Phytoconstituent analysis, bioactivity, and safety evaluation of various colors of Chrysanthemum morifolium flower extracts for cosmetic application

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, and safety of purple, yellow, and white Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat.) Hemsl. (C. morifolium) flower extracts using a hydroglycolic solvent blend of water and propylene glycol (PG) in a 1:1 ratio as a solvent for extraction. Quantitative analysis revealed that the purple and yellow flower extracts possessed significantly higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) compared to the white flower extract (p < 0.05). These extracts also exhibited superior antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the purple extract had the highest concentration of luteolin (0.2403% w/w, p < 0.05), while the yellow extract contained the highest levels of chlorogenic acid (0.4320% w/w, p < 0.05) and caffeic acid (0.0289% w/w, p < 0.05). In vitro anti-glycation assays demonstrated that the purple extract exhibited the highest anti-glycation activity (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in anti-collagenase activity between the purple and yellow extracts (p > 0.05). Safety evaluations confirmed that the extracts did not induce skin irritation or sensitization. These preliminary findings suggest the potential of C. morifolium flower extracts, particularly from yellow and purple varieties, as a promising ingredient in plant-based formulations. Initial results indicate antioxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-collagenase properties without apparent adverse skin reactions in vitro. However, further studies, including human clinical trials, are needed to confirm these biological activities and safety profiles.