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Views: 3 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-06 Origin: Site
Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina), a traditional food ingredient known in China as "worry-free grass," is capturing the attention of global R&D personnel thanks to a groundbreaking study. This research not only validates the effectiveness of ancient wisdom but also unveils its unique mechanism of action through the "microbiota-gut-brain axis," offering a novel and highly potential solution for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.
Scientific Mechanism: A "Worry-Free" Journey from the Gut to the Brain
Traditional views hold that emotions are governed by the brain, but cutting-edge science has established that the gut is the "second brain" influencing mental health. The critical pathway connecting the two is the "Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis." The microbial community within the gut not only affects digestion but its metabolites can also cross physiological barriers to directly regulate nervous system function and emotional states.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology systematically revealed for the first time that the antidepressant activity of daylily extract is closely linked to its regulatory effects on the gut microbiota. The research found that a water extract of daylily flowers (HCW) can significantly remodel the gut microecology in animal models of depression by:
Increasing beneficial bacteria: It significantly boosted the abundance of *Bacteroides*, a key genus responsible for producing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, effectively helping the body relax and alleviate anxiety, much like the brain's "natural tranquilizer."
Inhibiting harmful bacteria: Simultaneously, it markedly reduced the levels of *Desulfovibrio*. The overgrowth of such bacteria is closely associated with intestinal and even systemic chronic inflammation, which is a confirmed physiological basis for depression.
In essence, daylily extract positively influences brain function from the bottom up by optimizing the gut microbiota structure, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and increasing the availability of neuro-calming substances, thus achieving a "worry-free" effect at its root.
Research Support: A Leap from Tradition to Empirical Evidence
Beyond the research on the microbiota-gut-brain axis, the efficacy of daylily is supported by further scientific evidence.
Identification of Key Active Ingredients: The aforementioned study utilized high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) to identify 32 compounds in the most potent daylily flower water extract, with Rutin being the most abundant. Through independent experiments, the research team confirmed that Rutin itself possesses significant antidepressant activity, making it one of the core chemical "amunitions" behind daylily's benefits.
Neuroprotective Effects of Rutin: Another study in Antioxidants further substantiated Rutin's neuroprotective potential. It demonstrated that Rutin's powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and inflammatory damage, which is vital for maintaining long-term brain health and emotional stability.
Together, these studies form a complete chain of evidence: daylily flowers are rich in active compounds like Rutin, which exert their antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects through both the regulation of gut microbiota and direct neuroprotective actions.
Application Directions: Empowering Your Next Blockbuster Product
Given its well-defined mechanism of action and scientific backing, daylily flower extract is an ideal ingredient for developing the next generation of emotional wellness products:
Mood-Soothing Functional Beverages: Can be formulated into ready-to-drink (RTD) or powdered beverages to offer daily stress relief and emotional support for individuals in high-pressure environments.
Sleep and Relaxation Capsules/Tablets: Can be combined with ingredients like GABA, valerian root, and L-theanine from tea to create synergistic formulas for nighttime recovery and calmness.
Dual-Action Gut & Mood Supplements: Can be integrated with probiotics and prebiotics to develop innovative products that directly target the "gut-brain axis," meeting consumer demand for holistic health solutions.
Anti-Aging and Cognitive Health Formulas: Its neuroprotective properties make it suitable for product lines aimed at supporting brain health and slowing cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults.
Our Advantage: Ensuring Excellence from the Source
To successfully translate this research into effective consumer products, the quality of the raw material is paramount. We understand that the highest concentration of active compounds is found in the "flower," not the traditionally consumed "bud." To this end, we:
Select Premium Sources: We exclusively use daylily flowers harvested at their peak blooming stage to ensure maximum levels of active ingredients like Rutin.
Employ Advanced Extraction Techniques: We use a proprietary low-temperature, water-based extraction technology to preserve the natural bioactivity of the plant to the greatest extent and avoid any residual organic solvents.
Implement Strict Quality Control: Every batch of our product undergoes rigorous testing via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to ensure standardized levels of key marker compounds, including Rutin. This guarantees consistent, reliable efficacy and provides the strongest quality assurance for your product development.
References:
Wang, Y., et al. (2022). Antidepressant Activity of Hemerocallis citrina Borani Flower Extracts and Its Underlying Mechanism of Action Based on the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. *Frontiers in Pharmacology*, 13, 967670. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.967670
Ghaffari, H., et al. (2019). Rutin: A Potent Antioxidant for Phenylketonuria, Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. *Antioxidants*, 8(11), 534. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110534
