Characterization of the phenolic profile of Matricaria recutita L. aqueous extracts obtained by decoction

Abstract

Aromatic plants are commonly used in the preparation of infusions and decoctions because they have proven benefits for consumer health. The presence of phenolic compounds may be responsible for these effects. In this work, Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile) samples, were submitted to a decoction extraction and further analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. In the analysis, nineteen phenolic compounds were identified including nine flavonoids and ten phenolic acids. Phenolic acids represented the major group present in M. recutita decoctions (23,66±0,27 mg/g of freeze-dried extract), in which four compounds were identified as potential derivatives ofdi-caffeoyl-2,7-anhydro-3-deoxy-2-octulopyranosonic acid (CDOA), being di-CDOA the most abundant acid (6,83±0,05 mg/g). Among the identified flavonoids (total concentration: 17,89±0,91 mg/g), luteolin-O-glucuronide appeared as the major compound (4,80±0,54 mg/g). Chamomile flowers may be considered to obtain ingredients with bioactive properties for individual use or incorporation into foods as natural preservatives and/or functional agents.