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Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Also listed as: Centaurea cyanus
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Related Terms
- Asteraceae (Family), bachelor's button, basket flower, bluebottle, bluebow, blue cap, blue cornflower, bluet (French), boutonniere flower, Centaurea cyanus, Centaurea montana, Centaurea scabopsa L., eau de Casselunettes (French), hurt sickle, hurtsickle, protocyanin, scaly cornflower.
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Background
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is native to Europe, where it is considered a weed in fields. However, it is also used as an ornamental flower because of its intense blue flowers, and has become naturalized in North America and Australia. Blue cornflower has been used to flavor teas and to reduce ocular inflammation. Some preliminary studies indicate that cornflower may have anti-inflammatory properties, and blue cornflower did reduce the recurrence of urinary tract stones in one clinical trial. However, high-quality clinical studies need to be conducted before blue cornflower can be recommended for any use.
- In European phytotherapy, Centaurea cyanus flower heads are used to treat minor ocular (eye) inflammations.
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Evidence Table
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Cornflower flowers may be helpful in preventing the recurrence of urinary tract stones. However, more studies are needed in this area to confirm these results.
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C |
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
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Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
- Anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue (promotes menstruation), eye disorders (inflammation), food uses, stimulant, tonic.
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DosingAdults (18 years and older):
- There is no safe or proven effective dose for cornflower.
Children (younger than 18 years):
- There is no safe or proven effective dose for cornflower in children.
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Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
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Bibliography
- Bablumian IuA. [Antirelapse action of the flowers of the blue cornflower in urolithiasis]. Zh.Eksp.Klin.Med. 1978;18(6):110-114.
- Garbacki N, Gloaguen V, Damas J, et al. Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-heads. J Ethnopharmacol 12-15-1999;68(1-3):235-241.
- Sarker SD, Laird A, Nahar L, et al. Indole alkaloids from the seeds of Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae). Phytochemistry 2001;57(8):1273-1276.
- Shiono M, Matsugaki N, Takeda K. Phytochemistry: structure of the blue cornflower pigment. Nature 8-11-2005;436(7052):791.
- Takeda K, Osakabe A, Saito S, et al. Components of protocyanin, a blue pigment from the blue flowers of Centaurea cyanus. Phytochemistry 2005;66(13):1607-1613.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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