Sesquiterpenic composition of the inflorescences of Brazilian chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.): Impact of the agricultural practices

Matricaria recutita L. is one of the most common medicinal plants, included in all over the world pharmacopoeias due to, among others, the relevant health benefits of its sesquiterpenic compounds. This paper aims to study the impact of the agricultural practices of M. recutita L. on the occurrence of sesquiterpenic compounds. To fulfill this objective, a methodology that combines the headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with one-dimensional gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry detection (GC–qMS) was implemented. Thirteen populations from different geographic origins, agricultural practices, and harvest times, grown in Santa Catarina and Paraná states, in Brazil, were analyzed. The samples from organic practice showed a tendency to have lower amount of sesquiterpenic compounds than those from the conventional agricultural system. Eleven samples were classified as chemotype B (rich in bisabolol oxide B) and the remaining 2 were classified as chemotype A (rich in bisabolol oxide A). Predominance of chemotype B was observed concerning the agricultural practices (organic or conventional) or geographic origin (Santa Catarina or Paraná). In order to obtain a deeper insight into the sesquiterpenic compounds, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry detection (GC × GC–ToFMS) was also applied, allowing to identify for the first time in chamomile 8 compounds.

Matricaria recutita L. has been shown to be a potential source of up to 32 detected sesquiterpenoids. From these, 8 were identified for the first time in this species. At least for the 13 populations under study, the samples from organic practice showed a tendency to have lower amount of potential bioactive sesquiterpenoids when compared to those obtained from the conventional ones.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Matricaria recutita L. may be considered a potential source of up to 32 sesquiterpenoids.
► Sesquiterpenoids has been related with several health benefits.
► Samples from organic practice showed a tendency to have lower amount of potential bioactive sesquiterpenoids when compared to those obtained from the conventional ones.
► The biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids can be modulated by the agricultural practices, so the biological potential of M. recutita L. may be explored in the future as source of sesquiterpenoids with specific interest to human health.