
1. Introduction
In the crowded botanical extract market, most suppliers chase the same "superstars": ashwagandha, milk thistle, turmeric. Meanwhile, a centuries‑old herb with modern clinical backing remains surprisingly under‑utilised in Western functional products – chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium).
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used chrysanthemum flowers for over 2,000 years to "disperse wind, clear heat, and benefit the eyes." Today, modern science validates its rich content of flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid, 3,5‑di‑O‑caffeoylquinic acid), and carotenoids. The result: a natural ingredient with demonstrated benefits for eye health, inflammatory modulation, and blood pressure support.
The global herbal extract market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% through 2030, and eye health supplements alone are a multi‑billion dollar category. For B2B buyers seeking a differentiated, science‑supported, and clean‑label botanical, chrysanthemum extract powder deserves a prime spot in your product pipeline.
2. What Exactly Is Chrysanthemum Extract Powder?
2.1 Basic Background
Chrysanthemum morifolium, also called Ju Hua in Chinese pharmacopoeia, is grown mainly in China, Japan, and Korea. The best-known varieties for medicinal use are Hangbaiju (from Hangzhou), Gongju (tribute), and Chuju (from Chuzhou). Their flavonoid and chlorogenic acid profiles vary a bit, but all are useful.
2.2 Main Bioactive Compounds
|
Compound Class |
Key Molecules |
What They Do |
|
Flavonoids |
Luteolin, apigenin, acacetin |
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
|
Caffeoylquinic acids |
Chlorogenic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid |
Liver protection, blood sugar support |
|
Carotenoids |
Lutein, zeaxanthin |
Macula protection, blue light filtering |
|
Triterpenoids |
Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid |
Immune modulation |
Most commercial chrysanthemum extracts are standardised to total flavonoids (often 10%, 20%, or 30% by UV) or chlorogenic acid (≥0.5% by HPLC). But here's the catch – UV methods can overestimate. Serious buyers should ask for HPLC data on individual markers.
2.3 How It's Made
Good chrysanthemum extract starts with flowers harvested at full bloom (October–November). They're dried, then extracted with water, ethanol, or a mix. After concentration, spray drying gives you a free-flowing yellow-brown powder. You can get water-soluble or water-dispersible versions – both work fine in beverages, capsules, or even cosmetic serums.

3. Main B2B Applications
Here's a quick rundown of where chrysanthemum extract fits best.
|
Industry |
Application |
Preferred Format |
Why It Works |
|
Eye Health Supplements |
Capsules, gummies, powders |
Standardised to flavonoids (≥10%) |
Luteolin & apigenin reduce oxidative stress in retinal cells; works well with bilberry or lutein. |
|
Functional Beverages |
RTD teas, wellness shots |
Water-soluble, low-bitterness |
"Cooling" positioning appeals to stressed consumers. |
|
Blood Pressure Support |
Tablets, stick packs |
Chlorogenic acid (1%–5%) |
Some clinical evidence for mild vasodilation effects. |
|
Liver Health |
Herbal blends, functional snacks |
Total flavonoids |
Animal studies suggest protection against certain toxins. |
|
Cosmetics |
Anti-acne serums, eye creams |
Flavonoid-rich extract |
Anti-inflammatory, soothes redness and UV damage. |
|
Pet Supplements |
Calming chews, senior dog eye care |
Low dose (1%–5% inclusion) |
Gentle, good safety margin. |
3.1 Eye Health Is the Sweet Spot
More and more people spend 10+ hours a day staring at screens. Digital eye strain is real, and consumers are looking for help beyond just lutein. Chrysanthemum offers a different mechanism – flavonoids like luteolin protect retinal ganglion cells via pathways that complement standard carotenoids. A 2022 trial showed a chrysanthemum-containing formula improved contrast sensitivity and reduced dry eye symptoms after 60 days. That's the kind of data formulators can use.
3.2 Beverages: "Cooling" Sells
In TCM, chrysanthemum is "cooling". Modern consumers might not know the theory, but they get the idea – something that calms, that reduces inflammation. A few brands have launched chrysanthemum sparkling waters and night-time relaxation drinks. Bitterness is the main hurdle, but de-bittered or microencapsulated versions solve that.
3.3 Cosmetics – An Underused Channel
This one's still under the radar. Chrysanthemum extract inhibits inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and MMP-1 (which breaks down collagen). Some Korean and Chinese beauty brands already have "chrysanthemum soothing" lines. Global buyers could definitely ride this trend.

4. Handling Manufacturing Challenges
4.1 Standardisation: Why HPLC Matters
Older methods (like UV) measure total flavonoids by colour reaction – but non-flavonoid phenolics also react, so numbers look higher than reality. HPLC separates individual compounds: chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, etc. A reliable COA should include HPLC data. Typical values for good-quality Hangbaiju extract: chlorogenic acid 1.5–3.5%, luteolin-7-O-glucoside 0.8–2.5%, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid 0.5–1.2%.
4.2 Stability & Storage
Chrysanthemum extract doesn't like light or humidity. Chlorogenic acid degrades under UV, so use opaque packaging. Flavonoids are more stable but can oxidise above 60% RH. Store airtight, cool (<25°C), dry, dark. Shelf life: 24 months.
4.3 Typical Dosage
Supplements (capsules/tablets): 150–500 mg/day
Beverages: 50–150 mg per serving (start low, watch bitterness)
Cosmetics: 0.1%–1.0% of formula
Pet products: 20–100 mg per treat (for a 10kg dog)
5. Regulatory & Market Updates
5.1 US and EU Status
US: Chrysanthemum is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for food use. No novel ingredient issues.
EU: Not a Novel Food – long history of safe use in Asian traditions. But no authorised health claims; you'd use structure/function claims.
China: Listed as "medicinal and food homologous" – easiest path for functional foods.
5.2 What's Driving Demand
Digital eye strain, stress/inflammation, and the shift toward preventive health – all play into chrysanthemum's strengths. Plus, organic cultivation is growing in China, so traceable, certified material is more available than a few years ago.
6. What to Check on a COA
Before you place an order, make sure the COA includes:
|
Parameter |
Typical Spec |
Test Method |
|
Appearance |
Yellow-brown powder |
Visual |
|
Identification (TLC/HPLC) |
Positive for chlorogenic acid, luteolin glycosides |
TLC/HPLC |
|
Total flavonoids (UV) |
≥5%–30% (as specified) |
UV-Vis |
|
Chlorogenic acid (HPLC) |
≥0.5% or higher |
HPLC |
|
Loss on drying |
≤5.0% |
Gravimetric |
|
Ash |
≤5.0% |
USP <281> |
|
Heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) |
Pb ≤2, As ≤2, Cd ≤1, Hg ≤0.1 mg/kg |
ICP-MS |
|
Pesticide residues |
Within limits |
GC-MS/LC-MS/MS |
|
Microbiology |
TPC ≤1000 CFU/g; no pathogens |
USP <61>/<62> |

7. FAQ
Q1: Is it safe for daily use?
Yes. Hundreds of years of tea drinking say so. At 150–500 mg/day, it's well tolerated. Rare allergy possible for people sensitive to ragweed/daisies.
Q2: How to spot adulteration?
Ask for HPLC fingerprints. Real chrysanthemum extract has characteristic peaks for chlorogenic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. Cheap fillers like chamomile or marigold give different patterns.
Q3: Can it go into gummies?
Yes, but bitterness is the limit. Use de-bittered extract, microencapsulation, or sweeteners. Keep inclusion under 5% of formula weight.
Q4: Shelf life?
24 months unopened, stored cool and dark. Once opened, use within 6 months.
8. Conclusion & Contact
Chrysanthemum extract isn't a flashy new ingredient – it's an old one with real, overlooked potential. For B2B buyers, it's a chance to bring something different into your portfolio: eye health support, calming properties, anti-inflammatory effects, all backed by tradition and emerging science.
XI'AN Landnutra CO., LTD. offers:
Standardised extracts (10%–30% flavonoids, ≥1% chlorogenic acid)
Water-soluble and de-bittered formats
HPLC-based COAs with batch-specific marker profiles
Organic, non-GMO, Halal, Kosher options
1kg to pallet packaging
Contact:
Free 100g sample for R&D
Technical data + batch COA
Regulatory help for EU/US/Asia
Custom extracts and formulation support
Email: wangjing@landnutra.com
WhatsApp: +86 18092657549
XI'AN Landnutra – Real botanicals, real data.
