Combined HPLC-PDA-MS and NMR study of Matricaria pubescens extracts from Algeria

Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz (Asteraceae), known as hairy chamomile, is endemic in North Africa, especially in the Algerian Sahara and is used for several ailments such as rheumatic and muscular pains, coughs, allergies, ocular affections, dysmenorrhoea, scorpion stings, dehydration and toothaches [1]. Previous phytochemical studies on this species had revealed the presence of flavonoids and coumarins [2]. As a part of a project aiming at studying Matricaria sp. the analysis of M. pubescens was undertaken, but this time through an integrated chemical profiling combining HPLC-PDA-MS, NMR and phytochemical analyses, where appropriate. A medium polarity extract was prepared according to the Bohlmann protocol (cyclohexane:diethylether:methanol 1:1:1), slightly modified [3]. This extract was further subjected to fractionation and all separation steps thereof were monitored by both HPLC-PDA-MS and NMR. Analyzes did not show the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, but instead evidenced several flavonoids and phenolic compounds. More than 20 compounds have been unambiguously identified up to now, among them luteolin-4ʹ-O-glucopyranoside and quercetagenin-3-O-glucopyranoside, reported for the first time in Matricaria sp. Furthermore, two polyamines previously reported in other Asteraceae sp. [4],[5] have been isolated and characterized. Fingerprint analysis and comparison of this species to the officially recognized in Europe M. recutita L. shows many similarities in the chemical content and justifies the ethnopharmacological uses in Algerian traditional medicine.

• References

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