Chamomile Extract

What Is Chamomile Extract?

Chamomile extract is a concentrated form of the essential compounds found in chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile). Chamomile is a daisy-like plant used for centuries in traditional medicine and herbal remedies due to its potential health benefits.

The extraction process involves using solvents like water, ethanol, or oil to obtain the active components of chamomile flowers. These active compounds include flavonoids, terpenoids, and other volatile oils responsible for the plant’s potential therapeutic properties.

Chamomile extract is commonly used in various forms, such as essential oils, tinctures, teas, capsules, and creams. It is known for its calming and soothing properties and is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Chamomile extract may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, which can contribute to its potential health benefits.

The CAS number, molecular weight, and formula for Chamomile Extract may vary depending on the specific composition and extraction method used.

Common Bulk Pure Chamomile Powder Extract Specifications

The following are examples of possible purities for pure Chamomile Powder Extract based on the concentration of Apigenin, one of the essential active compounds in chamomile.

1. Chamomile Extract 1.2% pure Apigenin powder
2. Chamomile Extract 2% pure Apigenin powder
3. Chamomile Extract 3% pure Apigenin powder

What Is The Source Of Chamomile Extract?

Chamomile extract is obtained from the blossoms of the chamomile plant, specifically from the species Matricaria chamomilla (commonly referred to as German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (also known as Roman or English chamomile). These plants are native to Europe and are cultivated in various parts of the world for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

The flowers of chamomile plants contain the active compounds extracted to produce chamomile extract. The extraction process typically involves harvesting the flowers and subjecting them to various methods such as steam distillation, solvent extraction, or cold pressing. Different extraction methods yield other chamomile extracts, including essential oils, aqueous extracts, or hydroalcoholic extracts.

It’s worth noting that there are other chamomile-like plants, such as Anthemis nobilis (known as Moroccan chamomile or wild chamomile) or Matricaria recutita (known as Hungarian chamomile or wild chamomile), which are sometimes used interchangeably or blended with true chamomile in herbal products. However, the primary sources of chamomile extract are Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile.

What Active Ingredients Are In Chamomile Extract?

Chamomile extract contains a variety of active ingredients, including:

1. Apigenin powder is a flavonoid compound found in chamomile flowers and is one of the key bioactive components. Apigenin is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.
2. Bisabolol: Also known as α-bisabolol or levomenol, this is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-soothing properties, making it commonly used in skincare products.
3. Matricin (Chamazulene precursor): Matricin is a precursor compound that can convert to chamazulene during extraction or distillation. Chamazulene is a blue-colored sesquiterpene compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
4. Flavonoids: Chamomile extract contains various flavonoids, including Apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and their respective glycosides. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to chamomile’s potential health benefits.
5. Coumarins: These are aromatic compounds found in chamomile extract. Although they are present in lower concentrations than other compounds, they may contribute to the overall activity of the extract.

What Is Chamomile Powder Manufacturing Process?

The manufacturing process of chamomile powder typically involves the following steps.

1. Harvesting: Chamomile flowers are typically harvested in full bloom, usually during the early morning when the essential oil is at its highest. The flowers are carefully hand-picked or mechanically harvested, depending on the production scale.
2. Drying: After harvesting, the chamomile flowers are dried to reduce moisture content and preserve their active compounds. The drying process can be executed through various methodologies, encompassing air drying, sun drying, or mechanical drying techniques. Care is taken to ensure that the flowers are dried gently at low temperatures to prevent degradation of the active ingredients.
3. Grinding: Once the flowers are completely dried, they are processed into a fine powder. To achieve the desired particle size, the dried chamomile flowers can be ground using various grinding equipment, such as hammer mills or pulverizers. The grinding process helps break down the plant material into a powder form, increasing its surface area and aiding in the extraction and dissolution of the active compounds.
4. Sieving and Packaging: The chamomile powder is typically sieved to remove larger particles or impurities, ensuring a consistent and uniform product. After sieving, the powder is packaged into suitable containers or packaging materials, protecting it from moisture, light, and air, which can degrade the quality of the powder. Proper labeling and storage instructions are provided on the packaging.