Investigation of inhibition effect of butanol and water extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. on angiotensin-converting enzyme purified from human plasma.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) liable for the regulation of blood pressure was purified from human plasma by affinity chromatography. Impact of water and butanol extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. on purity ACE was examined. ACE was purified using the affinity chromatography method. The enzyme activity was evaluated at 345 nm by a spectrophotometer. Extracts of M. chamomilla plant with butanol and water were prepared. Lisinopril was utilized as a specific inhibitor. ACE was purified 3,659-fold from human plasma and the specific activity was 1,350 EU/mg protein. The molecular weight and purity of ACE were found by SDS-PAGE and two bands of 60 and 70 kDa on the gel were detected. Water and butanol extracts of M. chamomilla demonstrated inhibitor impact on ACE activity. IC50 constants for water and butanol extracts of M. chamomilla were computed to be 1.292 and 0.353 mg/mL, respectively. The type of inhibition for whole inhibitors was identified as noncompetitive. IC50 and Ki constants for lisinopril were calculated to be 0.781 and 0.662 nM, respectively. These results indicate that butanol and water extracts of M. chamomilla may have an ACE inhibitor potential.

Phytochemical Characterization of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) Roots and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential.

Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, whose efficacy has been proven in numerous studies. However, its roots have attracted only little interest so far, since mainly above-ground plant parts are used for medicinal purposes. To broaden the knowledge of chamomile roots, a profound phytochemical characterization was performed along with a bioactivity screening of corresponding root extracts. While volatile constituents such as chamomillol and polyynes were detected using GC-MS, HPLC-MSn analyses revealed the occurrence of four coumarin glycosides, more than ten phenolic acid esters and five glyceroglycolipids. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated. Polar extracts revealed IC50 values ranging from 13 to 57 µg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, which is in the same range as reported for chamomile flower extracts. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging potential and mild antibacterial effects against S. aureus und B. subtilis were demonstrated. Moreover, to assess interspecies variation in chamomile roots, extracts of M. recutita were compared to those of M. discoidea DC. Interestingly, the latter revealed stronger antioxidant activity. The presented results aim at the valorization of chamomile roots, previously discarded as by-product of chamomile flower production, as a sustainable source of bioactive phytochemicals.

Determination of Chemical Compounds and Investigation of Biological Properties of Matricaria chamomilla Essential Oils, Honey, and Their Mixture.

This exploratory investigation aimed to determine the chemical composition and evaluate some biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, of Matricaria chamomilla L. essential oils (EOs). EOs of M. chamomilla were obtained by hydrodistillation and phytochemical screening was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activities were tested against different pathogenic strains of microorganisms by using disc diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The antidiabetic activity was performed in vitro using the enzyme inhibition test. The antioxidant activity of EOs was tested using the free radical scavenging ability (DPPH method), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) ability, and ß-carotene bleaching assay. The anti-inflammatory effects were tested in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method and in vitro using the inhibition of the lipoxygenase test. The analysis of the phytochemical composition by GC-MS revealed that camphor (16.42%) was the major compound of EOs, followed by 3-carene (9.95%), ß-myrcene (8.01%), and chamazulene (6.54%). MCEO, honey, and their mixture exhibited antioxidant activity against the DPPH assay (IC50 ranging from 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL to 1945.38 ± 12.71 µg/mL). The mixture exhibited the best radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL. As antidiabetic effect, EO presented the best values against α-glucosidase (265.57 ± 0.03 µg/mL) and α-amylase (121.44 ± 0.05 µg/mL). The EOs and honey mixture at a dose of 100 mg/kg exhibited a high anti-inflammatory effect, with 63.75% edema inhibition after 3 h. The impact of EOs on the studied species showed an excellent antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (22.97 ± 0.16 mm)), antifungal (Aspergillus niger (18.13 ± 0.18 mm)) and anti-yeast (Candida albicans (21.07 ± 0.24 mm) effect against all the tested strains. The results obtained indicate that the EOs of M. chamomilla could be a potential drug target against diabetes, inflammation and microbial infections; however, further investigations to assess their bioactive molecules individually and in combination are greatly required.

Medicinal plants as therapeutic options for topical treatment in canine dermatology? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have been used traditionally since centuries for wound care and treatment of skin diseases both in human and animals. Skin diseases are one of the most common reasons for owners to take their dog to the veterinarian. The demands for treatment and prophylaxis of these diseases are broad. A wide range of bacteria including antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be involved, making the treatment challenging and bear an anthropo-zoonotic potential. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate based on recent scientific literature, the potential of four medicinal plants to enrich the therapeutic options in pyoderma, canine atopic dermatitis, otitis externa, wounds and dermatophytosis in dogs. RESULTS: Based on four books and a survey among veterinarians specialized in phytotherapy, four medicinal plants were chosen as the subject of this systematic review: Calendula officinalis L. (Marigold), Hypericum perforatum L. agg. (St. John's Wort), Matricaria chamomilla L. (syn. Matricaria recutita L., Chamomile) and Salvia officinalis L. (Sage). According to the PRISMA statement through literature research on two online databases a total of 8295 publications was screened and narrowed down to a final 138 publications for which full-text documents were analyzed for its content resulting in a total of 145 references (21 clinical, 24 in vivo and 100 in vitro references). CONCLUSIONS: All four plants were proven to have antibacterial and antifungal effects of a rather broad spectrum including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This makes them an interesting new option for the treatment of pyoderma, otitis externa, infected wounds and dermatophytosis. Marigold, St. John's Wort and Chamomile showed wound-healing properties and are thus promising candidates in line to fill the therapeutic gap in canine wound-healing agents. St. John's Wort and Chamomile also showed anti-inflammatory and other beneficial effects on healthy skin. Due to the wide range of beneficial effects of these medicinal plants, they should be taken into account for the treatment of dermatologic diseases in dogs at least in future clinical research.

Chemo-Diversity and Antiradical Potential of Twelve Matricaria chamomilla L. Populations from Iran: Proof of Ecological Effects.

Matricaria chamomilla L. is a popular medicinal herb that is used for healing various diseases and is widely distributed worldwide in temperate climate zones, and even in the subtropical climate of Southern and Western Iran. This study was aimed at comparing the volatile oil constituents, along with antiradical potential and HPLC analysis of methanolic extracts from twelve plant samples growing in Iran. The present research was carried out for the first time on these populations. Among seventeen identified volatile chemicals evaluated by GC/MS and GC/FID, representing 92.73-97.71% of the total oils, α-bisabolone oxide A (45.64-65.41%) was the major constituent, except in case of "Sarableh" as a new chemotype, where (E)- and (Z)-γ-bisabolene (42.76 and 40.08%, respectively) were the predominant components. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes (53.31-74.52%) were the most abundant compounds in the samples excluding "Sarableh" with 91.3% sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. "Sarableh" also exerted the most potent antioxidant capacity with EC50 = 7.76 ± 0.3 µg/mL and 6.51 ± 0.63 mmol TE (Trolox® equivalents)/g. In addition, populations "Lali" and "Bagh Malek" contained the highest amounts of apigenin and luteolin with 1.19 ± 0.01 mg/g and 2.20 ± 0.0 mg/g of plant material, respectively. Our findings depict a clear correlation between phytochemical profiles and antiradical potential of M. chamomilla and geographical factors.

The effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The use of natural and herbal products as alternative therapies, in conjunction with blood glucose-lowering medications, is on the rise for patients with diabetes. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis of both human and animal models to investigate the impact of chamomile consumption on glycemic control. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on all published papers from January 1990 up to January 2022 via Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science. Human and animal articles evaluating the effect of chamomile on serum glycemic markers were included. We used the random-effects model to establish the pooled effect size. The dose-dependent effect was also assessed. Results: Overall, 4 clinical trials on human and 8 studies on animals met the inclusion criteria. With regard to RCTs, a favorable effect of chamomile consumption on serum fasting blood glucose (Standardized Mean Differences (SMD): -0.65, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.29, P < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels (SMD: -0.90, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.40, P < 0.001; I2 = 45.4%) was observed. Considering animal studies, consumption of chamomile extracts significantly reduced serum blood glucose (SMD: -4.37, 95% CI: -5.76, -2.98, P < 0.001; I2 = 61.2%). Moreover, each 100 mg/d increase in chamomile extract intervention resulted in a significantly declined blood glucose concentrations (MD: -54.35; 95% CI: -79.77, -28.93, P < 0.001; I2 = 94.8). Conclusion: The current meta-analysis revealed that chamomile consumption could exert favorable effects on serum blood glucose and HbA1C. However, additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further confirm these findings. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01345-8.

Estimation of the Controlled Release of Antioxidants from ß-Cyclodextrin/Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) or Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.), Asteraceae, Hydrophilic Extract Complexes through the Fast and Cheap Spectrophotometric Technique.

This is the first study on the modeling of the controlled release of the estimated antioxidants (flavonoids or flavonolignans) from ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD)/hydrophilic vegetable extract complexes and the modeling of transdermal pharmaceutical formulations based on these complexes using an overall estimation by the spectrophotometric method. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was chosen for evaluating the release mechanisms. ß-CD/chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L., Asteraceae) ethanolic extract and ß-CD/milk thistle (Silybum marianum L., Asteraceae) ethanolic extract complexes were obtained by the co-crystallization method with good recovering yields of 55-76%, slightly lower than for ß-CD/silibinin or silymarin complexes (~87%). According to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Karl Fischer water titration (KFT), the thermal stability of complexes is similar to ß-CD hydrate while the hydration water content is lower, revealing the formation of molecular inclusion complexes. In the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, ß-CD/M. chamomilla flower extract complexes reveal Case II transport mechanisms, while the corresponding complexes with leaf extracts indicate non-Fickian diffusion for the controlled release of antioxidants in ethanol 60 and 96%. The same non-Fickian diffusion was revealed by ß-CD/S. marianum extract and ß-CD/silibinin complexes. On the contrary, almost all model transdermal pharmaceutical formulations based on ß-CD/M. chamomilla extract complexes and all those based on ß-CD/S. marianum extract complexes revealed non-Fickian diffusion for the antioxidant release. These results indicate that H-bonding is mainly involved in the diffusion of antioxidants into a ß-CD based matrix, while the controlled release of antioxidants in model formulations is mainly due to hydrophobic interactions. Results obtained in this study can be further used for studying the particular antioxidants (namely rutin or silibinin, quantified, for example, by liquid chromatographic techniques) for their transdermal transport and biological effects in innovatively designed pharmaceutical formulations that can be obtained using "green" methods and materials.

Chemical component and in vitro protective effects of Matricaria chamomilla (L.) against lipopolysaccharide insult.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a popular herbal tea for the treatment of hepatitis and cholecystitis in traditional Uygur medicines. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of M. chamomilla, and clarify its molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: M. chamomilla was extracted with 75% ethanol and then extracted with different solvents to obtain five fractions, namely petroleum ether fraction (EOPE), dichloromethane fraction (EOD), ethyl acetate fraction (EOEA), n-butanol fraction (EOB), and water fraction (EOW). Cytotoxicity and the effect on the nitric oxide (NO) production of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS of the five fractions were screened, and the most active one (EOD) was selected for further investigations. The components of EOD were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis in combination with comparison of retention time and UV absorption with authentic compounds by HPLC. In addition, five most abundant compounds of EOD were isolation by column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC and their structures were further confirmed by HRMS and NMR data analysis and comparison with data in literatures. Then the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of EOD were predicted through Network pharmacology using the identified compounds from EOD, and further verified by Western Blot and ELISA experiments. RESULTS: EOD showed the most significant inhibition ratio against NO in RAW264.7 cells without toxicity among the tested five fractions. Thirty-seven compounds including flavonoid-O-glycoside, flavonoid aglycone, methylated flavonoid aglycone, phenolic acid, coumarin, sesquiterpene, and triterpene were identified from EOD by LC-MS/MS and comparison with authentic compounds. The five most abundant compounds in EOD were isolated and determined to be axillarin (26), tricin (30), chrysoeriol (31), centaureidin (33) and chrysosplenetin (35). IL-6, NF-κB, ERK1 and ERK2 cascade, TNF were the most important anti-inflammatory targets of EOD predicted by Network pharmacology. Western Blot and ELISA experiments revealed that EOD significantly decreased the protein expression levels of inflammatory factors (PGE2, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α), iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB (p-P65 and p-IκBα), MAPKs (p-p38, p-ERK and p-JNK), and increased the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and CYP2E1. In addition, EOD blocked the p65 protein into the nucleus and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: M. chamomilla exerted anti-inflammatory effect via NF-κB, MAPK and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. It could be further applied as a safe anti-inflammatory agent from natural source.

Polyherbal combination for wound healing: Matricaria chamomilla L. and Punica granatum L.

BACKGROUND: Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) with astringent activities and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are natural remedies used for various skin disorders, including wound healing. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of pomegranate and chamomile flowers. METHODS: After preparing the menthol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, the content of total phenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids of fractions was measured. For standardization of pomegranate and chamomile fractions, Gallic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside contents of them were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, their antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antimicrobial assay was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three different concentrations of methanol fraction of each plant and one combination dose of fractions were investigated for their wound healing activities in an excision wound model on the rats' dorsum. Finally, histopathological studies were done at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Phytochemical examinations showed high amounts of phenolic compounds in pomegranate flowers, while chamomile flower fractions contained a high amount of total flavonoids. Both fractions, especially pomegranate, had potent antioxidant activity. The best results for wound closure were observed 7 days after wound induction. All treated groups exhibited superior wound contraction compared to their placebo at all measurement times. The combined form of pomegranate and chamomile had better wound healing properties compared to a single therapy, especially on time earlier to wound induction. CONCLUSION: This study represented high antioxidant and wound healing activities for methanol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, which could be related to their high content of phytochemicals. In comparison with single herb treatment, the combined form of these two fractions in lower concentrations accelerated wound closure.

Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) Ameliorates Muscle Atrophy in Mice by Targeting Protein Catalytic Pathways, Myogenesis, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Muscle atrophy, or loss of skeletal muscle, is caused by aging, malnutrition, immobility through injury, or diseases such as cancer. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) contains various active components, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, polyacetylenes, and coumarins, and is used in various herbal medicines in the European Pharmacopoeia. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol extract of chamomile [Formula: see text](MC) on muscle wasting and its mechanism of action. Mice with dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy were orally administered MC (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Micro-computed tomography analysis showed that MC (200 and 300 mg/kg) significantly recovered DEX-induced loss of muscle volume, density, and weight and MC-treated DEX-induced mice also showed increased moving distance and grip strength. MC suppressed the mRNA level of muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) while increasing the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), MyoD, and Myogenin-1. We found 25 peaks in MC samples through HPLC analysis and identified 6 peaks by comparison with a profile of standard compounds: chlorogenic acid (CGA), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (L7G), patulitrin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside (A7G), herniarin, and (E)-tonghaosu. Of these components, the gene expression of MyoD was significantly augmented by patulitrin, herniarin, CGA, and L7G in C2C12 cells, while Myogenin-1 gene expression was increased by A7G, patulitrin, herniarin, CGA, and L7G. Moreover, TFAM gene expression and phosphorylation of AKT were increased by all six ingredients. Based on our results, we suggest MC for use as a supplement or remedy for muscle wasting, including cachexia and sarcopenia.

Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression.

Objectives: This exploratory analysis examined the putative antidepressant effect of Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) extract in subjects with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with or without comorbid depression. It was hypothesized that chamomile extract would demonstrate similar anxiolytic activity in both subgroups, but superior antidepressant activity in GAD subjects with comorbid depression. Design: As part of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of chamomile extract for relapse prevention of GAD, 179 subjects received initial therapy with open-label chamomile extract 1500 mg daily for 8 weeks. Linear mixed-effect models were used to identify clinically meaningful changes in anxiety and depression symptoms between diagnostic subgroups. Settings/Location: The study took place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Subjects: Subjects were ≥18 years old with a primary DSM IV-TR diagnosis of GAD. They were subcategorized into two diagnostic groups: GAD without comorbid depression (n = 100) and GAD with comorbid depression (n = 79). Interventions: Open-label chamomile extract 1500 mg was given daily for 8 weeks. Outcome measures: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Hamilton rating scale for anxiety, Beck anxiety inventory, Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), the six-item core HRSD (items 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 13), and the Beck depression inventory (BDI). Results: The authors observed similar anxiolytic effects over time in both diagnostic subgroups. However, there was a greater reduction in HRSD core symptom scores (p < 0.023), and a trend level reduction in HRSD total scores (p = 0.14) and in BPI total scores (p = 0.060) in subjects with comorbid depression. Conclusions: M. chamomilla L. may produce clinically meaningful antidepressant effects in addition to its anxiolytic activity in subjects with GAD and comorbid depression. Future controlled trials in subjects with primary major depressive disorder are needed to validate this preliminary observation.

An Approach Based on HPLC-Fingerprint and Chemometrics to Quality Consistency Evaluation of Matricaria chamomilla L. Commercial Samples.

Chamomile has been used as an herbal medication since ancient times and is still popular because it contains various bioactive phytochemicals that could provide therapeutic effects. In this study, a simple and reliable HPLC method was developed to evaluate the quality consistency of nineteen chamomile samples through establishing a chromatographic fingerprint, quantification of phenolic compounds and determination of antioxidant activity. For fingerprint analysis, 12 peaks were selected as the common peaks to evaluate the similarities of commercial samples of chamomile obtained from different manufacturers. A similarity analysis was performed to assess the similarity/dissimilarity of chamomile samples where values varied from 0.868 to 0.990 what indicating that samples from different manufacturers were consistent. Additionally, simultaneous quantification of five phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic) and four flavonoids (rutin, myricetin, quercetin and keampferol) was performed to interpret the quality consistency. In quantitative analysis, the nine individual phenolic compounds showed good regression (r > 0.9975). Inter- and intra-day precisions for all analyzed compounds expressed as relative standard deviation (CV) ranged from 0.05% to 3.12%. Since flavonoids and other polyphenols are commonly recognized as natural antioxidants, the antioxidant activity of chamomile samples was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between antioxidant activity and phenolic composition, and multivariate analysis (PCA and HCA) were applied to distinguish chamomile samples. Results shown in the study indicate high similarity of chamomile samples among them, widely spread in the market and commonly used by people as infusions or teas, as well as that there were no statistically significant differences among them, which in turn is a proof of high quality of commercially available samples of chamomile. The study indicated that the combination of chromatographic fingerprint and quantitative analysis can be readily utilized as a quality consistency method for chamomile and related medicinal preparations. Moreover, the applied strategy seems to be the most promising for the assessment of the investigated plant material.

Radical scavenging and antioxidant effects of Matricaria chamomilla polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates.

Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC), a member of the Asteraceae family, is one of the oldest medicinal plants, widely used worldwide for a variety of healing applications. Its recommendations, derived from both traditional and modern medicine, include numerous disorders such as inflammation, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ache, pharyngitis, rheumatic pain, as well as the other ailments. This work is focused on another aspect of the biological activity of chamomile polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates--their antioxidant properties in the protection of blood plasma components against in vitro oxidative stress. Measurements of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging indicated considerable anti-free radical action of MC. Pre-incubation of blood plasma with MC considerably diminished the extent of ONOO(-)-induced oxidative modifications such as protein carbonyl groups, SH groups, 3-nitrotyrosine, as well as the formation of lipid hydroperoxides. The analysis of the FRAP assay result shows a considerable increase of ferric reducing ability of blood plasma in the presence of MC. The results obtained in this study indicate that polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates isolated from M. chamomilla substances possess antioxidant properties. The M. chamomilla macromolecular glycoconjugates may be useful in the creation of new natural-based medications or dietary supplements, helpful in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of chamazulene.

Essential oils (EOs) of chamomile contain several bioactive compounds, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and fatty acids. Hydrodistillation of chamomile EO induces the formation of chamazulene, a bioactive compound. Chamazulene was isolated from the EO by column chromatography. The total antioxidant capacity confirmed a higher antioxidant activity of chamazulene (IC50 = 6.4 µg mL(- 1)) than of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 12.8 µg mL(- 1)), α-tocopherol (IC50 = 20.5 µg mL(- 1)) and of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 30.8 µg mL(- 1)). Chamazulene was unable to react with DPPH√. However, when chamazulene was assayed with ABTS√, a strong and significantly (P < 0.05) higher free radical scavenging activity was observed (IC50 = 3.7 µg mL(- 1)), with respect to BHT (IC50 = 6.2 µg mL(- 1)) and α-tocopherol (IC50 = 11.5 µg mL(- 1)). The results of this work show that chamazulene is an important factor for the antioxidant power of chamomile oil.

Ameliorative effect of Matricaria chamomilla .L on paraquat: Induced oxidative damage in lung rats.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines have been long used for antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcholic extract Matricaria chamomilla. L (M. chamomilla) against Paraquat (PQ) induced pulmonary injury in association with its antioxidant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effective doses of PQ (5 mg/kg/day) and M. chamomilla (50 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, lung tissue of the animals was separated. The activity of enzymatic scavengers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total antioxidant power (TAP) were measured. RESULTS: In these samples, the LPO, SOD, and GPx were higher in the PQ group as compared with controls. M. chamomilla extract ameliorated LPO, SOD, GPx and increased TAP in plasma and lung tissue of PQ induced changes. Co administration of PQ with M. chamomilla improved LPO and SOD, and GPx. CONCLUSION: M. chamomilla as natural antioxidant may be considered beneficial for the protection oxidative lung injury in PQ poisoning.

The influence of conjugates isolated from Matricaria chamomilla L. on platelets activity and cytotoxicity.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the principal cause of death in both advanced and developing countries of the world. Blood platelets are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Platelet adhesion and aggregation are critical events that occur in unstable coronary syndromes. The current research is focused on the role of polysaccharide-polyphenolic conjugates isolated from chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) at concentrations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL on blood platelets (obtained from healthy donors and from patients received combined anti-platelet therapy complex with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid) aggregation and experimentally induced cell toxicity. The treatment of PRP obtained from healthy donors with polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates from M. chamomilla (L.) (MC) resulted in a dose-dependent, decrease of platelet aggregation induced by multiple agonists (ADP, collagen and arachidonic acid). In this study we also observed that the MC reduced platelet aggregation in PRP obtained from patients with cardiovascular disorders. The result of testing the MC on human blood platelets, mouse fibroblast cultures L929 and human lung cells A549 did not show any cytotoxicity effects. Compounds obtained from M. chamomilla L. are potential composite to the development of a new anti-platelet agent, which could be an alternative to the currently used anti-platelet drugs.

Efeitos citotóxico, genotóxico e mutagênico da tintura de Matricaria chamomilla L. in vivo / Efectos citotóxico, genotóxico y mutagénico in vivo de la tintura de Matricaria chamomilla L. / The cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. tincture in vivo

Introdução: Matricaria chamomilla L. é uma planta pertencente à família Asteraceae cujo nome popular é camomila branca. Suas flores possuem diversas substâncias com propriedades terapêuticas para cura e prevenção de diversos males, dentre eles, desconforto gastrointestinal, inflamações, estresse e hipertensão. Objetivos: avaliar a atividade citotóxica, genotóxica e mutagênica in vivo da tintura vegetal de Matricaria chamomilla utilizando o ensaio de micronúcleo em medula óssea de roedores, n= 6/grupo e o teste em Allium cepa L. Métodos: para a realização do ensaio de micronúcleo foram determinados 6 grupos experimentais, os quais foram administrados: cisplatina (controle positivo), solução salina 0,9 % (controle negativo), álcool etílico 64 % (controle solvente da droga), tintura de Matricaria chamomilla 0,02 e 0,1 µL/g/d proporcionais a 20 e 100 gotas diárias, respectivamente, considerando-se um indivíduo adulto de 75 kg, e dosagem supra-clínica (400 µL/d). Os animais foram expostos a 5 d de tratamento e sacrificados no sexto, com exceção do controle positivo. Para a realização do teste em Allium cepa foram determinados 5 grupos experimentais, os quais foram administrados: água destilada (controle negativo), tintura de Matricaria chamomilla nas concentrações de 1 e 5 mg/mL e álcool 64 % diluído nas mesmas proporções que a tintura (controle solvente da droga 1 e 2). Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que a tintura de Matricaria chamomilla não foi mutagênica, genotóxica e citotóxica nas concentrações testadas, com exceção da dosagem supra-clínica, que apresentou mutagenicidade. Conclusões: a tintura de Matricaria chamomilla quando administrada em dosagens proporcionais às preconizadas para humanos, não demonstrou citotoxicidade e mutagenicidade para camundongos e genotoxicidade em Allium cepa, chamando atenção para seu uso sob cautela em elevadas quantidades.

Introducción: Matricaria chamomilla L. es una planta perteneciente a la familia Asteraceae, cuyo nombre popular es camomila blanca. Sus flores poseen diversas sustancias con propiedades terapéuticas para la cura y prevención de diversos males, entre ellos, malestar gastrointestinal, inflamaciones, estrés e hipertensión. Objetivos: evaluar la actividad citotóxica, genotóxica y mutagénica in vivo de la tintura vegetal de Matricaria chamomilla utilizando el ensayo de micronúcleo en médula ósea de roedores, n= 6/grupo y la prueba en cepa Allium L. Métodos: para la realización del ensayo de micronúcleo fueron determinados grupos experimentales, a los cuales se les administró: cisplatina (control positivo), solución salina 0,9 % (control negativo), alcohol etílico 64 % (control solvente de la droga), tintura de Matricaria chamomilla 0,02 y 0,1 µL/g/d proporcionales a 20 y 100 gotas diarias, respectivamente, partiendo de un individuo adulto de 75 kg y dosificación supraclínica (400 µL/d). Los animales fueron expuestos a 5 d de tratamiento y sacrificados en el sexto, con excepción del control positivo. Para la realización de la prueba en cepa Allium, se determinaron 5 grupos experimentales, a los cuales se les administró agua destilada (control negativo), tintura de Matricaria chamomilla en concentraciones de 1 y 5 mg/L, y alcohol 64 % diluido en las mismas proporciones que la tintura (control solvente de la droga 1 y 2). Resultados: la tintura de Matricaria chamomilla no fue mutagénuca, genotóxica ni citotóxica en las concentraciones probadas, con excepción de la dosificación supraclínica que presentó mutagenicidad. Conclusiones: la tintura de Matricaria chamomilla cuando se administra en dosificaciones proporcionales como las indicadas para humanos, no demostró citotoxicidad ni mutagenicidad en pequeños ratones domésticos ni genotoxicidad en cepa Allium, aunque se recomienda su uso con precaución en elevadas cantidades.

Introduction: Matricaria chamomilla L. is one plant of Asteraceae family, whose common name is white chamomille. Its flowers have different substances with therapeutic properties for healing and prevention of various ailments, among them, gastrointestinal upset, inflammation, stress and hypertension. Objectives: to in vivo evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic activity of Matricaria chamomilla vegetal tincture, using the micronucleus assay in rodent bone marrow (n= 6/group) and the Allium cepa L. test. Methods: for the carrying out of micronucleaus assay, 6 experimental groups were formed and administered: cisplatin (positive control), 0.9 % saline solution (negative control), 64 % alcohol (solvent control drug), Matricaria chamomilla tincture at 0,02 and 0,1 µL/g/d doses, equivalent to 20 and 100 drops daily, respectively, considering an adult (75 kg) and the above-clinical dose (400 µL/d). The animals were exposed to 5 days of treatment, and slaughtered on the sixth, with the exception of positive controls. As for the test in Allium cepa, 5 experimental groups were determined, and administered distilled water (negative control), Matricaria chamomilla in concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/mL and 64 % diluted alcohol in the same proportions as the tincture (solvent control drug 1 and 2). Results: the results demonstrated that Matricaria chamomilla tincture was neither mutagenic, genotoxic nor citotoxic at tested concentrations, with the exception of the above-clinical dose, which showed mutagenicity. Conclusions: Matricaria chamomile tincture when administered in concentrations proportional to those prescribed to humans, showed neither cytotoxicity nor mutagenicity in mice and just genotoxicity in Allium cepa, paying attention to its careful use in high quantities.

Formas de uso medicinal da babosa e camomila pela população urbana de Cascavel, Estado do Paraná / Medicinal use of the Aloe and Chamomile for the urban population of Cascavel, Paraná State

A etnobotânica se caracteriza por buscar entender a relação entre as plantas e o homem, podendo-se através desta conhecer a utilização das plantas medicinais como forma de tratamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento sobre as formas de utilização da Babosa (Aloe vera L.) e da Camomila (Matricaria chamomilla L.). A coleta de dados envolveu entrevistas de forma aleatória a 400 pessoas, através de um questionário semi-estruturado, no município de Cascavel, Estado do Paraná. Observou-se que 65% da população utilizam à babosa ou a camomila na cura ou alívio de doenças. A maioria dos entrevistados possui renda de 2 a 4 salários mínimos (60,25%), idade entre 28 a 38 anos (30,75%), tendo concluído o ensino médio (33,75%). O principal motivo pelo qual a população se utiliza de plantas medicinais é por ser natural (71,84%). A forma de preparo mais freqüente da camomila foi por infusão (63,38%), utilizando as flores (92%). Para a babosa 100% utilizam suas folhas na forma de cataplasma (43,88%). Apenas 3% da população relataram ter apresentado algum tipo de reação adversa, durante o período de utilização. Conclui-se que o uso destas plantas pela população é freqüente, sendo um recurso adicional ao uso de medicamentos

The ethnobotany, which is characterized by look for to understand the relationship between the plants and the man, being been able through this to know the use of the medicinal plants as treatment. The objective of this work was to accomplish a rising on the forms of use of the Aloe (Aloe vera L.) and of the Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). The collection of data involved interviews in a random way to a sample of 400 people through a semi-structured questionnaire, in the city of Cascavel, Paraná State. It was observed that 65% of the population use to aloe or the chamomile in the cure or relief of diseases. Most of the interviewees possesses income from 2 to 4 minimum wages (60.25%), age between 28 to 38 years (30.75%), having concluded the high school (33.75%). The main reason for which the population is used of medicinal plants is for being natural (71.84%). The form of more frequent preparation of the chamomile was for infusion (63.38%), using the flowers (92%). To the aloe, 100% uses their leaves in the cataplasm form (43.88%). Only 3% of the population told to have presented some type of adverse reaction, during the use period. Is it conclued ended that the use of these plants for the population is frequent, being an additional resource to the use of medicines