Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as the cornflower or bachelor’s button, is a flowering plant native to Europe and western Asia. It is well-known for its vibrant blue flowers and has been used in gardens and floral arrangements for its ornamental appeal. The plant has also been historically valued for its potential medicinal and therapeutic properties.
Botanical Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Centaurea
Species: Centaurea cyanus
Plant Characteristics: Centaurea cyanus is characterized by:
Flowers: The plant produces striking, bright blue flowers, though varieties with pink, white, and purple blooms are also available. The flowers are daisy-like, with a central disc surrounded by numerous petal-like florets.
Leaves: The leaves are lance-shaped or ovate, often with a slightly grayish or greenish hue. They have a finely toothed edge and can be covered in fine hairs.
Growth Habit: An annual or biennial plant that typically grows to a height of 30 to 90 cm. It has a bushy growth habit with multiple branching stems.
Soil and Light: Prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. It is tolerant of various soil types, including poor or sandy soils, and can grow in dry to moderately moist conditions.
Chemical Composition and Structure: The chemical composition of Centaurea cyanus includes:
Flavonoids: The plant contains various flavonoids such as quercetin and cyanidin, which have antioxidant properties.
Tannins: Present in the flowers and leaves, contributing to potential astringent properties.
Essential Oils: Contain minor amounts of essential oils which can contribute to the plant’s fragrance.
Vitamins and Minerals: The flowers contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to their nutritional profile.
Uses and Benefits:
Ornamental: Widely cultivated for its vibrant flowers, which are used in gardens, floral arrangements, and as cut flowers. Its colorful blooms make it a popular choice for adding aesthetic value to landscapes.
Medicinal: Historically used in herbal medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic properties. It has been used to treat minor skin irritations and eye infections.
Culinary: The petals of Centaurea cyanus are sometimes used as a decorative element in salads and desserts. They add a splash of color and a mild, slightly spicy flavor.
Cosmetic: The plant’s extracts are used in some cosmetic products for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They are often included in formulations aimed at calming the skin.
Applications:
Gardening: Cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces. It is often grown for its attractive blooms and ability to attract pollinators.
Cosmetics: Used in skincare products, such as creams and lotions, for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be found in products targeting sensitive skin.
Medicinal: Employed in traditional herbal remedies, often in the form of infusions or topical applications for its potential benefits to skin and eye health.
Culinary: Petals are used in gourmet dishes and as a garnish in culinary presentations.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
Environmental Impact: Generally non-invasive and adaptable to various garden conditions. It contributes to biodiversity by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Safety: The plant is generally safe for ornamental and culinary uses. However, as with any herb or plant extract, individuals with allergies or sensitivities should perform a patch test or consult a healthcare provider before use in cosmetics or medicinal applications.
INCI:
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:
CAS: 84012-18-0 EC number 281-664-0
