Comparative Analysis of Phenolic Composition of Six Commercially Available Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Extracts: Potential Biological Implications

Rapid determination of phenolic composition in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids are the main responsible of the antioxidant activity of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). Traditional methods for the analysis of the phenolic content in vegetables often suffer from limitations such as being expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this study, we propose, for the first time, the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the rapid determination of the main components of the polyphenolic fraction in chamomile. Results demonstrate that SERS can serve as an alternative or complementary technique to main analytical strategies for qualitative and quantitative determination of polyphenol compounds in plant extracts. The method can be proposed for quasi real-time analysis of herbal teas and infusions, facilitating rapid screening of their main antioxidant components.

Unveiling the impact of thermal water in German chamomile infusions: effects on phenolic compounds, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

German chamomile (GC) and thermal water (TW) are widely known for their biological properties. This study explored whether combining GC with TW could promote an improvement in the bioactivities of GC infusions compared to using drinking water (DW). DW was tested at 100 °C (GC-100DW) and TW at both 100 °C (GC-100TW) and 60 °C (GC-60TW). The use of TW for preparing infusions was associated with the reduction of the number and concentration of extracted phenolic compounds, with GC-60TW showing the lowest levels. It was also associated with a decrease in the antioxidant activity of the samples, as indicated by lower ORAC values and higher EC50 levels for TBARS. However, GC infusions prepared with TW, particularly GC-100TW, exhibited higher antibacterial and antifungal activities. These findings suggest that while TW's high mineral content affected phenolic extraction and antioxidant potential, it was associated with enhanced antimicrobial activity, partially confirming our hypothesis.

Optimization of Combined Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction for Enhanced Bioactive Compounds Recovery from Four Medicinal Plants: Oregano, Rosemary, Hypericum, and Chamomile

This study presents the synergistic application of ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction (UAE-MAE) as a novel and efficient method for recovering bioactive compounds from the medicinal plants oregano, rosemary, Hypericum perforatum, and chamomile. Extraction parameters, including microwave (MW) power, ultrasound (US) power, and extraction time, were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM), with ethanol as the solvent. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) via the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity (IC50) using the DPPH assay. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) identified the main bioactive compounds contributing to their antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The optimized UAE-MAE conditions enhanced phenolic recovery and antioxidant potential across all plants. Notably, Hypericum perforatum exhibited the highest TPC (53.7 mg GAE/g) and strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 29.8 mg extract/g) under 200 W MW, 450 W US, and 12 min, yielding 14.5%. Rosemary achieved the highest yield (23.36%) with a TPC of 26.35 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 40.75 mg extract/g at 200 W MW, 700 W US, and 8 min. Oregano's optimal conditions (500 W MW, 700 W US, 12 min) produced a TPC of 34.99 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 50.31 mg extract/g. Chamomile extracts demonstrated lower phenolic content and antioxidant activity but achieved significant yields under 500 W MW, 700 W US, and 5 min. This study highlights UAE-MAE's superior efficiency, showcasing its potential to maximize phenolic recovery sustainably, making it a promising technique for industrial and therapeutic applications.

Optimizing Green Extraction Methods for Maximizing the Biological Potential of Dandelion, Milk Thistle, and Chamomile Seed Extracts

This study investigates the underutilized potential of agri-crops from the Asteraceae family by employing sustainable and green technologies (supercritical fluid, ultrasound, and Soxhlet extractions) to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds. A total of 21 extracts from native and waste seeds of dandelion, milk thistle, and chamomile were systematically compared utilizing a combination of solvents (supercritical CO2 and absolute or aqueous ethanol). Supercritical CO2 extraction yielded up to 281 mg/g of oils from native seeds, while conventional techniques with ethanol recovered an additional 142 mg/g of extracts from waste seeds. Notably, waste seed extracts exhibited superior biological activity, including potent antioxidant properties (IC50 values as low as 0.3 mg/mL in the DPPH assay) and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against 32 microbial strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast strains. Phenolic compounds were abundant, with up to 2126 mg GAE/g, alongside 25.9 mg QE/g flavonoids, and 805.5 mg/kg chlorophyll A. A selective anticancer activity of waste milk thistle extracts was observed, with a selectivity index of 1.9 to 2.7. The oils recovered from native seeds demonstrated lower bioactivity and are well-suited for applications in food. The potent bioactivity of the smaller quantities of waste seed extracts positions them as valuable candidates for pharmaceutical use.

Plant-derived and dietary phenolic cinnamic acid derivatives: Anti-inflammatory properties

Cinnamic acids are aromatic acids primarily found in plants and plant-derived food. Phenolic cinnamic acids, with one or more hydroxyl groups in the aromatic ring, often contribute to the biological activities attributed to these compounds. The presence of hydroxyl groups and a carboxyl group makes cinnamic acids very hydrophilic, preventing them from crossing biological membranes and exerting their biological activities. To alleviate this condition, a panel of synthetic modifications have been made leading to a diverse set of phenolic cinnamic structures. In this review, an overview of the natural phenolic cinnamic acid derivatives and their plant sources (more than 200) is described. The synthetic approaches to obtain the referred derivatives (more than 200) namely esters and amides are reviewed. Further, their anti-inflammatory activity (more than 70 compounds) is scrutinized. Finally, future directions will be indicated to translate the research on phenolic cinnamic derivatives into potentially effective anti-inflammatory drugs.

Celiac Disease and Gut Microbiota: Herbal Treatment and Gluten-Free Diet

Celiac disease (CD) manifests as a targeted autoimmune response that adversely affects the small intestine, primarily affecting individuals with a particular genetic predisposition. Diagnosis centers on identifying this gluten-sensitive enteropathy, which can be ameliorated through the implementation of a gluten-free diet (GFD), correlating with mucosal healing and symptom alleviation. The human microbiota, a vast symbiotic community within the gastrointestinal tract, profoundly impacts human health. Advances in genome sequencing have elucidated the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and autoimmune diseases, including CD, emphasizing the significant role of dietary patterns in shaping the gut microbiota. The influence of GFD on microbiota composition, the only clinically validated treatment for CD, leads to a nutritional shift and potential macronutrient imbalance. Emerging research also highlights the therapeutic potential of various herbs with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties as complementary approaches to manage CD. This chapter synthesizes the complex interactions between genetics, diet, gut microbiota, and potential herbal interventions in CD, paving the way for more comprehensive understanding and management strategies.

Optimization of the Cold Water Extraction Method for High-Value Bioactive Compounds from Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower Heads Through Chemometrics

This study focused on optimizing a cold water extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), addressing increasing consumer demand for natural products and nutraceuticals. A full-factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of temperature, time, and chamomile amount on the polyphenolic profile of extracts. The samples were characterized by HPLC-DAD and UV-Vis coupled with chemometrics; the analysis showed that extraction time negatively affected extract quality, as did the interaction between time and temperature. In addition, a significant positive quadratic effect for temperature and a positive coefficient for chamomile amount was found. ASCA was used to assess the UV-Vis profile, offering an alternative untargeted method for understanding the variable effects. The optimal extraction conditions (25 °C, 32 min, and 2.5 g of chamomile) produced samples high in hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanol derivatives. Using A face-centered design, this study also monitored antioxidant activity via a DPPH scavenging assay, confirming that the optimal conditions yielded samples within the range of maximum antioxidant activity in the studied experimental domain.

A new methodology for a rapid and high-throughput comparison of molecular profiles and biological activity of phytoextracts

To robustly discover and explore phytocompounds, it is necessary to evaluate the interrelationships between the plant species, plant tissue, and the extraction process on the extract composition and to predict its cytotoxicity. The present work evaluated how Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy can acquire the molecular profile of aqueous and ethanol-based extracts obtained from leaves, seeds, and flowers of Cynara Cardunculus, and ethanol-based extracts from Matricaria chamomilla flowers, as well the impact of these extracts on the viability of mammalian cells. The extract molecular profile enabled to predict the extraction yield, and how the plant species, plant tissue, and extraction process affected the extract's relative composition. The molecular profile obtained from the culture media of cells exposed to extracts enabled to capture its impact on cells metabolism, at a higher sensitivity than the conventional assay used to determine the cell viability. Furthermore, it was possible to detect specific impacts on the cell's metabolism according to plant species, plant tissue, and extraction process. Since spectra were acquired on small volumes of samples (25 µL), after a simple dehydration step, and based on a plate with 96 wells, the method can be applied in a rapid, simple, high-throughput, and economic mode, consequently promoting the discovery of phytocompounds.

German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower Extract, Its Amino Acid Preparations and 3D-Printed Dosage Forms: Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Technological, and Molecular Docking Study

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an essential oil- containing medicinal plant used worldwide. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge of the phytochemical composition and the analgesic and soporific activity of Matricaria chamomilla L. (German chamomile) flower extract and its amino acid preparations, to predict the mechanisms of their effects by molecular docking and to develop aqueous printing gels and novel 3D-printed oral dosage forms for the flower extracts. In total, 22 polyphenolic compounds and 14 amino acids were identified and quantified in the M. chamomilla extracts. In vivo animal studies with rodents showed that the oral administration of such extracts revealed the potential for treating of sleep disorders and diseases accompanied by pain. Amino acids were found to potentiate these effects. Glycine enhanced the analgesic activity the most, while lysine and β-alanine improved the soporific activity. The molecular docking analysis revealed a high probability of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX-5) inhibition by the extracts. A polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based gel composition with the M. chamomilla extracts was proposed for preparing a novel 3D-printed dosage form for oral administration. These 3D-printed extract preparations can be used, for example, in dietary supplement applications.

Characterization of carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract

The current study was planned to provide nutrient dense carbonated beverage fortified with chamomile herbal extract that was rich in healthy nutrients and best to use. Infusion method was used to prepare chamomile herbal extract. After adding flavor and sugar syrup, carbonation was done. Different treatments were prepared (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). The antioxidant potential, physiochemical properties, and sensory attributes of beverage were assessed. Results showed that addition of chamomile enhanced the antioxidant and physiochemical properties of beverage. The DPPH activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were observed as 49.23 ± 0.03 (%), 136.92 ± 0.06 (mg GAE/L), and 1989.47 ± 0.07 (mg QE/L), respectively, among T5 with 12% of chamomile extract. Moreover, the acidity increases from T0 to T5 (0.191 ± 0.01 to 0.220 ± 0.01). Furthermore, the overall acceptability of T4 was highest among sensory attributes.

Formulation and Characterization of Nanoemulsion Incorporating Chamomilla recutita L. Extract Stabilized with Hyaluronic Acid

Skin lesions are an important health concern, exposing the body to infection risks. Utilizing natural products containing chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) holds promise for curative purposes. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA), an active ingredient known for its tissue regeneration capacity, can expedite healing. In this study, we prepared and characterized an extract of C. recutita and integrated it into a nanoemulsion system stabilized with HA, aiming at harnessing its healing potential. We assessed the impact of alcoholic strength on flavonoid extraction and chemically characterized the extract using UHPLC/MS while quantifying its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. We developed a nanoemulsion loaded with C. recutita extract and evaluated the effect of HA stabilization on pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and viscosity. Results indicated that 70% hydroalcoholic extraction yielded a higher flavonoid content. The extract exhibited antioxidant capacity in vitro, a desirable trait for skin regeneration, and demonstrated efficacy against key microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) associated with skin colonization and infections. Flavonoids spireoside and apiin emerged as the most abundant bioactives. The addition of HA led to increased viscosity while maintaining a suitable pH for topical application. Zeta potential, droplet size, and PDI met acceptable criteria. Moreover, incorporating C. recutita extract into the nanoemulsion enhanced its antimicrobial effect. Hence, the nanoemulsion system loaded with C. recutita and HA stabilization exhibits favorable characteristics for topical application, showing promise in aiding the healing processes.

Osteoarthritis: Insights into Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Avenues, and the Potential of Natural Extracts

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as a prevalent and progressively debilitating clinical condition globally, impacting joint structures and leading to their gradual deterioration through inflammatory mechanisms. While both non-modifiable and modifiable factors contribute to its onset, numerous aspects of OA pathophysiology remain elusive despite considerable research strides. Presently, diagnosis heavily relies on clinician expertise and meticulous differential diagnosis to exclude other joint-affecting conditions. Therapeutic approaches for OA predominantly focus on patient education for self-management alongside tailored exercise regimens, often complemented by various pharmacological interventions primarily targeting pain alleviation. However, pharmacological treatments typically exhibit short-term efficacy and local and/or systemic side effects, with prosthetic surgery being the ultimate resolution in severe cases. Thus, exploring the potential integration or substitution of conventional drug therapies with natural compounds and extracts emerges as a promising frontier in enhancing OA management. These alternatives offer improved safety profiles and possess the potential to target specific dysregulated pathways implicated in OA pathogenesis, thereby presenting a holistic approach to address the condition's complexities.

Phytochemical, Technological, and Pharmacological Study on the Galenic Dry Extracts Prepared from German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers

Galenic preparations of German chamomile are used to treat mild skin diseases, inflammation, and spasms, and they have also been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative effects. The medicinal use of chamomile is well known in ethnomedicine. After obtaining its galenic preparations, there is lots of waste left, so it is expedient to develop waste-free technologies. The aims of this study were to gain knowledge of the ethnomedical status of chamomile in the past and present, develop methods for preparing essential oils and dry extracts from German chamomile flowers using complex processing, reveal the phytochemical composition of such extracts, and verify the analgesic and soporific activity of the extracts. Two methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers were developed, which allowed us to obtain the essential oil and dry extracts of the tincture and aqueous extracts as byproducts. A total of 22 phenolic compounds (7 hydroxycinnamic acids, 13 flavonoids, and 2 phenolic acids) were found in the dry extracts by using UPLC-MS/MS. In total, nine main terpenoids were identified in the chamomile oil, which is of the bisabolol chemotype. During the production of chamomile tincture, a raw material-extractant ratio of 1:14-1:16 and triple extraction are recommended for its highest yield. In in vivo studies with mice and rats, the extracts showed analgesic activity and improvements in sleep. The highest sedative and analgesic effects in rodents were found with the dry extract prepared by using a 70% aqueous ethanol solution for extraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The developed methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers are advisable for implementation into the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the volume of waste during the production of its essential oil and tincture, and to obtain new products.

In Vitro Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Juniperus communis Callus Culture Extract and Matricaria recutita Processing Waste Extract Combination as a Cosmetic Ingredient

For skin health promotion and cosmetic applications, combinations of plant cell extracts are extensively utilized. As most natural ingredient suppliers offer crude extracts from individual plants or specific isolated compounds, the potential interactions between them are assessed in the development phase of cosmetic products. The industry seeks extract combinations that have undergone optimization and scrutiny for their bioactivities. This study presents a combination of two sustainably produced botanical ingredients and outlines their chemical composition, in vitro safety, and bioactivity for skin health enhancement. The amalgamation comprises the extract of Matricaria recutita processing waste and the extract from Juniperus communis callus culture. Chemical analysis revealed distinct compounds within the extracts, and their combination led to a broader array of potentially synergistic compounds. In vitro assessments on skin cells demonstrated that the combination possesses robust antioxidant properties and the ability to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, along with regulating collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) production by dermal fibroblasts. The identified traits of this combination render it an appealing cosmetic component. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first case when the extracts derived from medicinal plant processing waste and biotechnological plant cell cultivation processes have been combined and evaluated for their bioactivity.

Unveiling the Molecular Mechanism of Diosmetin and its Impact on Multifaceted Cellular Signaling Pathways

BACKGROUND

Diosmetin is an O-methylated flavone and the aglycone part of the flavonoid glycosides diosmin that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Pharmacologically, diosmetin is reported to exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, oestrogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive review was aimed to critically explore diverse pharmacological activities exhibited by diosmetin. Along with that, this review can also identify potential research areas with an elucidation of the multifactorial underlying signaling mechanism of action of diosmetin in different diseases.

METHODS

A comprehensive collection of evidence and insights was obtained from scientific journals and books from physical libraries and electronic platforms like Google Scholar and PubMed. The time frame selected was from year 1992 to July 2023.

RESULTS

The review delves into diosmetin's impact on cellular signaling pathways and its potential in various diseases. Due to its ability to modulate signaling pathways and reduce oxidative stress, it can be suggested as a potential versatile therapeutic agent for mitigating oxidative stressassociated pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

The amalgamation of the review underscores diosmetin's promising role as a multifaceted therapeutic agent, highlighting its potential for drug development and clinical applications.

Celiac disease: Pathogenesis, disease management and new insights into the herbal-based treatments

Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten intolerance autoimmune disorder which its symptoms involve the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes the other organs. It is one of the most prevalent health problems rising in many populations as statistics show that in every 100 people about one person is suffering from CD. It has been observed that the persons who genetically contain the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2 and HLA DQ8 genes involved in the immune system haplotypes are more prone to develop an allergy to gluten. The only treatment currently available for CD is a strict gluten-free diet. However, recent research has shown promising new insights into the herbal-based treatments of CD. New insight on CD is now offering various prospects to manage its treatment, diagnosis, and serving in the development of advanced therapies. Several herbs and botanical extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gut-healing properties that make them potential candidates for the management of CD. Here, we provide an updated review on pathogeneses and managements of CD. In particular, we summarize the current understandings of herbal-based treatments for CD and highlights their potential benefits.

Estimation of the Controlled Release of Antioxidants from β-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 β-cyclodextrin (β-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. β-CD/chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L., Asteraceae) ethanolic extract and β-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 β-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 β-CD hydrate while the hydration water content is lower, revealing the formation of molecular inclusion complexes. In the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, β-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 β-CD/S. marianum extract and β-CD/silibinin complexes. On the contrary, almost all model transdermal pharmaceutical formulations based on β-CD/M. chamomilla extract complexes and all those based on β-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 β-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.

Exploring the Potential of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Matricaria chamomilla White Ray Florets as a Source of Bioactive (Cosmetic) Ingredients

Aromatic and medicinal plants are a great source of useful bioactive compounds for use in cosmetics, drugs, and dietary supplements. This study investigated the potential of using supercritical fluid extracts obtained from Matricaria chamomilla white ray florets, a kind of industrial herbal byproduct, as a source of bioactive cosmetic ingredients. Response surface methodology to optimize the supercritical fluid extraction process by analyzing the impact of pressure and temperature on yield and the main bioactive compound groups were used. High-throughput 96-well plate spectrophotometric methods were used to analyze the extracts for total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugars, as well as their antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the phytochemical composition of the extracts. The extracts were also analyzed for antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, phototoxicity, and melanin content. Statistical analysis was performed to establish correlations between the extracts and develop models to predict the targeted phytochemical recovery and chemical and biological activities. The results show that the extracts contained a diverse range of phytochemical classes and had cytotoxic, proliferation-reducing, and antimicrobial activities, making them potentially useful in cosmetic formulations. This study provides valuable insights for further research on the uses and mechanisms of action of these extracts.

Traditional Mexican Food: Phenolic Content and Public Health Relationship

Phenolic compounds have a positive effect on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. The prevalence of these diseases has increased in the last years in the Mexican population. Therefore, the Mexican diet must be assessed as provider of phenolic compounds. To assess this, a survey of phenolic compound intake was validated and applicated to 973 adults (798 females) between 18 and 79 years old. We compared the phenolic compound intake of 324 participants with more diseases (239 females) and 649 participants with healthier condition (559 females). The groups differed in sex, age, and scholarship. Males, older participants, and those with lower schooling reported suffering from more diseases. Regarding phenolic compound intake analyses, the participants with healthier conditions displayed a higher phenolic compound intake than the other group in all foods assessed. In addition, the regression model showed that the phenolic compounds intake of Mexican dishes, such as arroz con frijol or enchiladas, positively affected health status, suggesting that this traditional food is beneficial for the participant’s health condition. However, the weight effect of PCI was different for each disease. We conclude that, although PCI of Mexican food positively affects health conditions, this effect depends on sex, age, and participants’ diseases.

Electrochemical Characterization of the Antioxidant Properties of Medicinal Plants and Products: A Review

Medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of practically useful properties. Various types of antioxidants synthesized in plants are the reasons for their application in medicine, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy. Therefore, reliable, simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and rapid methods for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of medicinal plants and products on their basis are required. Electrochemical methods based on electron transfer reactions are promising tools to solve this problem. Total antioxidant parameters and individual antioxidant quantification can be achieved using suitable electrochemical techniques. The analytical capabilities of constant-current coulometry, potentiometry, various types of voltammetry, and chrono methods in the evaluation of total antioxidant parameters of medicinal plants and plant-derived products are presented. The advantages and limitations of methods in comparison to each other and traditional spectroscopic methods are discussed. The possibility to use electrochemical detection of the antioxidants via reactions with oxidants or radicals (N- and O-centered) in solution, with stable radicals immobilized on the electrode surface, via oxidation of antioxidants on a suitable electrode, allows the study of various mechanisms of antioxidant actions occurring in living systems. Attention is also paid to the individual or simultaneous electrochemical determination of antioxidants in medicinal plants using chemically modified electrodes.

A Novel Strategy for the Separation of Functional Oils from Chamomile Seeds

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the oils from chamomile seeds as a new source of bioactive compounds suitable for human consumption. A green extraction technique with supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) at pressures up to 450 bar and temperatures up to 60 °C was employed for the production of a high amount of biologically active oil. Additionally, exhausted waste material was re-extracted using sc-CO2 with the addition of ethanol. By optimization in operating pressure, temperature, production cost, fraction of milled seeds, and co-solvent addition, the amount of separated chamomile oil increased from 2.4 to 18.6% and the content of unsaturated fatty acids up to 88.7%. Oils contained α-bisabolol oxide A and B in amounts up to 1.4%. Linoleic acid was detected in an amount up to 711.1 mg/g and α-linolenic acid up to 27.5 mg/g. The total phenolic content in separated oil reached 80.4 mg GAE/g while the total flavonoid content reached 11.6 mg QE/g. The obtained chamomile oils showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 of up to 3.9 mg/mL. Among the 23 tested microorganisms, the antimicrobial activity of oils was the most pronounced against Gram-positive bacteria. The cytotoxic activity of oils was tested on normal and cancer-derived cell lines. Results indicated a significant potential for oil from chamomile seeds, produced in an eco-friendly manner, as a functional food.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11947-023-03038-9.

Nutritional benefits, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicity of Spondias mombin Linn: a comprehensive review

OBJECTIVES

Spondias mombin is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for several human diseases and ailments in the tropical regions across the globe including the African countries. This study aimed to provide comprehensive information on nutritional benefits, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties and toxicology study of S. mombin. Information was gathered from documented literatures in scientific database.

KEY FINDINGS

The study revealed that S. mombin has nutritional values; with the leaf, fruit, flower, seed, and stem bark possessing a wide range of ethnomedicinal uses across several regions, with documented pharmacological properties. S. mombin has a frequent rate of ethnomedicinal utility in cases of abortion, constipation, fever, gonorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, digestive pain, diarrhoea, dysentery and wounds. Ethnopharmacological studies showed that crude extracts and chemical compounds from S. mombin manifested in vivo and in vitro biological and pharmacological activities. About 102 isolated compounds from the leaf, fruit, or stem bark of S. mombin have been reported.

SUMMARY

Overall, S. mombin has several nutritive and ethnomedicinal benefits owing to its chemical constituents, which are linkable to the several pharmacological activities. There remains however, the need for dosage intake caution, upon the advice of medical professionals.

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.

A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile

Chamomile has a long history of traditional medicinal uses. The two commonly used varieties with therapeutic applications are German chamomile known as Matricaria chamomilla L. and Roman chamomile or Chamaemelum nobile L. The plant contains many components, namely, flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. The review discusses recent developments that help in establishing its role as a therapeutic agent in various areas as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anticancer, and anti-hypertensive agent. Not much is known about its role in the treatment of CNS disorders and metabolic syndromes, which are also discussed. The chemical components responsible for the therapeutic activity and the respective mechanism of action are also elaborated.

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.

Herbal tea, a novel adjuvant therapy for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic, endocrine disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Several studies have shown that herbal tea improves glucose metabolism disorders in patients with T2DM. This study summarizes the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on herbal tea as a adjuvant therapy for treating T2DM and found that herbal teas have potential add-on effects in lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, we discussed the polyphenol contents in common herbal teas and their possible adverse effects. To better guide the application of herbal teas, we further summarized the hypoglycemic mechanisms of common herbal teas, which mainly involve: 1) improving insulin resistance, 2) protecting islet β-cells, 3) anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, 4) inhibition of glucose absorption, and 5) suppression of gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, herbal tea, as a novel adjuvant therapy for treating T2DM, has the potential for further in-depth research and product development.

The Impact of the Matricaria chamomilla L. Extract, Starch Solution and the Photoinitiator on Physiochemical Properties of Acrylic Hydrogels

Matricaria chamomilla L. extract is well-known for its therapeutic properties; thus, it shows potential to be used to modify materials designed for biomedical purposes. In this paper, acrylic hydrogels modified with this extract were prepared. The other modifier was starch introduced into the hydrogel matrix in two forms: room-temperature solution and elevated-temperature solution. Such hydrogels were synthesized via UV radiation, while two types of photoinitiator were used: 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone or phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide. The main task of performed research was to verify the impact of particular modifiers and photoinitiator on physicochemical properties of hydrogels. Studies involved determining their swelling ability, elasticity, chemical structure via FTIR spectroscopy and surface morphology via the SEM technique. Incubation of hydrogels in simulated physiological liquids, studies on the release of chamomile extract from their matrix and their biological analysis via MTT assay were also performed. It was demonstrated that all investigated variables affected the physicochemical properties of hydrogels. The modification of hydrogels with chamomile extract reduced their absorbency, decreased their thermal stability and increased the cell viability incubated with this material by 15%. Next, hydrogels obtained by using phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide as a photoinitiator showed lower absorbency, more compact structure, better stability in SBF and a more effective release of chamomile extract compared to the materials prepared by using 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone. It was proved that, by applying adequate reagents, including both photoinitiator and modifiers, it is possible to obtain hydrogels with variable properties that will positively affect their application potential.