Impact of Fermentation on the Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity Characteristics of Aqueous Matricaria recutita L. Root Extracts.

While the flowers of Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, are widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, little is known about its roots, which are used in complementary medicine for the preparation of aqueous fermented extracts for the treatment of cramps and anxiety. To broaden the understanding of the active principles involved, a model fermentation approach was developed and fermentates were compared to commercially manufactured tinctures. Coumarins and hydroxycinnamates were among the major secondary metabolites characterized using HPLC-MSn. After six months of fermentation and storage, low-molecular organic acids were detected by GC-MS. Fermentation contributed to the stabilization of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, which were in a range of about 8-10 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight and 20-24 mg trolox equivalents/g dry weight, determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH assays, respectively. In addition, antibacterial activities of the extracts against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria increased during the first week of fermentation. Fermentates were neither cytotoxic nor pro- or anti-inflammatory. Thus, fermentation of chamomile roots is a suitable method for the safe production of biofunctional aqueous chamomile root extracts that remain stable without the addition of synthetic preservatives.

High-Quality Assembly and Analysis of the Complete Mitogenomes of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two well-known chamomile species from the Asteraceae family. Owing to their essential oils and higher medicinal value, these have been cultivated widely across Europe, Northwest Asia, North America, and Africa. Regarding medicinal applications, German chamomile is the most commonly utilized variety and is frequently recognized as the "star among medicinal species". The insufficient availability of genomic resources may negatively impact the progression of chamomile industrialization. Chamomile's mitochondrial genome is lacking in extensive empirical research. In this study, we achieved the successful sequencing and assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of M. chamomilla and C. nobile for the first time. An analysis was conducted on codon usage, sequence repeats within the mitochondrial genome of M. chamomilla and C. nobile. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a consistent positioning of M. chamomilla and C. nobile branches within both mitochondrial and plastid-sequence-based phylogenetic trees. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis also showed a close relationship between M. chamomilla and C. nobile within the clade comprising species from the Asteraceae family. The results of our analyses provide valuable resources for evolutionary research and molecular barcoding in chamomile.

Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Molecular Docking Study of Dry Extracts of Matricaria discoidea DC. with Analgesic and Soporific Activities.

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea DC.) is a widespread plant in Europe and North America. In ethnomedicine, it is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activities. The aim of this research was to develop novel methods of M. discoidea processing to obtain essential oil and dry extracts and to investigate their phytochemical compositions. Moreover, the molecular docking of the main substances and the in vivo studies on their soporific and analgesic activities were conducted. The essential oil and two dry extracts from M. discoidea were prepared. A total of 16 phenolic compounds (seven flavonoids, seven hydroxycinnamic acids, and two phenolic acids) in the dry extracts were identified by means of UPLC-MS/MS. In the essential oil, nine main terpenoids were identified by gas chromatography (GC). It was shown that phenolic extraction from the herb was successful when using 70% ethanol in a triple extraction method and at a ratio of 1:14-1:16. The in vivo studies with rodents demonstrated the analgesic activity of the M. discoidea extracts and improvements in the sleep of animals. The dry extracts of M. discoidea did not show any toxicity. The molecular docking analysis showed a high probability of COX-1,2 inhibition and NMDA receptor antagonism by the extracts.

Rapid screening and target-guided isolation of antioxidants from German chamomile by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with off-line two-dimensional high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

German chamomile is one of the most effective herbal elements used in anti-allergic products and as an antioxidant. Herein, the antioxidant activity of different extract fractions of German chamomile was initially evaluated using an off-line 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl spectrophotometric assay. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest efficacy in scavenging free radicals. Based on this, a rapid screening and separation method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay was implemented to identify antioxidants in the ethyl acetate fraction of German chamomile flowers. Ten potential radical scavengers were tentatively screened from German chamomile using a target-guided isolating approach with off-line two-dimensional high-speed countercurrent chromatography and the structures of the compounds were analyzed and identified. Ultimately, 10 radical scavengers were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract with a purity quotient exceeding 90%. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and reproducibility of this method for isolating potential antioxidants from complex mixtures in a targeted manner. This strategy can be applied to the target-guided isolation of complex mixtures of natural products with broad K-values and similar structures.

Effects of aromatherapy with Matricaria chamomile essential oil on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in patients with acute coronary syndrome, 2021: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) experience high levels of anxiety that may cause instability of hemodynamic indices, increased risk of ischemia, myocardial infarction and poor quality of life. Aromatherapy can affect patients' anxiety levels and improve hemodynamic indices. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted on 154 ACS patients. The participants were classified into two equal groups of intervention and placebo through the block randomization method. The data collection tools consisted of demographic information, a shortened 6-item version of the Spielberger questionnaire and a form of hemodynamic indices. For two consecutive nights, the intervention group inhaled 7 drops of the chamomile essential oil (%10) and the placebo group inhaled 7 drops of the sesame oil poured on a sterile cotton ball. The hemodynamic indices were collected half an hour before, one and four hours after the intervention until the next morning. The Spielberger questionnaire was completed once before the intervention and once after the end of the intervention, by the researcher through an interview. The number of heart rate (HR) was counted for a full minute. Also, the blood pressure (BP) of all the samples was measured by the researcher. Data analysis was done using Chi-square, paired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS22. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the age of patients were 58/2 ± 11.6 and 59.7% of them were female. The results of ANOVA showed a significantly lower anxiety score as well as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR in the intervention group compared to those of the placebo group (P < 0.001). The decrease in anxiety score after the intervention, in the intervention and placebo groups was (5.2 ± 1.9) and (1 ± 1. 18) respectively. In the intervention group, the SBP and DBP after the intervention, was significant (P < 0.05). Also, the HR was significant (P < 0.001) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy could reduce anxiety and improve hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20080825001083N11.

Establishment and validation of a callus tissue transformation system for German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).

BACKGROUND: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an important medicinal plant, and the essential oils in the flowers have various biological activities. Genetic transformation systems are important for plant quality improvement and molecular research. To the best of our knowledge, a genetic transformation system has not yet been reported for German chamomile. RESULTS: In this study, we developed Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols for German chamomile callus tissues. This involved optimizing key parameters, such as hygromycin and cefotaxime concentrations, bacterial density, and infection and co-culture durations. We also performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to identify volatile compounds in non-transgenic and transgenic callus and hairy root tissues. Furthermore, to compare and verify the callus transformation system of German chamomile, we transferred McFPS to the hairy roots of German chamomile. The results showed that the optimal conditions for Agrobacterium-mediated callus tissue transformation were as follows: explant, petiole; cefotaxime concentration, 300 mg/L; hygromycin concentration, 10 mg/L; and bacterial solution concentration, OD600 = 0.6; callus transformation efficiency was the highest when the co-culture time was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of a high-efficiency callus transformation system will lay the foundation for gene function identification in German chamomile.

Influence of Inula helenium rhizomes and Matricaria chamomilla inflorescences on the biochemical and physiological parameters in male rats fed a high-fat diet.

Background: Pharmacological correction of a high-fat diet is of great interest to prevent the development of obesity and hypertension. More and more research is being done on the preventive use of medicinal herbs for excess caloric intake. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the general physiological effect of I. helenium rhizomes and M. chamomilla inflorescences used in the diet of male rats consuming excess amounts of fat and calories in the daily diet. Material and methods: In a 30-day experiment, we determined the effect of I. helenium rhizome and M. chamomilla on the physiological activity and metabolic processes of laboratory rats consuming a high-fat diet. The physical activity was evaluated according to the mass gain of animals and change in the relative mass of the internal organs, and also the functional conditions of the central nervous system. The influence on the metabolic processes was revealed by biochemical and clinical blood analyses. Results: In a laboratory experiment on male rats, it was found that the addition of dry crushed rhizomes of Inula helenium L. and inflorescences of Matricaria chamomilla L. to the diet caused opposite changes in body weight. In the control group, the animals slightly increased their body weight (up to 111.5% of the initial weight by the end of the experiment); the rhizomes of I. helenium caused a decrease in body weight gain (up to 105.5% on the 30th day of the experiment compared to the initial weight); rats fed M. chamomilla inflorescences gained 123.2% of their initial body weight during the month of the experiment. The rhizomes of I. helenium caused an increase in the stomach relative mass. A decrease in the thymus relative weight was observed when animals were fed M. chamomilla inflorescences. The rhizomes of I. helenium stimulated an increase of blood protein concentration (mainly due to globulins), an increase in the alkaline phosphatase activity and cholesterol, and a decrease in the triglycerides concentration. M. chamomilla inflorescences reduced the blood urea concentration and increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, causing strong changes in fat metabolism. Under the influence of the diet with the addition of M. chamomilla inflorescences, the atherogenic index increased in animals by 6.5 times relatively to the control group (due to a decrease in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increase in the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, an increase in the total cholesterol concentration). When M. chamomilla was added to the diet, the blood triglycerides concentration in animals decreased sharply and the concentration of leukocytes increased. The concentration of monocytes exceeded the limits of the physiological norm both in the control group and in the group of animals fed on M. chamomilla inflorescences. Conclusions: The results of the studies show the promise for further research of I. helenium rhizomes in the prevention of hypertension and also indicate strong risks when using M. chamomilla inflorescences for preventive purposes during high-fat and hypercaloric diet.

Evaluation of the effect of Matricaria recutita monotherapy or in combination with photodynamic therapy on tissue repair in the dorsum of the tongue of rats.

OBJECTIVE: The search for treatments that accelerate the healing of lesions is of constant interest. Matricaria recutita (chamomile) is a plant with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, and antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) eradicates microorganisms, which favors tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the topical use of chamomile with or without aPDT on tissue repair in rats' tongues. METHODOLOGY: A total of 75 male Wistar rats underwent standardized ulceration on the dorsum of the tongue using a punch of 5 mm diameter and were randomly allocated into the following groups: control (G1), chamomile fluid extract (G2), chamomile infusion (G3), aPDT (G4), and chamomile infusion + aPDT (G5). On the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days postoperatively, euthanasia was performed, and the ulcers were measured using calipers. The presence of edema, inflammatory infiltrate, cellularity, re-epithelialization, and characterization of total collagen were evaluated using sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Red Sirius. Histomorphometry analyses of the percentage of total collagen, the distance from the basal layer to the epithelial surface, and the thickness of the stratum corneum were performed. Descriptive (absolute/relative frequencies and modes) and exploratory analyses were performed. The associations between the groups and the presence of ulcers were analyzed with Fisher's exact test. All analyses were performed using the R program and statistical significance was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: The G2 positively modulated the exudative and proliferative phases of repair, both clinically (p<0.0001) and histologically, whether in descriptive or inferential analyses (p<0.05). The G3 showed a significant difference in clinical parameters compared with G1 (p<0.0001). The G4 and G5 did not positively modulate tissue repair. CONCLUSION: The chamomile fluid extract showed better outcomes for tissue repair in the rat tongue.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using the plant-based reducing agent Matricaria chamomilla induce cell death in colorectal cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: There is a need to treat cancer cells with safe and natural nanoparticles to avoid the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Chamomile is considered a safe, natural plant with anticancer activity. We synthesize simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (SNs) using Chamomile (CHM) to tune their anticancer properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SN-CHM was synthesized by reducing 1 mM silver nitrate aqueous solution in 100 mL with the aqueous ethanolic flower extract of CHM (18 mg/mL, w/v). The reaction proceeded overnight at 600 rpm and 28°C. SN-CHM was characterized for their % yield, average diameter, charge, morphology, and silver release. Moreover, SN-CHM was investigated for its antioxidant and anticancer activities at 200 µg/mL and 5 mg/ mL, respectively. RESULTS: A 59.12% yield and a uniform SN-CHM size of 115 ± 3.1 nm with a ζ-potential of -27.67 ± (-3.92) mv were observed. The UV-visible absorption showed shifts from 379.5 to 383.5 nm for CHM and SN-CHM, respectively. Moreover, Ag+ was ultimately released from SN-CHM after 5 h. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed characteristic absorption peaks of CHM and produced SN-CHM. Furthermore, SN-CHM showed moderate antioxidant activity. SN-CHM inhibited the % viability of SW620 and HT-29 cell lines at 20 µM. SN-CHM may also greatly upregulate the apoptotic gene BAX while considerably downregulating the anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BCL-Xl. CONCLUSIONS: CHM can be a safe soft drink, especially when conjugated with Ag ions as anticancer NPs. SN-CHM is considered potent anticancer activity against SW620, and HT-29 cell lines.

Effect of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) aqueous extract administration in the drinking water during pre-slaughter feed withdrawal period in broiler chickens.

Feed withdrawal (FW) and other pre-slaughter stressors have detrimental effects on the meat quality of broiler chickens. Herbal extracts can be used for their sedative effects to reduce the harmful impacts of pre-slaughter stress on broiler chickens. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chamomile (CAE), linden (LAE), and green tea (GAE) aqueous extracts (AE) in drinking water during the pre-slaughter FW period on the meat and liver quality, serum corticosterone level, and some cecal microorganisms of broilers. A total of 450 male and female 42-day-old chickens were allocated to a completely randomized design with five treatment groups and two sexes in six replicates, 12 birds (six male and six female) for each replicate. Treatment groups were chickens offered ad libitum feed and drinking water (control, CT), broilers exposed to FW for 10 h before the slaughter with unsupplemented drinking water (FW), with drinking water supplemented 50 ml/L CAE, LAE, and GAE. Chickens that experienced FW had lower (P < 0.001) slaughter body weight, carcass, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and inner organ weights, and GIT length (P = 0.002). However, the dressing percentage was higher (P < 0.001) in FW and AE groups than CT group. The FW increased (P < 0.001) the ultimate pH of thigh meat compared with the CT group. The FW also decreased (P = 0.026) the lightness (L*) value of thigh meat of broilers, although CAE and LAE did not change the L* value compared with the CT group. Similarly, the redness (a*) value of thigh meat was lower (P = 0.003) in chickens exposed to FW but was not affected by GAE administration. However, FW or AE did not impact the serum corticosterone level and cecal microbial loads in broiler chickens. The obtained result showed that CAE, LAE, or GAE can be used in drinking water to reduce the harmful effects of FW on the meat quality of broiler chickens.

Study of the mineral contents of Matricaria pubescens and Brocchia cinerea from Algeria.

Two species of plants commonly used for mainly their therapeutic values and available in some herbalists shops, namely: Brocchia cinerea and Matricaria pubescens that both belong to asteraceae family, and encountered mainly in the Algerian desert, have drawn attention in the scope of assessing their mineral contents, in fact minerals play an important role in the plant homeostasis and metabolism, on the other hand they may influence the health conditions mainly due to toxicity, and also the benefits that the plant consumer could have, the current study aimed to assess the contents of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Na, K, Mg, P, S and SI, beside comparing the obtained results to other similar studies, the aerial parts of the plants are collected from several sites then mineralized and analyzed using ICP-AES and AAS, high levels of Na, K and Mg have been noted, on the other hands levels of metals were noted to be overall marginal, except for Al and Hg for the sample of Brocchia cinerea from El oued, the levels of As also seemed to be high in all the samples, inversely to the levels of S and P which seemed lower than those noted for other plants in paralleled studies, while that similar results were found for Zn, Fe, the chemical and geologic features of the soils may be the influencing factor. Additionally the current study may put first milestone for the establishment of national guidelines regarding the mineral contents of medicinal plants.

Development of Silver Nanoparticles Green-formulated by Matricaria Chamomilla as Novel Chemotherapeutic Nanoformulation for the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

AIM: To develop modern chemotherapeutic nanoformulation from plant extract to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma. BACKGROUND: The use of biodegradable polymers to deliver drugs via nanoparticles solves a number of issues. AgNPs nanoparticle composites could be a promising material with applications in biological and pharmaceutical sciences. The biomolecules in the extract give the AgNPs additional stability against oxidation and corrosion. As a result, we are interested in reporting the synthesis, characterization, and uses of unique AgNPs decorated with Matricaria chamomilla extract. OBJECTIVE: We developed a natural chemotherapeutic nanoformulation containing M. chamomilla aqueous extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize AgNPs. The antioxidant activities of AgNO3, M. chamomilla, and AgNPs were evaluated using the DPPH assay in the presence of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a positive control. The MTT assay was employed on the HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines to assess the cytotoxicity and anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma effects. RESULTS: Silver nanoparticles demonstrated reduced cell viability and anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma capabilities in HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with minimal damage to the normal cell line. The HSC-3 cell line showed the strongest anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma characteristics of AgNPs when tested against the above cell lines. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, silver nanoparticles containing M. chamomilla aqueous extract may treat different forms of oral squamous cell carcinoma in people.

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.

The Influence of Freeze-Dried Alcohol-Water Extracts from Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) and German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on the Properties of Elastomer Vulcanizates.

This research work aimed to investigate the properties of freeze-dried extracts from Matricaria chamomilla L. and Achillea millefolium L. and to perform a characterization of their impact on the natural rubber-based vulcanizates. First, extracts were prepared in three different solvents at selected volume ratios: water (100), water-methanol (50/50), and water-ethanol (50/50). Next, the freeze-drying of extracts was established and then obtained bio-additives were introduced to the rubber mixtures. Freeze-dried extracts were investigated by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were also defined. Rubber mixtures were examined in a rheometer and after vulcanization they were subjected to accelerated simulated aging by UV radiation and thermo-oxidative aging. To determine the resistance of vulcanizates to the degradation processes, the study of cross-linking density (equilibrium swelling method), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and color change were conducted. Performed studies proved the antioxidant activity of freeze-dried extracts caused by the high content of polyphenols and their beneficial influence on the properties of elastomer vulcanizates.

Plantas com ação no sistema nervoso central que constam na relação nacional de plantas medicinais de interesse ao sus (RENISUS) / Plants acting on the central nervous system: review plantas com ação no sistema nervoso central que constam na relação nacional de plantas medicinais de interesse ao sus (RENISUS) / Plantas con acción sobre el sistema nervioso central incluidas en la lista nacional de plantas medicinales de interés para sus (RENISUS)

A depressão é uma doença grave que atinge a população em geral, estudos epidemiológicos estimam que a prevalência da depressão ao longo da vida no Brasil está em torno de 15,5%. Os fatores que desencadeiam o aparecimento da depressão incluem fatores sociais, psicológicos, biológicos e também fatores externos específicos como eventos estressantes, solidão, consumo de álcool e drogas, doenças crônicas e dar á luz (depressão pós-parto). O objetivo da presente pesquisa consistiu em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as principais plantas medicinais com ação antidepressiva. A ansiedade vem se tornando um dos principais problemas da atualidade, sendo intensificada pela pandemia causada pelo coronavírus, onde constatou-se que durante o pico da pandemia onde os casos confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil ascenderam de 45.757 para 330.890, e as mortes, de 2.906 para 21.048, o sentimento de tristeza/depressão atingiu 40% dos adultos brasileiros. Os sintomas de depressão podem ser amenizados quando a disponibilidade sináptica de monoaminas são aumentadas, e esse aumento pode ocorrer através da diminuição da metabolização desses neurotransmissores. Neste sentido, busca-se através da farmacoterapia a utilização de antidepressivos que disponibilizem as monoaminas na fenda sináptica. A escolha do fármaco é feita com base nos sintomas da depressão e na boa resposta a uma determinada classe de antidepressivos. Em fevereiro de 2009 o Ministério da saúde lançou a Relação Nacional de Plantas Medicinais de Interesse ao SUS (RENISUS), contendo 71 espécies vegetais que são distribuídas de forma in natura nas unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). Destas, somente três espécies apresentam efeito antidepressivo e ansiolítico comprovados na literatura sendo Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu e a Passiflora incarnata que também fazem parte da RENISUS. Além destas, outras espécies como a Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis e Piper methysticum são utilizadas pela população para tratar ansiedade, insônia e depressão, sugerindo desta forma que estas espécies sejam incluídas na RENISUS.

Depression is a serious disease that affects the general population, epidemiological studies estimate that the prevalence of depression throughout life in Brazil is around 15.5%. The factors that trigger the onset of depression include social, psychological, biological and also specific external factors such as stressful events, loneliness, alcohol and drug consumption, chronic diseases and giving birth (postpartum depression). The objective of the present research was to carry out a literature review on the main medicinal plants with antidepressant action. Anxiety has become one of the main problems of today, being intensified by the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, where it was found that during the peak of the pandemic where confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brazil rose from 45,757 to 330,890, and deaths, from 2,906 to 21,048, the feeling of sadness/depression reached 40% of Brazilian adults. Symptoms of depression can be alleviated when synaptic availability of monoamines is increased, and this increase can occur through decreased metabolization of these neurotransmitters. In this sense, the use of antidepressants that make monoamines available in the synaptic cleft is sought through pharmacotherapy. The choice of drug is based on symptoms of depression and good response to a particular class of antidepressants. In February 2009, the Ministry of Health launched the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the SUS (RENISUS), containing 71 plant species that are distributed in natura form in basic health units (UBS). Of these, only three species have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects proven in the literature, being Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu and Passiflora incarnata, which are also part of RENISUS. In addition to these, other species such as Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum are used by the population to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression, thus suggesting that these species are included in RENISUS.

Los estudios epidemiológicos estiman que la prevalencia de la depresión a lo largo de la vida en Brasil es de alrededor del 15,5%. Los factores que desencadenan la aparición de la depresión son sociales, psicológicos, biológicos y también factores externos específicos, como los acontecimientos estresantes, la soledad, el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las enfermedades crónicas y el parto (depresión posparto). El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre las principales plantas medicinales con acción antidepresiva. La ansiedad se ha convertido en uno de los principales problemas de la actualidad, intensificándose por la pandemia causada por el coronavirus, donde se encontró que durante el pico de la pandemia donde los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en Brasil aumentaron de 45.757 a 330.890, y las muertes, de 2.906 a 21.048, el sentimiento de tristeza/depresión alcanzó el 40% de los adultos brasileños. Los síntomas de la depresión pueden aliviarse cuando se aumenta la disponibilidad sináptica de las monoaminas, y este aumento puede producirse mediante una disminución de la metabolización de estos neurotransmisores. En este sentido, se busca a través de la farmacoterapia el uso de antidepresivos que hagan disponibles las monoaminas en la hendidura sináptica. La elección del fármaco se hace en función de los síntomas de la depresión y de la buena respuesta a una clase concreta de antidepresivos. En febrero de 2009, el Ministerio de Salud lanzó la Lista Nacional de Plantas Medicinales de Interés para el SUS (RENISUS), que contiene 71 especies de plantas que se distribuyen in natura en unidades básicas de salud (UBS). De ellas, sólo tres especies tienen efectos antidepresivos y ansiolíticos probados en la literatura: Matricharia chamomilla, Erytrinum mulungu y Passiflora incarnata, que también forman parte del RENISUS. Además de éstas, otras especies como Melissa officinalis, Lippia alba, Valeriana officinalis y Piper methysticum son utilizadas por la población para tratar la ansiedad, el insomnio y la depresión, lo que sugiere que estas especies se incluyan en el RENISUS.

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.

Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of α-Bisabolol.

α-Bisabolol is one of the important monocyclic sesquiterpenes, derived naturally from essential oils of many edible and ornamental plants. It was first obtained from Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile or German chamomile. The available literature indicates that this plant along with other α-Bisabolol containing plants is popularly used in traditional medicine for potential health benefits and general wellbeing. Nutritional studies are indicative of the health benefits of α-Bisabolol. Numerous experimental studies demonstrated pharmacological properties of α-Bisabolol including anticancer, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial. This review aims to collectively present different pharmacological activities based on both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the present review using synoptic tables and figures, we comprehensively present that α-Bisabolol possesses therapeutic and protective activities, therefore, it can be used for potential health benefits based on pharmacological effects, underlying molecular mechanism, and favorable pharmaceutical properties. Based on the studies mostly performed on cell lines or animal models, it is evident that α-Bisabolol may be a promising nutraceutical and phytomedicine to target aberrant biological mechanisms which result in altered physiological processes and various ailments. Given the polypharmacological effects and pleiotropic properties, along with favorable pharmacokinetics, and dietary availability and safety, α-Bisabolol can be used as a dietary agent, nutraceutical or phytopharmaceutical agent or as an adjuvant with currently available modern medicines. The regulatory approval of this molecule for use as food additives, and in cosmetics and fragrance industry is also supportive of its human usage. Moreover, further studies are necessary to address pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects before clinical or nutritional usage in humans. The biological actions and health benefits open opportunities for pharmaceutical development with pharmacological basis of its use in future therapeutics.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities of golden chamomile (Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Schultz Bip).

Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Schultz Bip. (Asteraceae), known as golden chamomile, has been traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of total extract and different fractions of this plant were determined. The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities were also evaluated. Moreover, the phenolic profiles of selected fractions were determined by HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis. Results demonstrated total phenolic contents of 37.8-57.2 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid contents of 3.0-111.2 mg QE/g. The ethyl acetate and methanol fractions (EF and MF) had the highest concentrations of phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid compounds. In both DPPH radical scavenging assay and phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, EF showed the best antioxidant activity, followed by MF. EF and MF indicated also the best antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis (MIC 1.56 and 12.5 mg ml-1) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.78 and 12.5 mg ml-1). Hexane fraction (HF) had no antibacterial effect. None of the samples had antifungal effect. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay revealed for EF and HF the highest antiproliferative activities (IC50 values ranged from 111.8 to 294.6 µg ml-1). The presence of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside in MF, and p-coumaric acid in EF was confirmed and quantified.

Action of Matricaria recutita (chamomile) in the management of radiochemotherapy oral mucositis: A systematic review.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical chamomile in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis (OM) in cancer patients. It was a systematic review, which sought articles of the randomized clinical trial according to the PRISMA parameters, registered in the PROSPERO. The databases used were PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Bireme. Descriptors were selected from DeCs/MeSH and the PICO strategy was applied. The search found 148 publications. After all the steps, six articles were selected. The total sample included 492 patients and all studies used the same OM measurement scale. The results showed that the application of topical chamomile was effective in the prevention and/or treatment of OM in four of the six studies, with a dose ranging from 1% to 2.5% and duration that ranged from single to 4 times a day. Some limitations were observed: the minimum age of the patients was not informed, and there was no specification of the sites involved or the chemotherapies used. The application of topical chamomile in the preventive/therapeutic of chemo-induced OM seems to be recommended. In addition, scientific production should be encouraged, as it aims to determine useful protocols for this phytotherapy for the oncology population.

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.