Wedelia chinensis (scientific name: Wedelia chinensis, also known as Sphagneticola calendulacea ) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family that grows naturally in wetlands, waterside areas, and grasslands in tropical and subtropical regions. It produces yellow chrysanthemum-like flowers and has a strong reproductive ability, spreading along the ground like a creeping path, making it a popular landscaping and horticultural plant. It has long been used as a medicinal plant in traditional Asian medicine, particularly for maintaining liver health and skin care.
It has traditionally been used to reduce fever, reduce inflammation, heal wounds, treat skin problems, and support digestion. In India and Southeast Asia, it is considered an herb that supports liver function.
In terms of components, flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin) , coumestans (wedelolactone) , triterpenes , sterols , polyphenols , etc. Based on these components, basic research and some pharmacological studies have suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory , antioxidant , antibacterial , antifungal , hepatoprotective , antidiabetic , neuroprotective, wound healing promotion , and antitumor (prostate cancer cell model) effects.
In recent years, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties have suggested its potential application as a material that supports a healthy hair growth environment by improving the scalp environment , reducing oxidative stress around hair follicles , and supporting skin barrier function . At present, there is limited large-scale clinical data showing a direct hair growth effect, but there are hopes that it will be valuable in research as a material that supports hair growth.
Characteristics of Wedelia chinensis
- Scientific name: Wedelia chinensis (=Sphagneticola calendulacea)
- Classification: Asteraceae, Wedelia genus
- Also known as: Singapore daisy, trailing daisy
- Appearance: A perennial plant with creeping stems that grow along the ground and produce glossy leaves and bright yellow chrysanthemum-like flowers.
- Distribution: Around the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical Asia
- Parts used: Whole plant (leaves, stems, flowers)
Expected effects
- Liver function support (hepatoprotection): In hepatocellular damage models, maintenance of liver enzyme balance and reduction of oxidative stress have been suggested.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: It has been suggested that it may contribute to alleviating inflammatory responses by suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators.
- Antioxidant effect: It has been suggested that polyphenols may contribute to the elimination of active oxygen and cell protection.
- Antibacterial and antifungal effects: It has been reported to have growth inhibitory activity against some bacteria and fungi.
- Antidiabetic (blood sugar regulation) effect: Improvement of blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism-related indicators has been suggested in animal models.
- Neuroprotective effect: It has been suggested that it may contribute to neuroprotection through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Promotes wound healing: It has been suggested that it promotes skin repair due to its cell proliferation promoting and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antitumor effects: In prostate cancer cell models, inhibition of cell proliferation and signal transduction have been reported.
- Improves scalp environment and supports hair growth: With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, it has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth by reducing scalp inflammation and oxidative stress and maintaining skin barrier function.
