IngredientsDianthi herba is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known as Qumai. According to the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (PRC; 2020), the authentic varieties of Dianthi herba are derived from the dried aerial parts of Dianthus superbus L. and Dianthus chinensis L., belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, known as Qumai and Shizhu, respectively. The genus name Dianthus is derived from the Greek words dios (divine) and anthos (flower), meaning "divine flower," a name attributed to the Greek botanist Theophrastus.
The genus Dianthus, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, includes over 300 species, which were primarily spread out in cold and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Dianthus, commonly known as "pinks" or "carnations," has a rich history as a medicinal herb in traditional practices, especially within Chinese and European herbalism. In herbal medicine, however, the species of primary pharmacological interest are D. superbus and D. chinensis. A third species, Dianthus caryophyllus L. (the common carnation), commonly known as carnation or clove pink, is a species of Dianthus native to the Mediterranean region.
Dianthus superbus is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to a height of 50–60 cm with stems that are clumped and branched at the upper part. The leaf blades are linear-lanceolate, 5–10 × 0.3–0.5 cm in size, and the apex is acuminate and connate at the base forming a sheath. There are one to two terminal or axillary flowers with two to three pairs of bracts that are obovate. The apex has a long cusp, while the upper edge of the petal is lobed into a fringed shape. The plants blossom from June to September, and the fruit appears from August to October.
Dianthus caryophyllus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are glaucous greyish green to blue-green, slender, and up to 15 cm long. The flowers are produced singly or up to five together in a cyme; they are around 3–5 cm in diameter, and sweetly scented. The original natural flower color is bright pinkish-purple, but cultivars of other colors, including red, pink, yellow, white, and green, have been developed.
Dianthi herba (called Qumai in Chinese) is the dried aerial part of Dianthus superbus L. and Dianthus chinensis L. The species are mainly distributed in the temperate and warm temperate regions in the northern hemisphere, and some regions in Africa and Oceania, as well as South America. More specifically, D. superbus is mainly distributed in the temperate and warm temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly in northern Europe, central Europe, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, and China. D. chinensis inhabits regions similar to those of D. superbus and is mainly distributed in Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and Europe. D. caryophyllus is native to the Mediterranean region, and while its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive cultivation over the last 2,000 years, wild carnations are most common in the Mediterranean region.
The medicinal material consists of the aerial part of Dianthus superbus L. or D. chinensis L. collected in summer or autumn during fruit time. The material has no smell and is slightly bitter, and is sliced and used unprocessed. Commercially available forms include:
Beyond their ornamental appeal, carnations hold significant value in culinary and medicinal domains; they are brewed into teas, wines, porridges, and other culinary delights, imparting both a fragrant flavor and aesthetic appeal.
The first record of Dianthi herba is in Shennong Bencaojing (the Classic of Herbal Medicine). Traditionally, it has been used to cure diuresis, invigorate blood circulation, and regulate menstruation. Its use was first mentioned in the 1st century CE in the Chinese herbal, Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica. Since the Liang Dynasty, Dianthus has been used as a medicinal herb in the name of Qumai, which has become the main plant source of the TCM Qumai.
In traditional Chinese medicine, dianthus is considered bitter and cold, and is associated with the Bladder, Heart, and Small Intestine meridians. It promotes urination, drains damp heat from the bladder, and dispels blood stasis. In TCM, Dianthus is referred to as Qu Mai and has been cherished for centuries for its ability to promote urination, clear heat, and relieve toxicity. It has been a trusted remedy for treating urinary tract infections, edema, and even certain skin conditions caused by "damp heat."
Traditionally it is used to induce diuresis to treat stranguria, activate blood, and induce menstruation. It has the actions of clearing the small intestine to purge heart-fire and clearing the bladder to purge damp-heat, and is a main herb for stranguria, particularly good at treating heat-stranguria manifested as dribbling, difficult and painful urination.
Owing to its good efficacy, Dianthi herba is often used in combination with other TCMs to treat diseases. For example, Gualou Qumai pills, which contain Dianthi herba, Trichosanthis Fructus, Poria, Dioscoreae rhizoma, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, is a traditional prescription. This formula is used for treating dysuria, edema, and polydipsia. Beyond its solo applications, Dianthus has played a valuable role in multi-herb formulations. In TCM, it is often combined with herbs like Polygonum aviculare (Knotweed) and Plantago asiatica (Plantain seed) to enhance its efficacy in clearing heat and draining dampness.
Dianthi herba is widely used in Mongolian medicine, most frequently as a variety of Basaga in Mongolian medicine compound preparations. Common clinical dosage forms include Shenmai-7 decoction, Clove-8 Wei powder, Zandan-4 decoction, Wu Lingzhi-5 decoction, and Digeda-4 decoction. Digeda-4 decoction has been included in the Encyclopedia of Mongolian Medicine–Mongolian Medicine and The Pharmaceutical Standards of the Ministry of Health–Mongolian Medicine Volume.
Dianthus caryophyllus is the botanical name for the flower we call carnation. It has been in cultivation for over 2,000 years and is native to the Mediterranean region. Other names for this flower are gillyflower or clove pinks because of the clove-like scent of the original flower. Carl Linnaeus described the plant in his Species Plantarum in 1753 and gave the plant its botanical name.
It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders. The flowers are considered to be alexiteric, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic and nervine. The plant has been used as a vermifuge in China. They are used for medical purposes, such as for upset stomach and fever. Their fragrance was historically used for vinegar, beer, wine, sauces, and salads.
Various Dianthus spp. have long been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, urinary infections, carbuncles, menostasis, gonorrhea, cough, liver diseases, and certain types of cancer. The plant has been traditionally used in China, Japan, and Korea in the treatment of wounds and gastrointestinal disorders and various other ailments, and is also used in some African countries and Egypt in the treatment of various ailments.
The present review revealed that 194 compounds from D. superbus and D. chinensis have been reported, and they are mainly classified as saponins, flavonoids, peptides, anthraquinones, phenolic acids, amides, phenylpropanoids, and others. Approximately 194 chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from Dianthi herba, the most important being triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and volatile oil compounds. These compounds possess antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Triterpenoid saponins such as dianosides A to I are reported to be among the major bioactive compounds in D. superbus. Triterpenoid saponins are often treated as core active compounds in medicinal Dianthus. Saponins are commonly studied in herbs for membrane activity, inflammation signaling, and broad biologic effects. In Dianthus research, they are frequently linked to anti-inflammatory and other pharmacologic activity. Previous phytochemical research on this plant has isolated triterpenoid saponins and cyclic peptides, some of which were reported to show multiple biological activities, such as antifungal, tumor growth-inhibitory, and inhibition of cell adhesion molecule expression.
Compounds including dianthosaponins, dianthramide, flavonoid, coumarin, triterpenoid, pyran-type glycoside, and cyclic peptides have also been isolated from D. superbus. Flavonoids represent a particularly active area of contemporary research. Quercetin 3-rutinoside and isorhamnetin 3-glucoside showed higher neuraminidase inhibition activity in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking study revealed that flavonol glycosides have higher binding activities towards influenza polymerase membrane glycoprotein. Correlation study showed that flavonol glycosides were linked to anti-influenza activity and cyclic peptides with anticancer activities.
The phytochemistry of D. superbus mainly consists of anthocyanin, methyl salicylate, eugenol, vitamin A, saponins, and flavonoids that exhibit pharmacological properties including diuretic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and anti-neuritic effects.
One notable individual compound is quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G). Investigation of the antiviral and cytotoxic effect of quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) from Dianthus superbus L. over influenza virus infection and replication were studied. The anti-influenza mechanism was screened by time-dependent antiviral assay, virus-induced symptoms and related gene expressions. The blockade of the cap-binding domain of polymerase basic protein subunit was analysed by molecular docking study.
The genus Dianthus had not previously been reported to contain phytoecdysteroid derivatives, making their recent identification in D. superbus a novel finding. Many phytoecdysteroids have noteworthy pharmacological effects, including the ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate cholesterol levels and protein synthesis, treat ulcer, act as an antirheumatic, regulate insulin, have diuretic or tonic effects, and act as an insect antifeedant.
Among compounds isolated from D. superbus by bioactivity-guided separation are 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-pentyl ester benzenepropanoic acid, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid, 4-methoxybenzeneacetic acid, (E)-4-methoxycinnamic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethanol, hydroferulic acid, and methyl hydroferulate.
A 2024 study of Dianthus caryophyllus flowers identified distinct antioxidant compounds: ten distinct compounds were isolated and recognized in carnation flowers, with Isoorientin 2"-O-rhamnoside and Kurarinone demonstrating notable antioxidant activity and binding affinity to SOD1 and SOD3, as validated through antioxidant screening.
Established traditional claim: Dianthi herba is mainly used as a diuretic to help relieve the pain during urination. Its clinical uses include the treatment of urinary tract infections, red and astringent urination, dysmenorrhea, red eye, eye swelling and pain, esophageal cancer, and rectal cancer.
Scientific evidence: Research has shown that Dianthus chinensis can act as a short-term diuretic. It is widely used to treat urethritis, as a diuretic, for carbuncles, and for carcinoma effects, and is further widely used as a natural agent for anti-inflammatory purposes and urinary infections. A decoction of 100 grams of Qu Mai successfully treated edema in over 100 reported cases, according to a report published in Xiang Cun Yi Xue, 1996 (a Chinese rural medicine journal). However, this evidence is based on case series rather than controlled clinical trials, and the methodological quality of such historical reports is limited. No large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans have been identified in the peer-reviewed literature that specifically validate the diuretic action of Dianthus as an isolated intervention.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro and in vivo animal studies); no human clinical trials identified.
Li et al. analyzed the petroleum ether extract of D. superbus by MTT colorimetry and isolated eight components, which were found to have antitumor activity at 100 mg/L against HeLa, Smmc-7721, HepG2, SK-hep1, A549, and Bel-7402 cell lines. The fractions with strong antitumor activity were analyzed using GC-MS, and their main chemical components were fatty acid esterification derivatives and phenolic compounds.
Chemical analysis done using LC-MS/MS showed that ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of D. superbus demonstrated strong anticancer activity with IC50 of 9.5, 13.8 and 69.9 μg/mL on SKOV, NCL-H1299 and Caski cancer cell lines, respectively.
Kaempferide triglycoside, a glycosylated flavonol isolated from D. caryophyllus, exhibits human colon cancer cell line inhibitory properties due to induced overexpression of estrogen receptor β (ER-β).
These findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical use of Dianthi herba in the treatment of tumor diseases. In conclusion, extracts of the effective parts of Dianthi herba have antitumor biological activity, which is of importance in explaining the material basis of the antitumor efficacy of Dianthus. However, it is necessary to strengthen research on the active ingredients and anticancer activity of Dianthi in vivo to provide a theoretical basis for the development and application. Overall, anticancer evidence remains entirely preclinical; translation to human use has not been established.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro); no human clinical trials identified.
Butanol extracts of D. superbus exhibited the strongest antiviral activity with respect to both influenza A and B viruses with IC50 values of 4.97 and 3.9 μg/mL, respectively.
Quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) from D. superbus demonstrated potent antiviral activity showing IC50 values of 4.93, 6.43, 9.94, 8.3, and 7.1 μg/mL for multiple influenza A and B strains. The cellular toxicity of Q3G was tested, with >100 μg/mL CC50 value considered as nontoxic. Influenza A virus infection induced higher ROS production, which was potentially reduced by Q3G treatment, which also significantly blocked virus-infection-induced acidic vesicular organelles (AVO).
All antiviral findings are from in vitro studies. No clinical trials in humans have been conducted or identified.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro and animal models); human evidence absent.
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Dianthi herba has antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, uterine excitatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. A 2022 RSC Advances study isolated maltol glycoside from D. superbus and evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. D. superbus has the potential to be exploited in the treatment of inflammation, immunological disorders, and diabetic nephropathy. These claims are based on preclinical evidence only.
Evidence type: Preclinical (cell-based, in vitro); no human studies identified.
In a published study, ten bioactive compounds were isolated from D. superbus and their neuroprotective activity was evaluated against glutamate-induced cell death in the hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. Yun et al. isolated two bioactive compounds from D. superbus, 4-hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid and 4-methoxybenzeneacetic acid, to determine the components mediating its neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced death of hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. The two compounds effectively protected HT22 cells against glutamate toxicity.
The EtOAc soluble fraction of D. superbus extract was active, increasing cell viability to 73.89% and 94.35% at concentrations of 10 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. These phenomena suggest that Dianthi herba may have neuroprotective activity. The extract of D. superbus and compounds isolated from it exhibited neuroprotective properties, suggesting therapeutic potential for applications in neurotoxic diseases. All this evidence is in vitro only.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro and murine model); no human clinical trials identified.
Seventy herbal extracts were tested for their ability to reduce IgE secretion by a human B-cell line. Those with the lowest inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values were tested in a mouse model of peanut anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic scores, body temperature, plasma histamine, and peanut-specific immunoglobulins were determined.
Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the in vitro IgE production by a human B-cell line in a dose-dependent manner and the in vivo IgE production in a murine model of peanut allergy without affecting peanut-specific IgG1 levels. After challenge, all mice in the sham groups developed anaphylactic reactions and increased plasma histamine levels. The extract-treated mice demonstrated significantly reduced peanut-triggered anaphylactic reactions and plasma histamine levels.
D. superbus suppressed immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and prevented peanut-induced anaphylaxis. This represents preclinical evidence of immunomodulatory potential but has not been validated in human clinical trials.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro); no human clinical trials identified.
Ethyl acetate, butanol, and distilled water extracts of D. superbus were assessed for extraction of bioactive compounds and their biological activities. The chemical analysis was done using LC-MS/MS and antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral activities were determined. Antioxidant properties have been documented across multiple extract fractions. It is necessary to further study the mechanism through which it reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical formation, to provide a detailed theoretical framework for future applications.
Evidence type: Preclinical (in vitro); no human clinical trials identified.
Dianthus superbus belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and has been used in Chinese traditional medicine as a diuretic, a contraceptive, and an anti-inflammatory agent. Previous studies have revealed various biological activities of D. superbus, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent pharmacological studies, the plant was also tested for anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-insecticide activities.
Evidence type: Preclinical (animal) and historical/ethnopharmacological record.
Extracts of dianthus can stimulate uterine contractions, and the effect is dose-dependent; that is, the more dianthus a person receives, the longer and more intense the uterine contractions will be. Qu Mai's effect on in-vivo uterus of rabbits and in-vitro uterus of rats, and its synergistic effect with prostaglandin E2, was documented in the Tianjin Journal of Medicine. This activity is considered pharmacologically significant and underlies the pregnancy contraindication (see Safety section).
Robust clinical trials validating the effects of Dianthus in humans are limited. While initial findings are promising and suggest possible health contributions, more comprehensive research, including well-designed human studies, is needed to substantiate Dianthus's efficacy and safety as an ingredient in nutritional products. The totality of evidence, as of the available literature, is predominantly in vitro and animal-based, with some historical case series from TCM practice. No peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials in human subjects evaluating Dianthus as a standalone supplement have been identified.
The typical dosage of dianthus is 3–10 grams per day, taken as a decoction, pill, or powder. Some practitioners recommend a slightly higher dose of 6–12 grams. Dianthus is available as a pill, powder, or decoction.
TCM Wiki records a standard decoction dose of 9–15 g.
A decoction of 100 grams of Qu Mai was reported to successfully treat edema in over 100 cases, though this represents a historical case series, not a controlled trial dose-finding study.
In preclinical research, extract concentrations used in in vitro experiments have ranged widely. EA extracts showed anticancer activity with IC50 values of 9.5, 13.8, and 69.9 μg/mL against different cancer cell lines. Quercetin 3-glucoside (Q3G) demonstrated antiviral activity with IC50 values of 4.93 to 9.94 μg/mL against multiple influenza strains. These are laboratory concentrations and cannot be directly extrapolated to human supplementation doses.
Common clinical dosage forms of Dianthi herba in TCM include Shenmai-7 decoction, Clove-8 Wei powder, Zandan-4 decoction, Wu Lingzhi-5 decoction, and Digeda-4 decoction. These are compound formulae rather than single-herb products; exact per-dose quantities of Dianthi herba within these preparations are not universally standardized.
Dianthus can stimulate the uterus; overdosage of dianthus can cause prolonged contractions of the uterus. Use during pregnancy is contraindicated since animal studies indicate it causes uterine contractions. Traditional sources and modern reviews advise caution in pregnancy, and preclinical data have raised concern about pregnancy-related risk. Regulatory guidance for TCM ingredient monographs also uses a conservative approach and advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically directed by a qualified practitioner.
Use with caution in patients taking diuretics since this herb promotes urination. The most likely issues are related to its traditional diuretic profile and digestive sensitivity; these are more likely when someone uses a high dose, combines multiple diuretic herbs, or takes other products that affect fluid and electrolyte balance.
The most important practical consideration is to use medicinal-grade Dianthus material, not decorative garden flowers. Garden plants may be treated with pesticides, and the species may not match the medicinal forms used in traditional practice. There are also products in the market containing adulterants, such as D. chinensis var. versicolor and D. superbus var. longicalycinus.
No documented pharmacokinetic drug interactions with Dianthus have been identified in the peer-reviewed literature as of the available sources. The herb's known diuretic activity raises a theoretical concern when combined with prescription diuretics or medications affected by fluid and electrolyte shifts. The uterine excitatory effect is of pharmacodynamic relevance in the context of uterotonic or oxytocin-related agents.
Further studies should be carried out on Dianthi herba to elucidate more of its active principles and their mechanisms of action. The scientific evidence base for Dianthus is characterized by: (1) a rich ethnopharmacological and TCM record spanning over two millennia; (2) a complex and increasingly characterized phytochemical profile; and (3) a body of preclinical (in vitro and animal) pharmacological data supporting multiple bioactivities. The critical gap is the near-complete absence of rigorously designed human clinical trials. All claimed health benefits in the current literature thus remain at the preclinical or traditional-use level of evidence.
Health conditions that Dianthus may help support.
Body systems that Dianthus may help support.
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