Integrative Analysis of Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fubaiju': A Roadmap from Traditional Herb to Sustainable Multi-Purpose Resource

Abstract Background Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fubaiju' (Fubaiju), a revered traditional Chinese medicinal plant, harbors unique pharmacological and nutritional attributes. However, a comprehensive elucidation of its phytochemical landscape and diverse cross-disciplinary applications remains a significant research lacuna. This study aimed to bridge this gap by conducting an in-depth, multi-faceted investigation into Fubaiju, thereby unlocking its full potential as a sustainable resource. Methods We executed a multi-omics analytical strategy on an extensive collection of 102 Fubaiju samples, meticulously sourced from seven distinct cultivation regions and encompassing all major plant parts: flowers, roots, stems, and leaves. Key functional components, including total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, luteoloside, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, were precisely quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Concurrently, essential and trace inorganic elements (K, Ca, Mn, Zn, Se, and Mo) were determined via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). To contextualize Fubaiju's unique characteristics, rigorous comparative studies were performed against five other pharmacopeia-recognized Chrysanthemum species, employing advanced multivariate statistical analyses. Key Results Pronounced Chemodiversity and Superior Bioactivity Floral Uniqueness in Luteoloside Accumulation: Fubaiju flowers demonstrated a remarkable 1.6-fold higher accumulation of luteoloside (0.446 ± 0.032 g/100g dry weight, DW) when compared to the widely recognized C. morifolium 'Hangju' (0.294 g/100g DW, p < 0.01, ANOVA). This elevated luteoloside content was strongly correlated with potent anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by a 78% inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at a physiologically relevant concentration of 50 µg/mL. Leaf Primacy in Phenolic Acid Content: The leaves of Fubaiju emerged as an exceptionally rich reservoir of chlorogenic acid (1.62 ± 0.15 g/100g DW, significantly higher than 0.76 g/100g DW in flowers) and, notably, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, reaching an extraordinary concentration of 3.90 ± 0.21 g/100g DW. This level substantially outperforms previously reported values in other renowned medicinal plants such as Artemisia annua (2.80 g/100g DW), highlighting a novel and potent source of this bioactive compound. Robust Cultivation Stability and Assured Safety Profile Regional Consistency in Quality Markers: The total flavonoid content, a critical quality indicator, exhibited remarkably low spatial variability (Coefficient of Variation, CV = 12.3%) across the seven diverse cultivation regions. This finding underscores the genetic stability and consistent phytochemical expression of the virus-free Fubaiju seedlings utilized, a crucial factor for standardized production. Manganese Safety for Consumption: The manganese (Mn) content in Fubaiju flowers (maximum observed: 299 mg/kg DW) was found to be 51% lower than the average levels reported in commercial tea leaves (approximately 613 mg/kg DW). This ensures that consumption of Fubaiju-based products, such as herbal teas, aligns comfortably within the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended daily intake limits for manganese (4.0 mg/day), based on typical consumption patterns (e.g., 5g serving per day). Distinct Cross-Species Competitive Advantages Significant Zinc Enrichment: Fubaiju flowers were characterized by a notably high zinc (Zn) content of 33.0 ± 2.5 mg/kg DW. This represents a 2.2-fold greater concentration compared to another common cultivar, C. morifolium 'Gongju' (15.1 mg/kg DW), suggesting enhanced potential for Fubaiju in applications requiring immunomodulatory support, where zinc plays a vital role. Exceptional Antioxidant Capacity: Extracts derived from Fubaiju leaves demonstrated superior Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values, measured at 12,500 ± 890 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g DW. This antioxidant potential significantly surpasses that of the synthetic antioxidant Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (8,200 µmol TE/g DW) and commonly consumed green tea extracts (9,400 µmol TE/g DW), positioning Fubaiju leaves as a potent natural alternative. Promising Waste-to-Wealth Valorization Potential Stem and Root Resourcefulness: Traditionally discarded stems were found to contain a high proportion of cellulose (58%, confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FT-IR), rendering them a viable feedstock for the production of biodegradable packaging materials. Simultaneously, Fubaiju roots exhibited significant nitrogen-fixing potential, indicated by a high abundance of the nifH gene (1.2 × 10⁴ copies/g soil), suggesting their utility as a natural biofertilizer. Conclusion Our integrative, multi-omics analysis unequivocally positions Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Fubaiju' as a paradigm for the sustainable and holistic utilization of traditional plant resources. This study illuminates its profound potential across multiple domains: Pharmaceutical Innovation and Drug Discovery: Fubaiju flowers, with their exceptionally high luteoloside content (0.446 g/100g DW), are identified as an optimal source for extracting this potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent. In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells (IC50: 32 µM), significantly outperforming C. morifolium 'Hangju' (luteoloside: 0.294 g/100g DW). The previously underappreciated leaves, rich in 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3.90 g/100g DW), exhibit compelling dual anti-inflammatory and antiviral capabilities, including 83% inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) replication at 100 µg/mL, opening avenues for novel therapeutic applications. Functional Food and Nutraceutical Development: Leaf-derived extracts, boasting superior antioxidant capacity (ORAC: 12,500 µmol TE/g DW), present a natural and more effective alternative to synthetic antioxidants like BHT (8,200 µmol TE/g DW), catering to the growing consumer demand for clean-label food products. The demonstrably low manganese content in Fubaiju flowers (≤299 mg/kg DW) ensures the safety of its regular consumption as an herbal tea, with estimated daily Mn intake (1.2 mg/day for a 5g serving) well within established international safety guidelines. Advancing a Green Circular Bioeconomy: This research pioneers a waste valorization strategy for Fubaiju stems and roots, which are typically agricultural by-products. Stems, with their high cellulose content (58%), can be repurposed into biodegradable materials, while roots, with a favorable Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) ratio (2.1-0.8-3.4%) and nitrogen-fixing microbial communities, can serve as effective biofertilizers, thereby minimizing agricultural waste and promoting soil health. Preliminary cosmetic prototypes incorporating Fubaiju leaf extracts showcased significant moisturizing efficacy (89%, comparable to hyaluronic acid at 92%) and notable Ultraviolet B (UVB) protection (Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 18 at a 5% extract concentration), indicating potential in natural cosmeceutical formulations. This comprehensive investigation establishes a scientifically robust “Plant Part-to-Product” roadmap for Fubaiju, effectively bridging traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge with modern principles of the circular bioeconomy. For more details, please refer to Figure 1. Future research endeavors should prioritize the application of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches to further enhance the production of key bioactive metabolites in Fubaiju, alongside rigorous industrial-scale validation of its diverse proposed applications to translate these findings into tangible societal benefits.