IngredientsZinnia elegans (synonym: Zinnia violacea), known as youth-and-age, common zinnia, or elegant zinnia, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. The genus name honors the German scientist Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727–1759), who collected Z. elegans seeds in Mexico. The specific epithet elegans means elegant.
It is native to Mexico but grown as an ornamental in many places and naturalized in several locations, including scattered locations in South and Central America, the West Indies, the United States, Australia, and Italy. The genus Zinnia encompasses about 22 species of herbs and shrubs native primarily to North America, being perennial where native — from the southern United States to Chile, especially abundant in Mexico — but annual elsewhere.
Common zinnia plants are bushy, leafy annuals that typically grow 1–3 feet (less frequently to 4 feet) tall on upright, hairy, branching stems. Many flower forms (single, semi-double, and double) and colors (shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, rose, lavender, green, and white) are available. Zinnias have stiff, hairy stems and oval or lance-shaped leaves arranged opposite each other and often clasping the stem. The solitary flower heads are borne at the ends of branches, growing at the junction of a bract and the receptacle; the flowers occur in a wide range of colors except blue.
Zinnia elegans (syn. Z. violacea), also known as elegant or common zinnia, is the most known and cultivated plant of its genus and was introduced in Europe around 1790, when it started gaining popularity as a garden plant. It is closely related to other medically studied members of the genus, including Zinnia peruviana and Zinnia grandiflora, though these are distinct species.
As a botanical ingredient, the plant material used in research and traditional applications has included inflorescences (flowers), leaves, aerial parts (whole above-ground portions), and seeds. Investigational preparations documented in scientific literature include:
Given its main use as an ornamental plant, very few studies focus on the analysis of secondary metabolites found in the plant in correlation with the plant's therapeutic potential.
Zinnia flowers and leaves are used by many southwestern tribes as medicinal and ritual herbs. The zinnia is considered one of the sacred Life Medicines of the Navajo tribe. To some Pueblo tribes, zinnias are a symbol of wisdom, and they were fed to young children in hopes of making them grow up intelligent and well-spoken. More prosaically, zinnias were also used by southwestern tribes to make bright colors for dyes and paints.
Several Native American groups, including the Zuni and Navajo, used related zinnia species for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Among the Zuni people, the plant was applied in a poultice to bruises, a cold infusion of blossoms was used as an eyewash, and smoke from powdered plant was inhaled in a sweatbath for fever. The Acoma and Laguna Indians used zinnia to treat kidney illnesses by drinking an infusion. Note: these ethnobotanical records pertain primarily to Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain zinnia), a closely related species found in the southwestern United States.
Indigenous peoples in Central America have long utilized zinnia for its healing properties. Traditional remedies often employed zinnia leaf and flower extracts to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive discomfort, minor wounds, and skin irritations. Historical uses of zinnia in folk medicine, particularly in Central and South America, suggest its application in teas and topical preparations for purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
The related species Zinnia peruviana is also highly valued as an ornamental flowering plant around the world and is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat diarrhea, vomiting, and various stomach pains. More broadly, Zinnia peruviana (L.) (Asteraceae) is a native plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of malaria, for stomach pain, as a hepatoprotective and antiparasitic agent, and as an antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Zinnia peruviana was introduced to Europe in the early 1700s. Around 1790, Z. elegans (Zinnia violacea) was introduced. The early Spanish colonists in Mexico found the flowers ugly and called them mal de ojos (evil eyes). The plant was primarily cultivated as an ornamental in European gardens and was not widely adopted into European herbal medicine traditions.
Previous studies have documented the presence of various secondary metabolites such as steroids, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. The presence of these bioactive compounds is attributed to the plant's potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
The Asteraceae family to which zinnia belongs is famous for various pharmacological activities — antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and antitumor — attributed to the presence of phytochemical metabolites including polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids.
A 2019 study focused on a phytochemical HR LC-MS analysis of a methanolic extract obtained from Z. elegans inflorescences, in which more than 50 compounds from different classes, such as polyphenols and alkaloids, were identified.
Among the flavonoids previously identified in the plant were apigenin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin 4′-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-xyloside-7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-glucoside.
The first fraction of the fractionated extract contains as main components two guanidine alkaloids (plumbagine B and plantagoguanidinic acid), while fraction 2 contains mostly monoacylchlorogenic acids such as 3-CQA, 5-CQA, 4-CQA, 3- and 5-pCoQA, and also flavonoids such as kaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucuronopyranoside and kaempferol 3-O-pentoside-7-O-hexuronide.
Fraction 3 generally contains caffeic acid, clovamide, kaempferol 3-O-(pentosyl-hexuronide), kaempferol 3-O-pentoside-7-O-hexuronide, resokaempferol 3-O-hexoside, and apigenin 7-O-dihexoside. Fraction 4 contains quercetin 3-O-hexoside, diacylchlorogenic acids such as 1,5- and 3,5-diCQA, resokaempferol 3-O-hexoside, and apigenin 7-O-(malonyl-hexoside), while the last fraction contains diacylchlorogenic acids, kaempferol-3-O-(malonyl-hexoside), kaempferol-3-O-hexoside, and apigenin.
After further separations and purification, two compounds — plantagoguanidinic acid and a new kaempferol glycoside — which had not been previously reported in Z. elegans, were isolated and characterized using NMR techniques.
Studies also confirm the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and quinones as phytochemicals along with triterpenoids and diterpenoids in zinnia leaves.
Flavonoids including quercetin and luteolin derivatives participate in reduction processes and act as natural capping substances, stabilizing silver nanoparticle surfaces. These phytochemicals have also been associated with various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
The investigated fractions of Z. elegans inflorescences contained polyphenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acids and apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides.
The presence of certain polyphenols such as polycarboxylic acids and flavonoids from Z. elegans inflorescences has been correlated with antioxidant activity observed through pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibition and metal chelation mechanisms.
Lipoxygenases are a family of enzymes involved in the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and have different physiological roles, as well as implications in several pathological processes. The fraction most enriched in kaempferol glycosides showed the most notable lipoxygenase inhibitory activity in vitro.
One study revealed that the methanolic extract contains important quantities of flavonoids and presents better antioxidant activity than other extracts obtained using more lipophilic solvents such as chloroform or hexane, suggesting that polyphenols are responsible for this type of activity.
Zinnia elegans leaves' hepatoprotective activity appears to involve retarding liver injury by blocking oxidative stress.
The ethanolic extract of Zinnia elegans has been proposed to exert an anti-inflammatory action that protects mice from ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, based on the downregulation of TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines.
A phytochemical HR LC-MS analysis of a methanolic extract obtained from Z. elegans inflorescences identified more than 50 compounds. After further separations, five fractions were chemically characterized and tested for potential antioxidant activities. Fractions with a rich content in monoacylchlorogenic acids and flavonoid glycosides, and fractions having alkaloids as major constituents, showed promising results.
Antioxidant assays showed that certain fractions exhibit moderate 15-LOX inhibition (Fr 2, IC50 = 18.98 μg/mL) and metal chelation (e.g., Fr 1–2, EC50 = 0.714–1.037 mg/mL) activities, compared to positive controls (20.25 μg/mL for kaempferol and 0.068 mg/mL for EDTA, respectively). For Fr 2, the 15-LOX inhibition activity appears to be related to the abundance of kaempferol glycosides.
Generally, the obtained fractions presented better IC50 values for the lipoxygenase inhibition assay than the total extract. The iron-chelating activity was most promising for the initial extract (0.615 ± 0.001 mg/mL final solution) rather than for its selective fractions. However, the calculated value was 10 times higher than that obtained for EDTA, a well-known metal chelator, implying the existence of a lower antioxidant effect explained through this mechanism.
A subsequent study focused on the estimation of the antioxidant potential of ethanol extract and different derived fractions of Z. elegans, as well as eight isolated flavonoids from the ethyl acetate fraction possessing the strongest scavenging activity. The antioxidant potentials were estimated using both DPPH and phosphomolybdate complex assays, and a correlation was predicted for the structure of the isolated compounds with their antioxidant capacity.
Evidence strength: Preliminary; all studies are in vitro. No human clinical data exist on the antioxidant effects of Z. elegans preparations.
The effect of Zinnia elegans leaves was evaluated in vitro and in vivo as therapy in experimental CCl4-intoxicated albino rats. The results revealed a high content of total phenols, and significantly improved levels of DPPH, AST, ALT, NO, H2O2, LDL, MDA, urea, creatinine, GST, SOD, and HDL by Zinnia elegans leaf extract. The results showed that Zinnia elegans leaves have hepatoprotective activities against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.
Administration of different concentrations of Zinnia elegans leaf ethanolic extract (50, 100, and 125 mg/100 g body weight), as well as the standard drug (silymarin), significantly improved superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reduced (GSH), and lipid peroxide (MDA) activities.
The zinnia plant has been noted in research contexts for several medicinal values including hepatoprotective, antifungal, antihelminthic, antimalarial, and anti-infective properties.
Evidence strength: Preclinical only (animal models). No human clinical trials have evaluated the hepatoprotective properties of Z. elegans specifically.
In an animal study, the gastric ulcer (GU) index of mice pretreated with Zinnia elegans extract was significantly reduced compared to the ethanol control group, though the omeprazole control group had a much lower GU index. Further research is needed before the findings from this work can be used to develop a novel anti-GU substance that can be used in clinical medicine.
Evidence strength: Preclinical only (rodent model). No human data available.
Some species of the Zinnia genus have been studied for their potential antifungal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, cytotoxic (demonstrated on cancer cell lines), and insecticidal biological actions. However, there are few studies regarding the biological actions of extracts obtained from Z. elegans or of its purified compounds.
Studies of Z. elegans extracts against fungal pathogens showed a clear dose-dependent response. These findings highlight the scientific significance of plant-based extracts as natural antifungal agents, demonstrating the superior efficacy of Z. elegans extract at higher concentrations. Overall, this research underscored the potential of zinnia-based extracts as eco-friendly biofungicide candidates for sustainable management of Fusarium wilt diseases.
Representatives of the genus Zinnia L. have documented antimicrobial and antifungal activity. In particular, the antimicrobial properties of ethyl acetate and hexane extracts from Zinnia peruviana raw materials were investigated, and pronounced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Listeria monocytogenes CLIP 74910, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus was established.
For Z. elegans specifically, only a few reports have focused on antifungal screening of the whole plant against Fusarium moniliforme, a hepatoprotective effect of its ethanol extract on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats, alongside some other preliminary work.
Evidence strength: Preliminary; confined to in vitro microbiological assays and animal studies. Considerable evidence base exists for related species (Z. peruviana), but this cannot be directly extrapolated to Z. elegans.
The findings of one study revealed that all the isolated flavonoid compounds from Z. elegans had notable cytotoxic properties with IC50 values reported at the in vitro level only.
Silver nanoparticles were developed using the leaf extract of Zinnia elegans for anticancer investigation, with the plant selected partly because it emits fluorescence in the near-infrared (NIR) region.
Evidence strength: Very preliminary; restricted to cell line and animal studies. No clinical evidence for anticancer effects of zinnia preparations in humans.
Using molecular docking techniques, binding affinities and features of the isolated flavonoids from Zinnia elegans aerial parts towards SARS-CoV-2 and human targets were predicted and compared to darunavir. These findings are entirely computational and have not been validated in cell-based or animal models specific to viral infection.
Evidence strength: Extremely preliminary; in silico modelling only, with no experimental or clinical confirmation.
Today, the legacy of common zinnia endures in modern nutritional products, where it is appreciated for its abundance of antioxidants and potential immune-boosting properties. However, these claims remain scientifically unvalidated in human populations.
There are no established clinical dosage guidelines for Zinnia elegans as a dietary supplement or medicinal preparation. The following dosages have been reported only in preclinical (animal) studies:
No human clinical trials have established effective or safe dosage ranges for any Z. elegans preparation. No pharmacopeial monograph (WHO, ESCOP, Commission E, USP, or European Pharmacopoeia) exists for this species as a medicinal plant or supplement ingredient.
Given that zinnia's main use has been as an ornamental plant, very few studies focus on the analysis of secondary metabolites found in the plant in correlation with its therapeutic potential. Accordingly, formal toxicological assessment of Z. elegans extracts in humans is essentially absent from the published literature.
While more rigorous clinical validation is needed, common zinnia shows potential as a beneficial ingredient in nutritional products due to its traditional uses and encouraging initial scientific findings.
The Asteraceae family representatives consist of diverse secondary metabolites which exhibit various advantageous effects in humans. In particular, sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) may cause sensitization resulting in skin irritation and inflammation. Asteraceae-related allergy symptoms involve eczema, hay fever, asthma, or even anaphylaxis.
Asteraceae dermatitis can occur from direct contact with plants of the Asteraceae family, through airborne pollen, or from exposure to topical medications, cooking products, and cosmetics. Almost 50% of sesquiterpene lactones are potential contact allergens. These metabolites are present both in fresh and dried plants in various proportions from 0.01 to 8% per dry weight.
A comprehensive study examined allergens from 22 plant species of Asteraceae belonging to 8 genera, namely Ageratum, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Helianthus, Iva, Parthenium, Xanthium, and Zinnia. The biochemical components of these pollen allergens are generally secondary plant metabolites; defensin-like proteins, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, profilins, polcalcins, and pathogenesis-related proteins are reported to be predominant. They majorly induce type I immunoglobulin E-mediated immune responses resulting in various conditions like itching, rashes, contact dermatitis, and angioedema.
Exposure to Asteraceae-containing cosmetic products may lead to dermatitis, though this is highly dependent on the particular plant species involved. The prevalence of sensitization is high in arnica and elecampane but low with more commonly used species such as German chamomile. The specific allergenicity profile of Z. elegans preparations relative to other Asteraceae has not been individually characterized in the clinical literature.
It is also supposed that individuals with contact dermatitis to Asteraceae sesquiterpene lactones can react to many other non-Asteraceae sesquiterpene lactone-containing plants. Individuals with known Asteraceae allergy or pollinosis should exercise caution with any preparation derived from zinnia.
Pollen grains of Z. elegans are spherical and apolar, 20–25 mm in diameter, and possess a thick skin. Studies of zinnia pollen in polluted environments have noted increased allergenic potential, suggesting that environmental stressors may alter pollen allergenicity.
No human clinical trials have evaluated the safety, tolerability, or pharmacokinetics of Zinnia elegans extracts or standardized preparations as dietary supplements. No official regulatory body (including the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the European Food Safety Authority, or the WHO) has issued safety assessments specific to Z. elegans as a supplement ingredient. The existing phytochemical and preclinical data constitute the totality of the current scientific basis for this ingredient.
There are few studies regarding the biological actions of extracts obtained from Z. elegans specifically or of its purified compounds. Among these, research regarding the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antifungal, and antimalarial activities can be found in the literature. All current evidence is derived from in vitro assays or preclinical animal models. Bioavailability in humans, effective therapeutic doses, drug interaction potential, and long-term safety have not been studied.
Health conditions that Common zinnia may help support.
Body systems that Common zinnia may help support.
Go back