Identification of the phenolic components of chrysanthemum flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)

A standardised profiling method based on liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionisation/mass spectrometry (LC–DAD–ESI/MS) was used to identify 46 flavonoids and 17 caffeic acid derivatives in the aqueous methanol extract of Flos chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) (Compositae), an important Chinese herb. Fifteen caffeoylquinic acids and 15 flavonoids were positively identified and the remaining compounds were provisionally identified. The detected phenolics were present at concentrations greater than 0.001% of the dry plant material. Many of these phenolics have been reported to have human health benefits. Twenty-five compounds, including C-glycosylated flavones and aliphatic acid-containing caffeoylquinic acids, are reported for the first time in chrysanthemum flower, and this comprehensive analysis of the phenolic components of herb Flos chrysanthemum will be helpful for the quality control of this herb and its products, and to understand the usage and function.