Matricaria chamomilla L. e suas propriedades farmacológicas: uma revisão de literatura.

Abstract

Matricaria chamomilla L., better known as chamomile, has been widely used in folk medicine due to its considerable pharmacological properties, such as antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and mild sedative effects, as well as a good safety profile. Chamomile is widely used in the form of infusions, with a pleasant and aromatic flavor, good sedative effect and a diversity of beneficial effects for health. Considering the various purposes and pharmacological effects that this plant has, this study aimed to carry out a literature review about the pharmacological properties of Matricaria chamomilla L. This search was performed in articles available in the MEDLINE, Lilacs, PUBMED, BVL and monographs that met the requirements of the study in question, from 2008 to 2018. Studies have shown that chamomile is still useful for the treatment of stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia, as well as bactericidal and relaxing activities. The antibacterial activity of this plant was evaluated against gram-negative bacteria, the results proved the antibacterial effect through the main components of the essential oil, besides the flavonoids, phenolic acids and fatty acids. In dentistry, its effectiveness is demonstrated through its beneficial action against gingivitis, given its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antifungal effects produced from extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. have been positive according to reports in the literature, however, more clinical studies need to be performed to enrich the current studies.