Centipeda minima: A Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Predictive Analysis on Quality Markers

As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch is known for its effects in dispersing wind-cold, clearing nasal passages, and relieving coughs. Current research has identified various chemical constituents isolated from C. minima, including volatile oils, flavonoids, organic acids, and terpenoids. These compounds demonstrate multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-tumour effects. This review summarizes the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications of C. minima. Furthermore, based on the concept of Quality Markers (Q-Markers) in Chinese medicine, potential Q-Markers for C. minima are predicted and analyzed from five perspectives: botanical phylogeny, specificity of chemical composition, measurability of constituents, traditional efficacy, and medicinal properties. Compounds including brevilin A, arnicolide C, arnicolide D, and helenalin are proposed as candidate Q-Markers for C. minima, providing a scientific basis for elucidating its pharmacologically active substances and establishing quality evaluation criteria.