Diyarbakır/Türkiye’nin Altı Farklı Bölgesinden Toplanan Matricaria chamomilla L. Örneklerinin Kamazulen İçeriği ve Hipoglisemik Potansiyeli

Abstract

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the oldest and most widely known medicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family. An artifact named chamazulene forms from the sesquiterpene structured lactones such as matricin during the hydro-distillation of flowering tops of chamomile. These compounds are associated with the anti-inflammatory potential of chamomile along with flavonoids, other sesquiterpenoids, and essential oil of the plant. However, not all M. chamomilla specimens grown in different regions or species known and used as chamomile contains sesquiterpene lactone components. Thus, chamazulene content of chamomile has become a pharmaceutical interest. A traditional and well-established indication of the plant is diabetes. Protective and beneficial effects of chamomile on diabetic complications and glycemic control have been proposed by several studies. However, the mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Flowering tops of chamomile samples were collected from six different localities of Diyarbakır/Türkiye. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydro-distillation. Petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (Me), and infusion (INF) extracts were prepared. Qualitative analysis of the EOs resulted in no chamazulene content. Bismil district might be eligible for medicinal chamomile culture with its high essential oil yield. In-vitro hypoglycemic potentials of the extracts and EOs were evaluated by α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. All EOs and EA extracts (except M4-Bismil samples) showed the highest inhibitory activities comparable to that of standard acarbose. α-Glucosidase inhibition might be a significant mechanism of action contributing to the antidiabetic effects of chamomile.