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Matricaria recutita and its Isolate-Apigenin: Economic Value, Ethnopharmacology and Chemico-Biological Profiles in Retrospect

Fajemiroye JO, Ferreira NL, de Oliveira LP, Elusiyan CA, Pedrino GR, da Cunha LC and da Conceição EC

Background: The collection, processing, preservation, storage and intended use could change or influence the value of botanical material. The aspects of biological activities are often neglected in the assessment of economic value of botanical materials and their isolates. Matricaria recutita L. popularly known as chamomile is widely acclaimed as “capable of anything” or as a “cure all” species (alles zutraut). As an exotic plant in many parts of the world, its easy of cultivation offer opportunity for its development on industrial scale product. Objective: This review focus on biological activities of and industrial values of M. recutita and its isolate - apigenin as an important biomarker of this species. Methods: Bibliographic searches of scientific journals, books, electronic sources, unpublished theses and electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, etc. were conducted. Results: Findings showed that M. recutita is a multipurpose species with wide range of therapeutic potentials. Some of the widely acclaimed biological activities of this species are traceable to apigenin. Despite the numerous pitfalls in associating biological activity to a specific isolate, the active principle apigenin has been reported as a biomarker of M. recutita. The susceptibility of apigenin to chemical modifications offers enormous opportunity for industrial developments. Conclusion: This review provides scientific data for future consultation and economic exploration of M. recutita and apigenin.