Cornflower, scientifically Centaurea cyanus, is an annual herb belonging to the family Asteraceae (daisy family). It is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America and grows naturally, especially in fields, roadsides and open areas. The leaves of Cornflower are thin, long and lance-shaped. The lower leaves are hairy and have a grey-green colour. The upper leaves are smaller and sessile. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its bright blue flowers, which usually bloom in summer. The flower heads are 2-4 cm in diameter with a dark blue or purple centre. The petals of the flowers are thin and toothed. The stem of Cornflower is straight and hairy, usually reaching heights ranging from 30-90 cm. The stem gives the plant an elegant appearance with its branched structure. The fruits of the plant are small, brown and hairy seeds. The seeds are covered with fine hairs called pappus, which allows the plant to spread. Cornflower prefers sunny and well-drained soils. This drought-resistant plant grows best in rich and slightly acidic soils. It is also adapted to cold climates and is resistant to frosts.
Major Active Ingredients and Proportions
- Anthocyanins: 2-5%, pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, responsible for the characteristic blue colour of Blue Cantara.
- Flavonoids: 1-3%, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
- Phenolic Acids: 0.5-2%, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports liver health.
- Tannins: 0.5-1%, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhoea effects.
- Pectin: 5-10%, has gel forming and binding properties.
- Mucilage: 10-20%, provides moisturising and soothing effects.
Other Important Molecules:
- Saponins: 0.1-0.5%, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects.
- Minerals: 0.1-0.3%, support various functions of the body. Example: Potassium, calcium, magnesium.
- Essential Oil: 0.1-0.5%, essential oil (EO) prepared from flowers has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
- α-Pinene: 5-10%, has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties.
- Limonene: 1-5%, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Myrcene: 0.5-2%, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- β-Pinene: 1-3%, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
- Germacrene D: 0.5-2%, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour activities.
- β-Caryophyllene: 0.5-2%, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.