where plant extracts at 10-50 μg/mL concentrations reduced senescence markers in human endothelial cells. While these preliminary findings are promising, human clinical trials are limited, making it premature to claim definitive anti-aging effects. More research is needed to translate laboratory results into real-world efficacy and determine optimal dosing for human use.

### Does chrysanthemum greens supplementation require special timing with meals?

Chrysanthemum greens can generally be taken with or without food, though consuming them with a meal containing healthy fats may enhance absorption of fat-soluble compounds present in the plant. As a nutrient-dense vegetable extract, it does not require fasting for effectiveness. Individual tolerance and any personal digestive sensitivities should guide timing preferences.

### Who should avoid chrysanthemum greens supplements?

Individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae family (which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and daisies) should avoid chrysanthemum greens supplements due to potential cross-reactivity. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before supplementation, as safety data in these populations is limited. Those taking blood thinners or medications metabolized by the liver should seek medical guidance, as chrysanthemum may have mild anticoagulant properties.

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