Chrysanthellum (Chrysanthellum americanum) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to the Helichrysum genus, which includes around a dozen species. Native to the mountainous regions of South America—particularly Bolivia and Peru—it has naturalized in tropical areas of Africa and India. It entered European herbal medicine in the 1990s, valued for its therapeutic potential.
Chrysanthellum americanum, also known as Chrysanthellum indicum, golden chamomile, golden flower grass, or American chrysanthellum, is a compact annual herbaceous plant resembling chamomile, reaching just 15 cm tall. It produces slender stems with small, bi- and tri-pinnately divided leaves, topped by clusters of vibrant orange-yellow tubular and ligulate florets.
This plant contains unique compounds, including rare flavonoids (maritiméine, maréine), saponosides, chrysanthellines (A and B), alkaloids, and tannins.
The aerial parts of Chrysanthellum americanum offer well-regarded liver-protective effects, solidifying its place in herbal traditions. Andean communities have long used it for gastrointestinal issues, fevers, and migraines.
Today, it's valued as a hepatic protector, cholesterol reducer, anti-edematous agent, and remedy against lithiasis. It enhances bile secretion and safeguards the liver from alcohol and dietary toxins—even preventively—speeding alcohol clearance up to five times faster. It also supports the dissolution of gallstones, kidney stones, and salivary calculi.
Chrysanthellum further benefits circulation, mimicking vitamin P's effects on microcirculation. For heavy or varicose legs, poor limb circulation, hemorrhoids, rosacea, or burst eye vessels, it acts as a venotonic, toning vein walls.
Its flavonoids provide antioxidant support as well.
Find Chrysanthellum americanum at pharmacies and herbalists, available as:
(Photo credit: Ousmane Sawadogo via Tela Botanica)
