Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as German chamomile, is a cherished medicinal herb celebrated for its soothing properties. Renowned for its delicate, daisy-like flowers, this plant offers potent anti-inflammatory and sedative benefits. Widely used in teas and essential oils, it effectively eases digestive discomfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes restful sleep.
- Scientific name: Matricaria chamomilla
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Matricaria chamomilla, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Asterales. Finally, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Matricaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Matricaria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Matricaria chamomilla, is recognized by various traditional and regional names across the globe. In German-speaking or international contexts, it is often referred to by its botanical associations, but in specific languages, it carries unique identities: in Luxembourgish, it is called Kaméil, while in Chinese, it is known as 德國洋甘菊. Moving through Europe, it is referred to as rumianek pospolity in Polish, Kamamila in Basque, and orvosi székfű in Hungarian.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| lb | Kaméil | Wikidata |
| zh | 德國洋甘菊 | Wikidata |
| pl | rumianek pospolity | Wikidata |
| eu | Kamamila | Wikidata |
| hu | orvosi székfű | Wikidata |
| et | Teekummel | Wikidata |
| sq | Kamomili | Wikidata |
| ba | Шифалы ромашка | Wikidata |
| nl | echte kamille | Wikidata |
| sv | kamomill | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Matricaria chamomilla, maintains a significant presence across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the landscapes of Denmark. Its distribution also extends to the northern territories of Finland. Furthermore, the species is commonly documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, it is a recognized part of the flora in Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Matricaria chamomilla, is primarily utilized for its therapeutic properties found within its various aerial parts. The most significant medicinal component is found in the flowers, which are characterized by a distinct structure featuring yellow disc florets surrounded by prominent white ray florets. These blossoms are borne upon slender, herbaceous stems that support the overall growth of the plant's shoots.- Total parts
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 25
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flowers | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| white ray florets | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| shoots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ray florets | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| processing waste | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflorescences | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Matricaria chamomilla has 102 reported phytochemicals identified across 170 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include apigenin, flavonoids, Cd, chamazulene, Pb.
- Total chemicals
- 102
- Scientific sources
- 170
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| apigenin | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cd | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| chamazulene | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Pb | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ni | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cadmium | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| chamomile | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Matricaria chamomilla has 32 reported activities identified across 84 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Sedative, Analgesic.
- Total activities
- 32
- Scientific sources
- 84
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Sedative | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Spasmolytic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Matricaria chamomilla has 91 reported medicinal uses identified across 125 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, anxiety, pain, asthma.
- Total uses
- 91
- Scientific sources
- 125
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastrointestinal disorders | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| anxiety | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| pain | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| insomnia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| ulcerative colitis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| common cold | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |