What Gives Chamomile Its Power?

Chamomile contains two quite different groups of natural compounds, depending on whether we look at its extracts or its essential oil.

Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Matricaria chamomilla are particularly rich in flavonoids. The best known is apigenin, together with apigenin derivatives, luteolin, quercetin and patuletin. Apigenin is especially interesting because it has been studied for both anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Chamomile extracts also contain phenolic acids, including caffeic, chlorogenic and ferulic acids, as well as compounds called coumarins.

Chamomile essential oil has a very different chemical profile. Important constituents include α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxides, which are associated particularly with anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

Another characteristic compound is chamazulene, which can give chamomile oil its remarkable deep blue colour.

As with other medicinal plants, chamomile extract and chamomile essential oil are therefore not chemically identical preparations, and their effects need to be considered separately.