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Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) | BMC Research Notes | Full Text
Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) \| BMC Research Notes \| Full Text

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Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile ( _Matricaria recutita_ L.)


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- Published: 03 January 2019

# Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile ( _Matricaria recutita_ L.)

- [Bayan Al-Dabbagh](#auth-Bayan-Al_Dabbagh-Aff1) [1](#Aff1),
- [Ismail A. Elhaty](#auth-Ismail_A_-Elhaty-Aff1) [1](#Aff1),
- [Mohamed Elhaw](#auth-Mohamed-Elhaw-Aff1) [1](#Aff1),
- [Chandraprabha Murali](#auth-Chandraprabha-Murali-Aff2) [2](#Aff2),
- [Ameera Al Mansoori](#auth-Ameera-Al_Mansoori-Aff2) [2](#Aff2),
- [Basma Awad](#auth-Basma-Awad-Aff2) [2](#Aff2) &
- …
- [Amr Amin](#auth-Amr-Amin-Aff2) [2](#Aff2)

Show authors

[_BMC Research Notes_](/) **volume 12**, Article number: 3 (2019)
[Cite this article](#citeas)

- 14k Accesses

- 79 Citations

- 37 Altmetric

- [Metrics details](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/metrics)


## Abstract

### Objectives

The present study aimed at determining the antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids and to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of _Matricaria recutita_ L. (chamomile). The antioxidant activities were measured using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The total phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. The flavonoid content was determined using the aluminum chloride method. The MTT assay was used to estimate the antiproliferative activities against human hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cell line. We assessed the mode of action of the extract as a cancer preventive agent and reported its ability to regulate tumor angiogenesis by down regulating in a dose dependent manner the expression of some proteins involved in the process.

### Results

The percentage inhibition of DPPH scavenging activity was dose-dependent ranging between (94.8% ± 0.03) at 1.50 mg/mL and (84.2% ± 0.86) at 0.15 mg/mL. It showed high polyphenols (21.4 ± 0.327 mg GAE/g) and high flavonoids content (157.9 ± 2.22 mg QE/g). Effect of extract was investigated against HepG2 cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was recorded in cells treated with the extract. The IC50 was ~ 300 µg/mL. It significantly inhibited the level of important prerequisite angiogenesis markers both in HepG2 cells and ex vivo.

## Introduction

The escalating knowledge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has revolutionized medicine \[ [1](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR1 "Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4:118–26.")\]. ROS contributes to cardiovascular diseases and cancer \[ [2](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR2 "Aruoma OI. Free radicals, antioxidants and international nutrition. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 1999;8:53–63."), [3](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR3 "Gupta VK, Sharma SK. Plants as natural antioxidants. Nat Prod Radiance. 2006;5:326–34.")\] and could cause immune system depletion \[ [3](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR3 "Gupta VK, Sharma SK. Plants as natural antioxidants. Nat Prod Radiance. 2006;5:326–34."), [4](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR4 "Magder S. Reactive oxygen species: toxic molecules or spark of life? Crit Care. 2006;10:208–16.")\].

A typical antioxidant donates an electron to a free radical thus neutralizing it \[ [5](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR5 "Halliwell B. How to characterize an antioxidant: an update. Biochem Soc Symp. 1995;61:73–101.")\] and often bind to metals \[ [6](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR6 "Brewer MS. Natural antioxidants: sources, compounds, mechanisms of action, and potential applications. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2011;10:221–47.")\]. Synthetic antioxidants cause negative health effects \[ [7](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR7 "Ebrahimzadeh MA, Pourmorad F, Hafezi S. Antioxidant activities of Iranian corn silk. Turkish J. Biol. 2008;32:43–9.")\]. Reports have recommended to replace synthetic antioxidants with natural ones \[ [6](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR6 "Brewer MS. Natural antioxidants: sources, compounds, mechanisms of action, and potential applications. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2011;10:221–47."), [8](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR8 "Soobrattee MA, Neergheen VS, Luximon-Ramma A, Aruoma OI, Bahorun T. Phenolics as potential antioxidant therapeutic agents: mechanism and actions. Mutat Res. 2005;579:200–13.")\] to control formation of free radicals \[ [9](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR9 "Chaudière J, Ferrari-Iliou R. Intracellular antioxidants: from chemical to biochemical mechanisms. Food Chem Toxicol. 1999;37:949–62.")\]. The most common natural antioxidants are antioxidative enzymes \[ [10](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR10 "Fridovich I. Fundamental aspects of reactive oxygen species, or what’s the matter with oxygen? Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1999;893:13–8.")\] whereas others are well represented in different spices and herbs \[ [11](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR11 "Hinneburg I, Damien Dorman HJ, Hiltunen R. Antioxidant activities of extracts from selected culinary herbs and spices. Food Chem. 2006;97:122–9.")\].

Chamomile is known for its as anti-inflammatory \[ [12](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR12 "Carnat A, Carnat AP, Fraisse D, Ricoux L, Lamaison JL. The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of Roman camomile tea. Fitoterapia. 2004;75:32–8."), [13](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR13 "Peña D, de Montes Oca N, Rojas S, Parra A, García G. Anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheic activity of Isocarpha cubana Blake. Pharmacologyonline. 2006;3:744–9.")\], anti-diarrhea \[ [14](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR14 "Sebai H, Jabri M-A, Souli A, Rtibi K, Selmi S, Tebourbi O, et al. Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152:327–32.")\], antioxidant \[ [14](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR14 "Sebai H, Jabri M-A, Souli A, Rtibi K, Selmi S, Tebourbi O, et al. Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152:327–32."), [15](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR15 "Zemestani M, Rafraf M, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition. 2016;32:66–72.")\], anti-cancer \[ [16](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR16 "Patel D, Shukla S, Gupta S. Apigenin and cancer chemoprevention: progress, potential and promise. Int J Oncol. 2007;30:233–45.")\], neuro-protective \[ [17](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR17 "Ranpariya V, Parmar S, Sheth N, Chandrashekhar V. Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita against fluoride-induced stress in rats. Pharm. Biol. 2011;49:696–701.")\], anti-allergic \[ [18](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR18 "Chandrashekhar V, Halagali K, Nidavani R, Shalavadi MH, Biradar BS, Biswas D, et al. Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137:336–40.")\] and anti-microbial \[ [19](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR19 "Silva N, Barbosa L, Seito L, Fernandes Junior A. Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of crude extracts and essential oils from medicinal plants. Nat Prod Res. 2012;26:1510–4.")\] effects. It also improves cardiac health \[ [20](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR20 "Gould L, Reddy CR, Gomprecht RF. Cardiac effects of chamomile tea. J Clin Pharmacol. 1973;13:475–9.")\].

Medicinal plants are essential to medicine \[ [21](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR21 "Koehn FE, Carter GT. The evolving role of natural products in drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2005;4:206–20."), [22](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR22 "Hadley SK, Petry JJ. Medicinal herbs: a primer for primary care. Hosp Pract. 1999;34:105–23.")\] where different preclinical studies using skin and ovarian cancer models have shown promising growth inhibitory effects \[ [16](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR16 "Patel D, Shukla S, Gupta S. Apigenin and cancer chemoprevention: progress, potential and promise. Int J Oncol. 2007;30:233–45."), [23](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR23 "Way T-D, Kao M-C, Lin J-K. Apigenin induces apoptosis through proteasomal degradation of HER2/neu in HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer cells via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-dependent pathway. J Biol Chem. 2004;279:4479–89.")\]. Similarly, chamomile was reported to induce apoptosis in cancer cells \[ [24](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR24 "Srivastava JK, Gupta S. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2007;55:9470–8.")\]. The main component of the essential oil extracted from chamomile is terpenoids α-bisabolol \[ [25](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR25 "Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010;3:895–901.")\].

## Main text

### Methods

#### Plant sample and extract preparation

Dried chamomile flowers were purchased from the local market. Ten grams of the flowers were extracted with 70% ethanol and macerated for 48 h at 4 °C. The product was then filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure at 40 °C. A 30 mg/mL solution was prepared in 50% ethanol.

#### Total polyphenol content (TPC)

The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent was used \[ [26](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR26 "Singleton VL, Orthofer R, Lamuela-Raventós RM. [14] Analysis of total phenols and other oxidation substrates and antioxidants by means of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Methods Enzymol. 1999;299:152–78.")\]. 50% ethanol was used in the preparation of a 10% solution. Hundred µL of this solution was mixed with 200 µL of the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and 2 mL of de-ionized water. 20% aqueous sodium carbonate (w/w, 1 mL) was added. After incubation for 1 h at room temperature, the total polyphenols were determined. Absorbance was measured at 765 nm. The total phenolic compounds were expressed in mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry weight of plant material. Experiments were conducted in triplicates.

#### Free-radical scavenging activity

The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH·) was used to measure the free radical scavenging activity \[ [27](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR27 "Lim YY, Quah EPL. Antioxidant properties of different cultivars of Portulaca oleracea. Food Chem. 2007;103:734–40.")\]. 3.8 mL of 60 µg/mL methanolic solution of DPPH was mixed with 200 µL extract. This was allowed to stand for 30 min at room temperature in the dark. The absorbance was measured at 517 nm followed by the determination of the EC50 value (µg/mL). The total antioxidant activity was expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry extract. Experiments were conducted in triplicates.

#### Determination of total flavonoids

The aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used as described in \[ [28](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR28 "Chang C-C, Yang M-H, Wen H-M, Chern J-C. Estimation of total flavonoid content in propolis by two complementary colorimetric methods. J Food Drug Anal. 2002;10:178–82.")\]. 500 µL of the extract (600 µg/mL) was mixed with 0.1 mL of 10% (w/v) aluminum chloride, 0.1 mL of 1 M potassium acetate, 1.5 mL of methanol and 2.8 mL of distilled water. The mixture was incubated at room temperature for 30 min. The absorbance was measured at 415 nm. The mean of three readings was calculated and was expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g of the dry extract.

#### Cell culture

Human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were allowed to grow in RPMI 1640 medium (Sigma, USA) supplemented with 1 percent antibiotic cocktail and ten percent fetal bovine serum (FBS) \[ [29](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR29 "Folkman J, Long DM, Becker FF. Growth and metastasis of tumor in organ culture. Cancer. 1963;16:453–67.")\]. Liver cells were keep warm at 37 °C in five percent CO2 humidified incubator then passaged every 2–3 days using 0.25% trypsin–EDTA solution.

#### Cytotoxicity assay

HepG2 cells were seeded at 5000 cells/well in 96-well plates (Nunc) where the tested extract was added in and its effect was assessed after 24 h. The 3-\[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl\]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to assess cell viability. Briefly, cells treated with the given extract were treated with 5 mg/mL tetrazolium MTT (Sigma, USA). The absorbance was then measured at a wavelength of 570 nm and the percentage of the viability of the treated cells was calculated using the following equation.

$$ Percent\\;of\\;viable\\;cells = \\frac{Abs\\;of\\;treated\\;cells}{Abs\\;of\\;control\\;cells} \\times 100 $$

#### Assessment of morphological changes

HepG2 cells were seeded at 0.25 × 106 cells/well in 6-well plates (Nunc) and were allowed to attach overnight. They were then treated without or with increasing concentrations of chamomile for 24 h and cell morphology was monitored and analyzed.

#### Experimental animals

The present study was approved by the institutional (UAE University) Animal Ethics Committee (approval Reference number: A 8-15) as detailed in \[ [30](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR30 "Al-Dabbagh B, Elhaty IA, Murali C, Madhoon AA, Amin A. Salvadora persica (Miswak): antioxidant and Promising Antiangiogenic Insights. Am J Plant Sci. 2018;09:1228–44.")\].

#### Rat aorta ring assay

This was carried out on rat aortic explants as described \[ [31](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR31 "Al-Salahi OSA, Kit-Lam C, Majid AM, Al-Suede FS, Mohammed SA, Abdullah WZ, et al. Anti-angiogenic quassinoid-rich fraction from Eurycoma longifolia modulates endothelial cell function. Microvasc Res. 2013;90:30–9.")\]. Twelve male Wistar rats were used and approximately 12–14 rings were cut out from each aorta. The detailed methodology is described in \[ [30](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR30 "Al-Dabbagh B, Elhaty IA, Murali C, Madhoon AA, Amin A. Salvadora persica (Miswak): antioxidant and Promising Antiangiogenic Insights. Am J Plant Sci. 2018;09:1228–44.")\].

#### Immunofluorescence

HepG2 cells were grown and processed for immunofluorescence as previously reported in \[ [32](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR32 "Romanelli R, Petrai I, Robino G, Efsen E, Novo E, Bonacchi A, et al. Thrombopoietin stimulates migration and activates multiple signaling pathways in hepatoblastoma cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2006;290:G120–8.")\].

#### Immunoblotting

HepG2 cells were seeded at a density of 1 × 106 cells/100 mm plate and were then allowed to attach. Attached cells were treated with the given extract at the following doses (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 µM) and for 24 h. Whole cell lysates were analyzed using 7.5% and 10% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins were transferred onto PVDF membranes before incubation with primary antibodies (AKT, p-AKT, VEGF (Cell signalling technologies) Phospho-p44/42, Phospho-p38, MMP-9 (Abcam) and GAPDH (Abcam) as a loading control. All protein bands were detected using WesternSure Chemiluminescent Substrate (LI-COR) and C-DiGit blot scanner (LI-COR).

### Results and discussion

#### Plant extraction

The extract was prepared by evaporation of ethanol/water and the w/w percent yield was estimated to be 13.51% based on the used solvent \[ [33](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR33 "Roby MHH, Sarhan MA, Selim KA-H, Khalel KI. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil and extracts of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Ind Crops Prod. 2013;44:437–45.")\].

#### Total polyphenol content (TPC)

Polyphenols are aromatic secondary plant metabolites \[ [34](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR34 "Robbins RJ. Phenolic acids in foods: an overview of analytical methodology. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51:2866–87.")\] that may contribute to antioxidant activity \[ [27](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR27 "Lim YY, Quah EPL. Antioxidant properties of different cultivars of Portulaca oleracea. Food Chem. 2007;103:734–40."), [35](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR35 "Wojdyło A, Oszmiański J, Czemerys R. Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in 32 selected herbs. Food Che. 2007;105:940–9.")\]. The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent reacts with polyphenols \[ [36](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR36 "Pontis JA, Costa LA, Silva SJ, Flach A. Color, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of honey from Roraima, Brazil. Food Sci Technol. 2014;34:69–73.")\].

The calibration curve showed linearity for gallic acid in the range of 0.5–26 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.988. Our extract contained high polyphenols (21.4 ± 0.327 mg GAE/g). When compared to other chamomile extracts, Italian chamomile gave (2689.2 ± 15 mg GAE/100 g) which is slightly higher than ours \[ [37](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR37 "Formisano C, Delfine S, Oliviero F, Tenore GC, Rigano D, Senatore F. Correlation among environmental factors, chemical composition and antioxidative properties of essential oil and extracts of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) collected in Molise (South-central Italy). Ind Crops Prod. 2015;63:256–63.")\] while Egyptian chamomile showed (3.7 ± 2.0 mg GAE/g) polyphenols, much less than ours \[ [33](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR33 "Roby MHH, Sarhan MA, Selim KA-H, Khalel KI. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil and extracts of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Ind Crops Prod. 2013;44:437–45.")\]. Results are the average of triplicates ± SD.

#### DPPH radical scavenging activity

Antioxidant activity was assessed based on the ability to reduce the stable DPPH radical \[ [27](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR27 "Lim YY, Quah EPL. Antioxidant properties of different cultivars of Portulaca oleracea. Food Chem. 2007;103:734–40.")\]. The DPPH radical (DPPH·) can accept an electron or hydrogen radical and form a stable diamagnetic molecule \[ [38](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR38 "Robards K, Prenzler PD, Tucker G, Swatsitang P, Glover W. Phenolic compounds and their role in oxidative processes in fruits. Food Chem. 1999;66:401–36.")\]. The color change of DPPH has been used to measure the radical scavenging activity \[ [39](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR39 "Kitts DD, Wijewickreme AN, Hu C. Antioxidant properties of a North American ginseng extract. Mol Cell Biochem. 2000;203:1–10.")\].

The ascorbic acid calibration curve showed linearity in the range of 5–20 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.989. The DPPH scavenging activity of our extract ranged between (94.8% ± 0.03) at 1.50 mg/mL to (84.2% ± 0.86) at 0.15 mg/mL (Additional file [1](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#MOESM1)).

The EC50 value was 26.7 µg/mL. We had a significant negative correlation (R2 = 0.856, P-value < 0.05) between EC50 ((DPPH·) scavenging) and total phenolic content. This suggests that their presence contributed significantly to antioxidant activity. These findings are consistent with previous investigations \[ [27](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR27 "Lim YY, Quah EPL. Antioxidant properties of different cultivars of Portulaca oleracea. Food Chem. 2007;103:734–40."), [35](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR35 "Wojdyło A, Oszmiański J, Czemerys R. Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in 32 selected herbs. Food Che. 2007;105:940–9."), [40](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR40 "Shan B, Cai YZ, Sun M, Corke H. Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents. J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53:7749–59.")\]. Iranian chamomile showed very high EC50 (5.52 ± 0.15 mg/mL) compared to our chamomile indicating that it has lower antioxidant power than the extract presented here \[ [41](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR41 "Sazegar M, Banakar A, Bahrami N, Bahrami A, Baghbani M, Nematolahi P, et al. Determination of the antioxidant activity and stability of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) extract in sunflower oil. World Appl Sci J. 2011;12:1500–4.")\].

#### Total flavonoid contents

Flavonoids have anticancer activity \[ [42](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR42 "Amin A, Mousa M. Merits of anti-cancer plants from the Arabian Gulf region. Cancer Ther. 2007;5:55–66.")\] and contribute to antioxidant plant properties \[ [40](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR40 "Shan B, Cai YZ, Sun M, Corke H. Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents. J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53:7749–59.")\]. We used the aluminum chloride assay \[ [43](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR43 "Popova M, Bankova V, Butovska D, Petkov V, Nikolova-Damyanova B, Sabatini AG, et al. Validated methods for the quantification of biologically active constituents of poplar-type propolis. Phytochem Anal. 2004;15:235–40.")\]. The calibration curve showed linearity in the range of 1–25 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999. The total flavonoids content was (157.9 ± 2.22) mg QE/g dry extract.

#### Antiproliferative effect of _M. recutita_\\({\\text{L.}}\\) extract against cancer cells

HCC is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide \[ [44](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR44 "Amin A, Hamza AA, Bajbouj K, Ashraf SS, Daoud S. Saffron: a potential candidate for a novel anticancer drug against hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology. 2011;54:857–67.")\]. Natural products-based biomolecules possess bioactive secondary metabolites that are the foundation of broad-spectrum integrative approach for cancer prevention and treatment \[ [45](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR45 "Al-Hrout A, Chaiboonchoe A, Khraiwesh B, Murali C, Baig B, El-Awady R, et al. Safranal induces DNA double-strand breakage and ER-stress-mediated cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):16951.                      https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34855-0                                        ."), [46](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR46 "Ruhul Amin ARM, Karpowicz PA, Carey TE, Arbiser J, Nahta R, Chen ZG, et al. Evasion of anti-growth signaling: a key step in tumorigenesis and potential target for treatment and prophylaxis by natural compounds. Semin Cancer Biol. 2015;35:S55–77.")\].

Effects of the given chamomile’s extract were investigated in vitro against HepG2 cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was evident (Fig. [1](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#Fig1)). The IC50 value was 300 µg/mL and the extract significantly enhanced the mortality of cancer cells at concentration as low as (200 µg/mL). It is worth stating here that the present extract showed no hepatotoxicity in normal porcine liver primary cells as previously reported in \[ [47](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR47 "Guimarães R, Barros L, Dueñas M, Calhelha RC, Carvalho AM, Santos-Buelga C, et al. Infusion and decoction of wild German chamomile: bioactivity and characterization of organic acids and phenolic compounds. Food Chem. 2013;136:947–54.")\]. Chamomile-based sesquiterpenic compounds have been reported to be involved in a plethora of biological activities \[ [48](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR48 "Cavalieri E, Mariotto S, Fabrizi C, de Prati AC, Gottardo R, Leone S, et al. α-Bisabolol, a nontoxic natural compound, strongly induces apoptosis in glioma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;315:589–94.")\].

**Fig. 1**

[![figure 1](//media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2Fs13104-018-3960-y/MediaObjects/13104_2018_3960_Fig1_HTML.png)](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/1)

Assessment of the cytotoxic effects of _Matricaria recutita_ L. extract on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. **a** MTT assay results of HepG2 cells viability after treatment with increasing concentrations of _M. recutita_ L. for 24 h. **b** Assessment of morphological changes of HepG2 cells after treatment with increasing concentrations of _M. recutita_ L. for 24 h. Cells were fixed and stained with crystal violet (scale bar = 200 μm)

[Full size image](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/1)

Chamomile has many health promoting effects including anti-allergic and anticancer activities \[ [49](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR49 "Matic IZ, Juranic Z, Savikin K, Zdunic G, Nadvinski N, Godevac D. Chamomile and marigold tea: chemical characterization and evaluation of anticancer activity. Phytother Res PTR. 2013;27:852–8.")\]. The composition and effects of chamomile have been studied; yet, the exact mechanism/s of its bioactivity awaits further investigations. Unlike the potent anticancer effect of the ethanolic extract of chamomile shown here, _M. recutita_ L. infusion and plant methanol extract was selective for HCT-15 and HeLa and showed no activity against MCF-7, NCI-H460 and HepG2 \[ [47](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR47 "Guimarães R, Barros L, Dueñas M, Calhelha RC, Carvalho AM, Santos-Buelga C, et al. Infusion and decoction of wild German chamomile: bioactivity and characterization of organic acids and phenolic compounds. Food Chem. 2013;136:947–54.")\].

#### Antiangiogenic activity of _M. recutita_\\({\\text{L.}}\\) extract in HepG2 cells

Angiogenesis is central to many physiological conditions \[ [29](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR29 "Folkman J, Long DM, Becker FF. Growth and metastasis of tumor in organ culture. Cancer. 1963;16:453–67.")\]. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that stimulates the process of blood vessel formation through important cellular processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis through receptor tyrosine kinase VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). Multiple VEGFs (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D) interact with VEGF receptors such as VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3 \[ [50](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR50 "Chatterjee S, Heukamp LC, Siobal M, Schöttle J, Wieczorek C, Peifer M, et al. Tumor VEGF: VEGFR2 autocrine feed-forward loop triggers angiogenesis in lung cancer. J Clin Invest. 2013;123:1732–40.")\]. Here, we demonstrated that an increasing dose of the present extract inhibited the protein expression of VEGF (Fig. [2](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#Fig2)) and that was consistent with an immunofluorescence assay that showed the dose dependent decrease of VEGFR2 expression (Fig. [3](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#Fig3)).

**Fig. 2**

[![figure 2](//media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2Fs13104-018-3960-y/MediaObjects/13104_2018_3960_Fig2_HTML.png)](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/2)

Inhibitory effect of _Matricaria recutita_ L. extract on angiogenesis related markers. Western blot analysis of important and prerequisites markers in angiogenesis in HepG2 cells post treatment with increasing doses of chamomile for 24 h

[Full size image](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/2)

**Fig. 3**

[![figure 3](//media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2Fs13104-018-3960-y/MediaObjects/13104_2018_3960_Fig3_HTML.png)](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/3)

Representative images of immunofluorescence assay of pre-treated HEPG2 cells in two doses of _Matricaria recutita_ L. extract (600 µM and 800 µM). Cells were immunostained with antibody against VEGFR2. VEGFR-positive cells were stained green (Alexa Fluor® 488) and the nucleus stained blue (DAPI). Scale bar, 20 µm

[Full size image](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y/figures/3)

The matrix metalloproteinases are zinc-dependent endopeptidases \[ [51](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR51 "Kuwajima A, Iwashita J, Murata J, Abe T. The histone deacetylase inhibitor butyrate inhibits melanoma cell invasion of Matrigel. Anticancer Res. 2007;27:4163–9.")\] of which MMP-9 is believed to be promoting angiogenesis \[ [52](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR52 "Sun L-C, Luo J, Mackey LV, Fuselier JA, Coy DH. A conjugate of camptothecin and a somatostatin analog against prostate cancer cell invasion via a possible signaling pathway involving PI3K/Akt, αVβ3/αVβ5 and MMP-2/-9. Cancer Lett. 2007;246:157–66.")\]. The present extract dynamically down regulated the expression of MMP-9 substantiating the potential of the extract in regulating tumor angiogenesis. Protein expression analysis was performed using western blot to determine whether the present extract regulated the activity of MAPK/AKT cascades including AKT, ERK1/2 MAPK and p38 MAPK. As shown in Fig. [2](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#Fig2), the extract substantially induced the activation of AKT and ERK1/2 MAPK and had no significant effect on phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. The tested chamomile extract inhibited the activation of AKT/ERK pathway measured by the western blot analysis of p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 (Fig. [2](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#Fig2)). Interestingly, the levels of total AKT was also down regulated at higher doses. Studies have reported that deprivation of VEGF or blockade of the VEGF signal transduction cascade with the VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitor K787/ZK222584 resulted in a specific decrease of AKT protein level; subsequent cellular stimulation with VEGF rescued AKT stability in endothelial cells \[ [53](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR53 "Riesterer O, Zingg D, Hummerjohann J, Bodis S, Pruschy M. Degradation of PKB/Akt protein by inhibition of the VEGF receptor/mTOR pathway in endothelial cells. Oncogene. 2004;23:4624–35.")\]. Chamomile extract used here could be a direct target for VEGF that caused the decrease of AKT protein expression and it significantly inhibited the level of VEGFR2 in HEPG2 cells representing the blockade of the VEGF signaling pathway. Similarily, _Rhazya strict_ (Harmal) has recently been shown to possess potent antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities in vitro \[ [54](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#ref-CR54 "Al-Dabbagh B, Elhaty IA, Al Hrout AA, Al Sakkaf R, El-Awady R, Ashraf SS, et al. Antioxidant and anticancer activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Cassia acutifolia and Rhazya stricta. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018;18:240–52.")\].

#### Inhibitory effect of _M. recutita_\\({\\text{L.}}\\) extract on sprouting of microvessels in rat aortic explants

Cell migration and invasion are crucial in physiological processes such as angiogenesis. Similar trend was observed in aortic ring assay (Additional file [2](/articles/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y#MOESM2)) where treatment with chamomile reduced sprouting microvessels in a dose-dependent fashion.

### Conclusions

Chamomile represents a potential in anti-cancer treatments.

## Limitations

A possible limitation could be the lack of in vivo studies that was not the focus of this work but could be done in a future study.

## Abbreviations

SEM:

standard error of the mean

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## Authors’ contributions

BAD and AA designed the study, analyzed the data, interpreted the results and wrote the paper; IAE, ME, CM, AAM and BA performed all the experiments and contributed to the study design and analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

### Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a start-up grant (Grant 31S 215), Division of Research and Graduate Studies, UAEU and an individual research grant (Grant 31S 188), College of Science, UAEU to the PI: Dr. Bayan Al-Dabbagh.

### Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

### Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

### Ethics approval and consent to participate

All procedures were carried out according to the guidelines of Animal Ethics Committee (UAE University). The present study was submitted to the institutional animal ethics committee, “Animal Research Ethics Committee” for evaluation and was approved by the committee (approval Reference number: A 8-15) belonging to the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University.

### Consent for publication

Not applicable.

### Funding

This work was supported by a start-up grant (Grant 31S 215), Division of Research and Graduate Studies, UAEU and an individual research grant (Grant 31S 188), College of Science, UAEU to the PI: Dr. Bayan Al-Dabbagh.

### Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

## Author information

### Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, UAE

Bayan Al-Dabbagh, Ismail A. Elhaty & Mohamed Elhaw

2. Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, UAE

Chandraprabha Murali, Ameera Al Mansoori, Basma Awad & Amr Amin


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### Corresponding authors

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[Bayan Al-Dabbagh](mailto:bayan.al-dabbagh@uaeu.ac.ae) or [Amr Amin](mailto:a.amin@uaeu.ac.ae).

## Additional files

### [**Additional file 1.**](https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1186%2Fs13104-018-3960-y/MediaObjects/13104_2018_3960_MOESM1_ESM.docx)

DPPH radical scavenging activities of the tested _Matricaria recutita_ L. extract. Description of data: The percentage inhibitions of DPPH scavenging activity of the extract.

### [**Additional file 2.**](https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1186%2Fs13104-018-3960-y/MediaObjects/13104_2018_3960_MOESM2_ESM.docx)

_Matricaria recutita_ L. extract inhibits microvessels sprouting in aortic ring assay in a dose-dependent manner. **(a)** Representative micrographs of sprouting microvessels from aortic ring grown in the absence or presence of _M. recutita_ L. extract with or without VEGF treatment. **(b)** Quantification of the number of the sprouting microvessels from aortic rings grown in the presence or absence of _M. recutita_ L. extract with or without VEGF treatment. Description of data: _Matricaria recutita_ L. extract inhibits microvessels sprouting in aortic ring assay in a dose-dependent manner.

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### Cite this article

Al-Dabbagh, B., Elhaty, I.A., Elhaw, M. _et al._ Antioxidant and anticancer activities of chamomile ( _Matricaria recutita_ L.).
_BMC Res Notes_ **12**, 3 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y

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- Received: 09 September 2018

- Accepted: 27 November 2018

- Published: 03 January 2019

- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y


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### Keywords

- [Antioxidants](/search?query=Antioxidants&facet-discipline="Biomedicine")
- [Anticancer](/search?query=Anticancer&facet-discipline="Biomedicine")
- [Medicinal plants](/search?query=Medicinal%20plants&facet-discipline="Biomedicine")
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