German and Roman Chamomile

Matricaria recutita L. (syn. M. chamomilla L., Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert) is known as true chamomile or German chamomile and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (syn. Anthemis nobilis L.) is known as Roman chamomile. The biological activity of chamomile is mainly due to the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, patuletin and essential oil constituents such as α-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes. There are several chamomile chemocultivars. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, deodorant, bacteriostatic, antimicrobial, carminative, sedative, antiseptic, anticatarrhal and spasmolytic properties. It is used to treat sleep problems. Researchers indicated that the pharmacological effect of German chamomile is mainly connected with its essential oils. Environmental conditions and stresses can alter active substances of chamomdile. This review focuses on characteristics, secondary metabolites and utilization of German and Roman chamomile.