Yes, based on data from Pillser's research database, gardenia has been studied for its effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels — a key marker of systemic inflammation.

According to the database:

• Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels: There is 1 study showing a beneficial effect of gardenia on lowering CRP levels¹².
• Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels: There is 1 study showing a beneficial effect on another key inflammatory marker, interleukin-6 (IL-6), which supports the anti-inflammatory profile¹³.
• Increased Total Serum Antioxidant Capacity: There is 1 study showing a beneficial effect, suggesting gardenia may have antioxidant properties that could contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects¹⁴.

Summary

The available evidence suggests gardenia may help reduce inflammation, including lowering CRP levels. However, it's worth noting that this is based on a limited number of studies — only one study specifically examined CRP. While the results are encouraging (all beneficial, no neutral or harmful findings for that outcome), more research would help strengthen the case.

The anti-inflammatory effects of gardenia are often attributed to its active compound geniposide, which has been studied for modulating inflammatory pathways.

Footnotes

1. Pillser research database, Gardenia (herbal extract). ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. Pillser research database, Gardenia and Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels. ↩

3. Pillser research database, Gardenia and Reduced Interleukin-6 Levels. ↩

4. Pillser research database, Gardenia and Increased Total Serum Antioxidant Capacity. ↩