| Abstract (english) | The presence and distribution of flavonoids, amino acids,
coumarins and essential oil components in separated plant parts of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) was studied using thin-layer chromatography. Yellow tubular florets, white lingulate florets, receptacle and stem showed distinctive chromatographic profile of flavonoid glycosides. The greatest number of
flavonoids, mostly glycosides of apigenin, was detected in the extract of white
florets which are easily wasted during the harvest and postharvest procedure.
Glycosides of quercetin and luteolin predominate in yellow chamomile florets.
Green parts (receptacle and stem) contain less number and quantity of flauonoids as well. Coumarins herniarin and umbelliferone are contained in all
chamomile parts investigated with slightly quantitative differences between
them. TLC analysis on celulose plates revealed the presence of amino acids as
follows: leucine, phenylalanine, valine, tryptophan, tyrosine, proline, alanine,
threonine, glutamic acid, lysine and histidine. The smallest number of amino
acids was detected in white florets while other chamomile parts didn't differ
significantly regarding chromatographic profile of these plant constituents. Finally, methylen chloride extracts of chamomile parts showed certain distinctions
in the composition of essential oil components. Bisabolol predominated in white florets, matricin and bisabolol oxide in yellow florets while fraction of
spiroethers was most intensive in the extract of receptacle. Stem extract was
extremely poor regarding these substances. In conclusion, comparative phytochemical analyses justify that chemical composition of every plant part (yellow
tubular florets, white lingulate florets and receptacle) contributes to the total
active principle of the drug Matricariae flos and its therapeutic value as well. |
