Evaluation of the Effect of Refined Extracts of <i>Matricaria recutita L</i> and <i>Chrysanthemum coronarium L</i>, Proposed as Bio-Pesticides for Agricultural Use, Determining the Variation of Biomarkers of Oxidative and Hepatotoxic Stress in Acutely Exposed Rats

Abstract

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L) and Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium L. (Garland)) are plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. The pharmacological properties of these herbs result from interactions among their many components. Of these, over 120 secondary metabolites with pharmacological and/or potential pesticide activity have been identified. The diverse chemical and biological characteristics of this set of compounds, i.e., essential oils and organic extracts of genera Matricaria and Chrysanthemum, have been shown to have particular pesticidal effects, especially those rich in pyrethroids. This work characterizes chamomile and chrysanthemum extracts for their pesticidal properties and their effects following acute exposure in rats. Results show hepatotoxic and oxidative stress-inducing effects in the livers of rats exposed to C. coronarium extracts, but not those of M. recutita.