04/14/2018
APRC Publications:
Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) is a plant with wide medicinal values, belonging to the Asteraceae (Compositae). It is an annual herb found in many parts of the world, as an erect, 50-90-cm tall plant with finely divided leaves. The flowers of the plants, which have commercial medicinal value, have hollow conical yellow centers, surrounded by silver white to cream colored florets [1]. The flowers have a strong aromatic smell. Most commonly, chamomile is used as an over-thecounter herbal tea, as well as in ointments, soaps, tinctures, and inhalations. Numerous studies of the plant’s essential oils have been carried out in different parts of the world for its various therapeutic uses. The plant has been found to show antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral and sedative activities. It is also used as a treatment against sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome and also as sleep aid. Chamomile has shown larvicidal effects against third larval instar of Culex quinquefasciatus, the mosquito vector of Rift valley fever. The biological activity of the plant is due to the various terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, and spiroethers found in the plants. Aside from uncommon instances of allergic reaction, the plant shows no active toxicity to humans and animals, increasing its medicinal value.
