Sesquiterpene Lactones chamomile

Chamomile is the vernacular name ot Anthemis genus and Matricaria recutita (German chamomile, pinhead). The former are more potent skin sensitizers (delayed-type) than the latter, presumably because they can contain a higher concentration of the sesquiterpene lactone, antheco-tullid. Cross-sensitivity with related allergenic sesquiterpene lactones in other plants is possible. 

A positive patch test reaction to U. dioica has been obtained in a patient who had developed edematous gingivostomatitis following the regular use of stinging nettle tea as a tonic the patient also had positive reactions to chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and its allergens (sesquiterpene lactones) (2). 

E.3 ContactedlerpfensThc sesquiterpene lactones of the Asteraceae, e.g. chrysanthemums, asters and daisies, are well-known causes of contact allergic dermatitis. Patients with such allergies should avoid (and should be advised to avoid) herbs such as Artemisia (Mugwort), Chamomile, Yarrow (Achillea). Feverfew, Echinacea-inA Arnica because of cross-sensitisation. 

Fig. 3.17 The ehemieal struetures of sesquiterpene lactone matricin, an anti-inflammatory compound in chamomile and allergen anthecotulide. (Authors own work)...

The terpenes include A-3-carene, seen in pine, and the sesquiterpene lactones, found in the Frullania genus. Frullania includes liverworts, chamomile, mugwort, and other potential sensitizers that may be found on or around wood. -Phenols include the... 

During production of essential oils through hydrodistillation, some transformations have been characterized. The most prominent example is the formation of the blue chamazulene in essential oils from German chamomile or yarrow (Fig. 96.15). The starting compound in the plant is the nonvolatile sesquiterpene lactone matricin that is converted to chamazulene carboxylic acid which in turn is decarboxylated to chamazulene [43]. 

Many sesquiterpenes contain a pentacyclic lactone group and are therefore referred to as sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds occur abundantly in the family Asteraceae. Because of their bitter taste sesquiterpene lactones presumably serve as feeding deterrents of herbivores (Heinrich et al., 1998). Pharmacologically active sesquiterpene lactones often show anti-inflammatory effects due to inhibition of the transcription factor NF-kB that mediates immunological responses and inflammation (LyB et al., 1998). Sesquiterpenes with such activities occur, for example, in chamomile Matricaria recutita), one ofthe most popular medicinal plants. Antimigraine action of some sesquiterpene lactones, e.g., par-thenolide from feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), is mediated by inhibition of platelet aggregation... 

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