# Kwanso (Hemerocallis fulva)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/kwanso
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Hemerocallis fulva, Orange Daylily, Ditch Lily, Tiger Lily, Roadside Lily, Fulvous Daylily, Xuancao, Golden Needle Flower

## Overview

Kwanso (Hemerocallis fulva) is a Japanese flowering plant containing bioactive compounds that modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s through COX-2 and NF-κB inhibition. The flower extract demonstrates significant [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with 60% DPPH radical scavenging capacity at 100 µg/mL concentrations.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Animal studies show 35% reduction in paw edema with flower extract through COX-2/NF-κB modulation (preliminary evidence)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): In vitro studies demonstrate 60% DPPH radical scavenging at 100 µg/mL and hydroxyl radical neutralization (preliminary evidence)
• Mild sedative properties: Traditional use supported by potential GABA receptor interaction from anthocyanins; one pilot study reported mild sedative effects from flower-infused honey (traditional/preliminary evidence)
• [Hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) potential: Mouse studies show increased hepatic glutathione levels protecting against acetaminophen-induced injury (preliminary evidence)
• [Skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) support: In vitro human fibroblast studies showed 20% collagen increase suggesting wound healing properties (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Kwanso flower extract contains bioactive compounds that inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity and suppress nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediator production. The antioxidant effects occur through direct free radical neutralization, particularly against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. These mechanisms work synergistically to reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and inflammatory responses at the cellular level.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Kwanso comes primarily from preliminary animal and in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials. Animal studies demonstrate a 35% reduction in paw edema using flower extract, indicating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential. In vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) testing shows 60% DPPH radical scavenging at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The evidence base remains limited and requires human clinical trials to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of fresh daylily flower buds (Hemerocallis fulva): Water ~85–88 g; Energy ~40–50 kcal; Protein ~2.5–3.5 g (notable for a flower, includes free amino acids such as asparagine, glutamic acid, and leucine); Total fat ~0.3–0.5 g; Total carbohydrates ~8–10 g (including dietary fiber ~1.5–2.5 g and soluble sugars ~3–4 g); Ash ~0.8–1.2 g. Micronutrients: Vitamin C ~25–35 mg (moderate source; bioavailability good when consumed fresh, degrades significantly upon drying or prolonged cooking); Vitamin A equivalents (from β-carotene) ~300–500 µg RAE (bioavailability enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fat); Riboflavin (B2) ~0.08–0.12 mg; Niacin (B3) ~0.5–0.8 mg; Iron ~1.5–2.5 mg (non-heme form, bioavailability ~5–12%, improved with vitamin C co-ingestion); Calcium ~40–65 mg; Phosphorus ~55–75 mg; Potassium ~220–300 mg; Zinc ~0.3–0.5 mg; Magnesium ~18–25 mg. Dried flower buds (golden needles / 金针菜) are nutrient-concentrated: Protein ~10–14 g/100 g dry weight; Iron ~6–8 mg/100 g dry weight; Dietary fiber ~7–10 g/100 g dry weight. Bioactive compounds: Total phenolics ~150–350 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight; Total flavonoids ~80–180 mg QE/100 g fresh weight, primarily rutin (~25–60 mg/100 g FW), quercetin (~8–20 mg/100 g FW), kaempferol glycosides (~5–15 mg/100 g FW); Carotenoids include lutein (~1.5–3.0 mg/100 g FW), zeaxanthin (~0.5–1.2 mg/100 g FW), and β-carotene (~2–5 mg/100 g FW) — bioavailability of carotenoids improved ~3–5× when cooked with oil; Anthocyanins present in orange-pigmented petals (cyanidin and pelargonidin glycosides, ~10–30 mg/100 g FW); Polysaccharides ~2–4 g/100 g FW (water-soluble fractions show [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity in vitro); Colchicine-like alkaloids present in raw buds at low concentrations (~0.02–0.05%), largely destroyed by thorough cooking or drying — CAUTION: raw consumption may cause gastrointestinal distress; GABA-related compounds and potential GABA-receptor-active constituents have been detected but not fully quantified. Bioavailability notes: Phenolic compounds show moderate oral bioavailability (~15–30% absorption), enhanced by food matrix disruption during cooking; drying concentrates nutrients but reduces vitamin C by ~60–80%; blanching and sun-drying (traditional golden needle preparation) effectively eliminates colchicine while preserving most mineral and flavonoid content.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional preparation: 2-3 g dried flowers (approximately 5 petals) steeped in 250 mL hot water for 10-15 minutes, up to 3 cups daily as tea. No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used oral doses of 400 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract (related species). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Kwanso supplementation is limited due to lack of human clinical trials. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but specific side effects, optimal dosages, and contraindications have not been systematically studied. Potential interactions with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) medications or anticoagulants are unknown due to COX-2 inhibitory activity. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation until safety data becomes available.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or RCTs have been conducted on Kwanso (Hemerocallis fulva). Evidence is limited to preclinical studies including a 2021 rat model showing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, 2018 murine trials confirming COX-2/NF-κB modulation, and in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies (PMID 35566266) examining leaf flavonoid extracts with optimized extraction methods.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Kwanso has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine (since Ming era), Korean, and Ayurvedic systems for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), diuretic, febrifuge, and sedative effects. In traditional Korean and Japanese medicine, it treats fever, sore throat, and inflammation, while the edible buds are consumed in Korean cuisine as 'surichu namul.' Ayurveda classifies it as sweet/astringent (madhura/kashaya rasa), used to calm pitta and kapha doshas.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Ginger, Milk Thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active dose of Kwanso for inflammation?

Specific dosing for humans has not been established through clinical trials. Animal studies used flower extract concentrations that achieved 35% reduction in inflammation, but human equivalent doses require clinical research.

### Can Kwanso interact with blood pressure medications?

Potential interactions are unknown due to limited safety research. The COX-2 inhibitory activity could theoretically affect cardiovascular medications, so medical supervision is recommended.

### How long does it take for Kwanso to show anti-inflammatory effects?

Timeline for effects in humans is unknown. Animal studies showed measurable inflammation reduction, but human onset of action requires clinical investigation.

### Is Kwanso safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety has not been studied in humans. While traditional use suggests tolerability, chronic supplementation effects, optimal duration, and potential cumulative toxicity remain unknown.

### What part of Kwanso plant is used for supplements?

The flower extract is primarily used for supplementation based on research showing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Other plant parts have not been extensively studied for bioactive compounds.

### What does current research show about Kwanso's antioxidant effectiveness?

In vitro studies demonstrate that Kwanso flower extract scavenges DPPH radicals at approximately 60% efficiency at 100 µg/mL concentrations and neutralizes hydroxyl radicals through polyphenol compounds. However, these are preliminary laboratory findings, and human clinical trials are limited, so the practical antioxidant benefits in supplement form remain to be established in larger studies.

### Who should avoid Kwanso supplements, or who might not be a good candidate?

Individuals taking sedative medications or GABAergic drugs should exercise caution, as Kwanso's traditional use suggests mild GABA receptor interaction that could potentiate central nervous system depression. Those with hypotension or on multiple blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data in vulnerable populations remains limited.

### How does Kwanso compare to other traditional herbs used for inflammation?

Kwanso demonstrates anti-inflammatory potential through COX-2 and NF-κB pathway modulation with a reported 35% reduction in paw edema in animal models, placing it in a similar mechanistic category as turmeric and ginger. Unlike those widely-studied herbs, Kwanso has considerably less clinical human research, making direct efficacy comparisons difficult at this time.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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