Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 126-136 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 128 3 Historical and Traditional Uses in Chinese Medicine 3.1 Historical context and cultural significance Chrysanthemum morifolium, commonly known as chrysanthemum, has a rich history in Chinese culture and traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries, not only as a decorative flower but also as an important component of herbal medicine. Chrysanthemums are endowed with auspicious and longevity meanings in ancient mythological legends, where it is celebrated for its beauty and medicinal properties. Historical texts and classic books of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have documented its use in treating various ailments, highlighting its importance in traditional Chinese medicine treatment (Hao et al., 2022). 3.2 Traditional medicinal uses In traditional Chinese medicine, Chrysanthemum morifolium is renowned for its therapeutic applications. It is primarily used to treat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties (Zou et al., 2021). The flower is also known for its effects on the cardiovascular system, making it a popular remedy for conditions such as hypertension and liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome. Additionally, it has been used to alleviate symptoms of colds, headaches, and dizziness, showcasing its versatility in traditional medicinal practices. 3.3 Preparation and dosage forms in traditional medicine Modern pharmacological studies have shown that chrysanthemum contains components such as volatile oil, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, inulin, adenine, choline, stachydrine, amino acids, and various trace elements. Chrysanthemum can be prepared in various forms to maximize its medicinal value. Common preparations include tea, infusion, and soup. Dried flower heads are directly brewed into tea for consumption, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Li et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2019). The combination of chrysanthemum and other herbs (such as goji berries) has significant therapeutic effects in fields such as wind heat, cold, and antiviral effects; Traditionally, dried flower heads of chrysanthemums are used as medicinal decoctions, and the dosage or usage is determined based on individual differences in the human body or disease characteristics to make decoctions or tea drinks. These methods can extract bioactive compounds from flowers, such as flavonoids and caffeioyl quinic acid, providing a rich source of health promoting substances. 4 Chemical Composition and Bioactive Compounds 4.1 Overview of phytochemical constituents Chrysanthemum morifolium, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is rich in various phytochemicals that contribute to its medicinal properties. The primary constituents include flavonoids, essential oils, volatile compounds, and other bioactive components. Studies have identified numerous compounds within these categories, highlighting the plant's potential for therapeutic applications (Kim et al., 2009). 4.2 Flavonoids and their functions Flavonoids are one of the most significant groups of bioactive compounds in Chrysanthemum morifolium. Key flavonoids identified include luteolin-7-glucoside, quercitrin, acacetin, and kaempferol (Sun et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2020). Chrysanthemum has anti-inflammatory, anti thrombotic, antioxidant, anti allergic, antibacterial, analgesic, and vasodilatory effects (Liu et al., 2017). Among them, chrysanthemum extract is the most valuable flavonoid substance, which has been used as a traditional medicine since ancient times. Its low toxicity and side effects mainly affect endothelial cells, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and inhibit platelet aggregation (Zeinali et al., 2017). Luteolin and quercetin have been shown to enhance the plant's antioxidant capacity, which is crucial for its medicinal use (Hodaei et al., 2018). Additionally, flavonoids like acacetin and kaempferol contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating conditions like liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome of hypertension (Figure 1) (Wang et al., 2022).
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