Selection of daisies
There is a special place that I go to. This is a field in front of my grandmother’s house filled with chamomile flowers — white petals with yellow centers and an unmistakable scent that permeates the air during the day. I walked through this thick field and picked flowers to feed the loving horses in the next pasture. What I did not know then, but now I know, it is that these chamomile flowers were botanically known as German chamomile. There are only two types of plants that are considered real daisies - German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Both plants are in the Asteraceae family. Despite the fact that they are described as similar, their differences appear morphologically, as well as when they appear essential oil (moreover, than in their alcoholic extracts or teas). German chamomile is a low-growing (up to 0.6 meters) year-old grass with pink flowers on one stem and native to Europe. Roman chamomile, however, is a perennial plant growing up to 3 feet tall with pink-like flowers on the branches of the stems, as well as native to Europe (Western Europe).
The chemical profiles of German and Roman chamomile used in aromatherapy are quite different. Matricaria has active ingredients (-) alpha-bisabolol, shamazulen and sesquiterpenes (molecule of 15 carbon atoms). In Matricaria itself there are four chemotypes (a specific chemical profile) of German chamomile. Of these, the type of (-) alpha bisabolol is considered to be the most effective and most widely studied. These are chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which are largely responsible for the strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of Matricaria. The chemical profile of Anthemis, on the other hand, is mainly esters (up to 80%), such as alpha-pinene, camphene and beta-pinene. These esters provide Anthemis with predominantly antispasmodic (to relieve seizures and convulsions) and sedative properties, as well as light anti-inflammatory properties.
Extraction of the essential oil of both plants is carried out by steam distillation or CO2. To extract the highest essential oil content, harvest usually occurs at the beginning of the flowering season. As mentioned above, their essential oil distillates differ markedly. Matricaria has a strong aromatic odor with a dark blue (due to the content of Chamazulene) several viscous oils. Anthemis essential oil has a pale yellow color and has a sweet, fruity, grassy aroma. Of these two species, German chamomile is more familiar and more commonly used.
Therapeutic use over the years
This rather common European flowering plant has been perceived by many around the world as having many therapeutic uses and has been popular among herbalists for centuries. As mentioned earlier, German chamomile is the most famous and more commonly used, but each of these herbs has been used since antiquity for digestive disorders and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. Both are also considered among the most delicate essential oils and are especially useful for treating children's diseases. (For a more complete understanding of their extensive use, see The Salvatore Battaglia book, The Complete Aromatherapy Guidebook).
German chamomile is well received as having excellent anti-inflammatory activity, mainly due to its high hamazulene (sesquiterpene). Interestingly, this compound is formed from the transformation of matricarin (naturally found in chamomile) during steam distillation. The presence of (-) alpha-bisabolol (sesquiterpenol) also contributes significantly to the anti-inflammatory effects of German chamomile. It has been suggested that a standardized amount of (-) alpha-bisabolol will be determined, since it is a key component of overall anti-inflammatory efficacy.
Roman chamomile stands out for its soothing properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, sedation is the most popular use for chamomile in the United States. Studies on this claim in humans are few; however, animal studies show that low doses of chamomile can alleviate anxiety, while higher doses stimulate sleep. Interestingly, it was noted that the white-eyed flowers of Anthemis have a more calming potential than the classic yellow flowers. White-grained varieties were found in a chemical analysis study to contain more angelic ethers than the yellow variety. Esters are known for their soothing properties.
What do scientists do
As scientists clear the plant kingdom to address ever-growing medical solutions, recent attention has been given to raw chamomile extracts and its ingredients. According to research at the University of Maryland Medical Center (associated with animals such as mice), German chamomile has been shown to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, reduce muscle spasms, and serve as a gentle sedative to help sleep. In general, in vitro studies have also shown that chamomile has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. In the past five years alone, research has revealed new information about chamomile properties of inhibiting inflammation to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
In the past few years, the health research community has realized that infection is the main cause of most diseases. Last year alone, a study by the Case Western Reserve University & University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio (Life Sciences 2009, Nov. 4, 85 (19-20): 663-9) examined the effect of chamomile on inducible cyclooxygenase (COX). -2), which was associated with the occurrence of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The researchers found that chamomile inhibits the activity of the COX-2 enzyme and acts similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The researchers said that such data adds a new aspect to the profile of chamomile and its prophylactic applications.
The treatment of diseases of ordinary drugs is quite difficult, and sometimes gambling because of the human ways that metabolize drugs. This is quite true when it comes to drug interactions. A study by the University of Innsbruck in Austria (Life Sciences 2006, Jan 18: 78 (8): 856-61) showed the inhibitory effect of chamomile essential oil and its main components on four selected human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 ). The in vitro results of this study showed that chamomile is able to inhibit the activity of the main enzymes that metabolize human drugs. It is very helpful in helping with drug interactions and to eliminate unwanted side effects.
Great concern was expressed about the increase in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the Center for Disease Control, since 2006, ADHD has been diagnosed with 4.5 million. Children aged 5-17 years; The diagnosis of ADHD increased by an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006. Treatment of ADHD usually depends on drug therapy, but such treatment is not always beneficial for young people when considering their developing brain and other internal organs. A study by the Regional Hospital Bozen in Italy (Phytomedicine 2009 Apr, 16 (4): 284-6) showed that chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) was able to reduce the symptoms of ADHD (such as hyperactivity, inattention and immaturity) in three young men aged 14-16 years old. Although the sample size is small, this study is an indication that medical science is looking for alternative, safer treatments such as chamomile.
Conclusion
By a little helping the chemical analysis of German and Roman chamomile, one can identify various chemical components that make them similar, but unique. Many uses of chamomile share both German and Roman, but German is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and Roman for its soothing properties. In any case, chamomile is considered one of the most delicate essential oils and is particularly useful for the treatment of diseases found in children. Recent scientific literature indicates that chamomile has noticeable properties for inhibiting inflammation, helps in the absorption and interaction of drug therapy, and also in possible help in reducing ADHD in young people. So, whether you want to relax with a nice cup of chamomile tea or rub some chamomile essential oil on irritated skin or tired legs, this may just be what the doctor ordered.
