Validation of a RP-HPLC-DAD Method for Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Preparations and Assessment of the Marker, Apigenin-7-glucoside, Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Abstract

Chamomile is a medicinal plant, which presents several biological effects, especially the anti-inflammatory effect. One of the compounds related to this effect is apigenin, a flavonoid that is mostly found in its glycosylated form, apigenin-7-glucoside (APG), in natural sources. However, the affectivity and safety of this glycoside have not been well explored for topical application. In this context, the aim of this work was to develop and validate a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-DAD) method to quantify APG in chamomile preparations. Additionally, the safety and the anti-inflammatory potential of this flavonoid were verified. The RP-HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated with linearity at 24.0–36.0 μg/mL range (r = 0.9994). Intra- and interday precision (RSD) were 0.27–2.66% and accuracy was 98.27–101.21%. The validated method was applied in the analysis of chamomile flower heads, glycolic extract, and Kamillen cream, supporting the method application in the quality control of chamomile preparations. Furthermore, the APG safety was assessed by MTT cytotoxicity assay and mutagenic protocols and the anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed by a diminished TNF-α production showed by mice macrophages treated with APG following LPS treatment.

A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile)

“…The anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoid in chamomile was investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed by a reduced production of TNF-α seen in mice treated with APG following LPS treatment ( 41 ). In a clinical trial study, effects of chamomile on systemic inflammation was examined.…”

Dry Extract of Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomile) Prevents Ligature‐Induced Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats via Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Interleukin‐1β

“…The quality control included microbiologic analysis in accordance with the microbiologic standard recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. In addition, the presence of one flavonoid was identified by the colorimetric method, and the production of the dry extract of M. recutita followed a standard methodology 25 …”

In Silico Identification and In Vitro Evaluation of Natural Inhibitors of Leishmania major Pteridine Reductase I

“…The results of the in vitro assays are shown in Table 1 . Six compounds, namely 2,3-dehydrosilybin A ( 1 ; a flavonolignan from Silybum marianum , Asteraceae [ 16 ]), apigenin-7-glucoside ( 2 ; a glycosylated flavone occurring e.g., in Matricaria recutita , Asteraceae [ 17 ]), garcinone C ( 3 ; a xanthone derivative naturally found in Garcinia mangostana , Clusiaceae [ 18 ]), myricetin ( 4 ; a flavonol occurring widespread in plants, e.g., in Vitis vinifera , Vitaceae [ 19 ]), salvianolic acid A ( 5 ; a caffeic acid derivative from Salvia species, Lamiaceae [ 20 ]) and sophoraflavanone G ( 6 ; a flavanone isolated e.g., from Sophora flavescens , Fabaceae [ 21 ]) inhibited the target enzyme by more than 50% at 50 µM. For these most active inhibitors, concentration-effect curves were determined, from which IC 50 values could be determined in five cases.…”