Matricaria Oil

Chemical properties

Blue chamomile oil (German chamomile oil) is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers and stalks of Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert (Matricaria recutita. L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Asteraceae). For oil production, chamomile is grown mainly in Eastern Europe (Hungary, Bulgaria) and Egypt. Few tons are produced annually. It is a deep blue or bluish-green liquid that turns green and, finally, brown when exposed to light and air. The oil has a strong, characteristic odor and a bitter, aromatic taste. Chamazulene is responsible for its blue color. Chamazulene and (?)-α-bisabolol contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of blue chamomile oil.
d²⁰₂₀ 0.910–0.970/0.910–0.950; chamazulene (2–5%)/(5–22%); bisabolol (1–10%)/(15–40%) (Egyptian/Hungarian oils). Blue chamomile oil is used preferentially in pharmaceutical preparations, but also in small quantities in flavoring of alcoholic beverages.

Chemical properties

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of flowers and stalks with variable yields ranging from 0.3 to more than 1%, depending on the area of production. It has a characteristic intensely sweet, herbaceous coumarin-like odor with a fresh undernote.

Physical properties

It is a deep-blue or bluish-green liquid. When exposed to light or air, the blue color changes to green and finally to brown. Upon cooling, the oil may become viscous. It is soluble in most fixed oils and propylene glycols. It is insoluble in glycerin and mineral oils.

Occurrence

Found in the plant Matricaria chamomilla L. (Fam. Compositae).

The Uses of Matricaria Oil

Chamomile Absolute is a flavor and fragrance agent. Chamomile Absolute exhibits similar biological functions like Apigenin (A726500)

Preparation

By steam distillation of the flowers and stalks of Matricaria chamomilla L.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Matricaria chamomilla, Compositae.

Essential oil composition

A constituent of chamomile oil German is chamazulene

Safety Profile

Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact. A mild allergen. A skin irritant. See also ESTERS. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes.