Chamomile, medicinal, peeled. The botanical name is Matricaria chamomilla. One of the most common and longest used medicinal plants in pharmacy and cosmetics. Currently, it is actively cultivated in both Europe and North America (adventitious). It is mainly processed to obtain chamomile essential oil.
In science and folk medicine, chamomile is used as a remedy with anti-inflammatory, soothing and local anesthetic properties.
Chamomile preparations strengthen the walls of blood vessels, optimize peripheral blood circulation and normalize the acid-base balance of the mucous membrane. They have a general strengthening effect on the body. Chamomile extracts are used in creams, soaps and shampoos.
The 100% CO2 chamomile extract is characterized by its bright green color and its characteristic aroma. Such a distinct color can serve as an organoleptic means of assessing the authenticity of the CO2 extract. In diluted solutions, the color is less intense, but comes into its own. This pigmentation of the extract is due to the fact that it contains light blue chemazulene in addition to yellow xanthophylls. The combination of these two colored compounds gives green.
The most valuable compound in the CO2 extract of chamomile is chemazolene, which causes the extract to have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
The hemazulene contained in the CO2 extract of chamomile in combination with xanthophylls and unsaturated fatty acids has a regenerating and wound-healing effect on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract. CO2 extract heals and regenerates the skin. A lightening effect can occur in hair care products.
In the food industry, the CO2 extract of chamomile is used as a functional additive in fatty products, giving them the characteristic “chamomile” taste. Also, chamomile CO2 extract can be used to flavor beverages and give them the ability to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chart 1. Main components of chamomile CO2 extract
| NAME | CONTENT IN% OF THE AMOUNT OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| α-Bisabolol Oxide (A) | 34 | Anti-inflammatory, soothing. |
| Β-Farnesen | 11 | Natural Flavor. |
| Linoleic Acid | 6,9 | Essential polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid essential for the functioning of cell membranes. |
| Palmitic acid | 3,8 | Unsaturated fatty acid for hydrophobing in cosmetics. |
| N-Pentacosan | 3,7 | Contained in natural waxes, has a regenerating and strengthening effect. |
| α-Bisabolol Oxide (B) | 2,3 | Anti-inflammatory, soothing. |
| Bisabolone Oxide | 2,0 | Anti-inflammatory, soothing. |
| N-Heptacosan | 1,7 | Contained in natural waxes, has a regenerating and strengthening effect. |
| Spatulenol | 0,4 | Anti-allergenic, healing, anti-scarring. |
| Hemazulene | 0,03 | Anti-inflammatory, regenerating, anti-allergenic. |
In total, more than 80 different natural chemicals in the CO2 extract of chamomile have been identified by the pharmaceutical company Biozevtika.