Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 45-56 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 47 2.3 Varieties and distribution Chrysanthemum morifolium has a rich diversity of cultivars, each with unique morphological and chemical characteristics. Notable cultivars include 'Hangju', 'Boju', 'Gongju', 'Chuju', 'Huaiju', 'Jiju', 'Chuanju', and 'Qiju', which differ in their geographical origins and processing methods. These cultivars are widely distributed across China, Korea, and Japan, where they are cultivated for their ornamental and medicinal properties. The genetic diversity among these cultivars is a result of various hybridizations between multiple wild species, contributing to their wide range of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and volatile oils (Chen et al., 2020; Eeckhaut et al., 2020; Zou et al., 2021; Hao et al., 2022). 3 Chemical Composition 3.1 Major constituents 3.1.1 Flavonoids Flavonoids are a significant class of compounds found in Chrysanthemum morifolium. In a study analyzing the chemical compositions of chrysanthemum teas, various flavonoids such as 6,8-C,C-diglucosylapigenin and eriodicyol-7-O-glucoside were identified. These compounds contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant (Li et al., 2019b). 3.1.2 Terpenoids Terpenoids are another major group of constituents in Chrysanthemum morifolium. The essential oils of this plant have been found to contain significant amounts of camphor, which accounts for 14.56% of the oil composition. This terpenoid is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral activities, making it a valuable component in natural preservative formulations (Youssef et al., 2020). 3.1.3 Essential oils The essential oils of Chrysanthemum morifolium are rich in various bioactive compounds. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis has revealed that camphor is a predominant component. These essential oils exhibit notable antioxidant potential, with IC50 values of 2.59 mg/mL, and possess antimicrobial properties against various pathogens (Youssef et al., 2020). 3.2 Minor constituents 3.2.1 Phenolic acids Phenolic acids are present in smaller quantities in Chrysanthemum morifolium. These compounds contribute to the overall antioxidant activity of the plant. The phenolic content in chrysanthemum teas has been quantified, with the hot-H2O extract of Kunlunmiju 1 showing a total phenolic content of 12.72 mg gallic acid equivalents/g (Li et al., 2019b). 3.2.2 Carotenoids Carotenoids, although not as abundant as other constituents, are still present in Chrysanthemum morifolium. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties and contribute to the health benefits associated with the consumption of chrysanthemum teas (Li et al., 2019b). 3.2.3 Other phytochemicals In addition to the major and minor constituents mentioned above, Chrysanthemum morifoliumcontains various other phytochemicals. For instance, acetylmarein has been detected in different varieties of chrysanthemum, including HangJu, GongJu, and HuaiJu. These phytochemicals play a role in the plant's bioactivity, including its anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging activities (Li et al., 2019b). By understanding the chemical composition of Chrysanthemum morifolium, we can better appreciate its potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural preservative with significant bioactive properties.
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