Botanical Profile
German chamomile is one of Europe’s most comprehensively documented traditional medicinal and aromatic plants. The dried flower heads are used predominantly and are described in monographs as Matricariae flos.
Matricaria recutita L. is an annual plant of the Asteraceae. Characteristic features are the white ray florets, yellow disc florets and aromatic fragrance of the flower heads. The species must be clearly distinguished botanically from Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), as the two species have different botanical and phytochemical profiles.
Phytochemistry
Phytochemically, German chamomile is characterised particularly by essential-oil constituents, flavonoids and other phenolic plant compounds. Frequently described constituents include alpha-bisabolol, bisabolol oxides, matricin and the chamazulene formed from it, as well as flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin and quercetin.
Traditional Uses
The EMA monograph European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos (EMA/HMPC/55843/2011) describes traditional herbal-use contexts including mild gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating and mild spasmodic discomfort, as well as contexts involving the mouth, throat, skin and mucous membranes. The WHO monograph Flos Chamomillae in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1, likewise describes the flower drug as an important traditional aromatic plant.
Current Research
Modern research investigates flavonoid profiles, bisabolol and chamazulene contexts, essential-oil constituents, and antioxidant and mucosa-related research fields. These areas should be understood as scientific context and not as medical recommendations for use.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos.
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 – Flos Chamomillae (1999).
- ESCOP Monographs – Matricariae flos (Matricaria flower).
- McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytotherapy Research. 2006;20(7):519–530.
- Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports. 2010;3(6):895–901.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.