How Salt Stress Affects Chamomile's Natural Compounds and Health Benefits

Jim Crocker
26th August, 2024

How Salt Stress Affects Chamomile's Natural Compounds and Health Benefits

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the International Islamic University explored the impact of salt stress on German chamomile
  • Chamomile exposed to salt stress showed enhanced antibacterial properties, with a notable increase in the zone of inhibition
  • Salt stress significantly affected the phytoconstituents of chamomile, which could be used in developing nano-drugs or bio-drugs
Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, is a plant with significant medicinal value that can tolerate various environmental conditions, including freezing temperatures and different soil types. Recent research conducted by the International Islamic University has explored the impact of salt stress on German chamomile, revealing promising results for its potential applications in various industries[1]. Chamomile is known to contain over 120 chemicals, primarily found in its essential oil, which contribute to its medicinal properties. In this study, chamomile plants were subjected to varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) stress: 0 mM, 1 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM. The aim was to assess the efficacy of chamomile under salt stress conditions, a first in scientific research. The researchers utilized several analytical techniques, including phytochemical tests, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay. These methods were employed to characterize and evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of chamomile under different salt stress levels. The results demonstrated an enhanced antibacterial property in chamomile exposed to salt stress, with a notable increase in the zone of inhibition compared to control samples. This suggests that salt stress may boost the antibacterial efficacy of chamomile, making it a potent candidate for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the study observed a significant impact of salt stress on the phytoconstituents of chamomile. Phytoconstituents are bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. The stress-induced changes in these compounds could be harnessed for various applications, including the development of nano-drugs or bio-drugs. Interestingly, the study also noted clear flower induction in chamomile plants under salt stress. This finding is crucial as the compounds essential to the biological functions of chamomile flowers can be further utilized in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The ability of chamomile to thrive under salt stress and produce valuable phytoconstituents underscores its potential for plant biotechnology research. This study aligns with earlier findings on the medicinal properties of chamomile. For instance, previous research has highlighted the use of chamomile oil in treating skin inflammations such as atopic dermatitis[2]. Nanoemulgel formulations of chamomile oil have shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing, demonstrating its potential as a cost-effective and safe therapeutic option[2]. Furthermore, chamomile has been recognized for its antiviral properties, particularly against herpes simplex virus strains, including aciclovir-resistant variants[3]. These findings collectively emphasize the diverse medicinal applications of chamomile. Moreover, chamomile's role in alleviating anxiety disorders has been explored through network pharmacology and database mining, revealing its multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms[4]. The plant's ability to interact with key proteins and signaling pathways involved in anxiety underscores its potential as a natural tranquilizer. In the context of agricultural challenges, such as soil salinization, chamomile's resilience under salt stress offers valuable insights. Soil salinization adversely affects crop yield and soil fertility, posing a threat to food security[5]. The ability of chamomile to maintain its medicinal properties under such conditions highlights its potential as a sustainable crop in saline soils, contributing to ecosystem services and agricultural sustainability. In conclusion, the recent study by the International Islamic University provides compelling evidence of the enhanced antibacterial and phytochemical properties of chamomile under salt stress. These findings open new avenues for the application of chamomile in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. Chamomile's resilience and medicinal value make it a promising candidate for further research and development in addressing both agricultural and health-related challenges.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Impact of NaCl stress on phytoconstituents and bioactivity of Matricaria chamomilla: a multi-analytical approach.

Published 24th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70672-4

Related Studies

2) Evaluation of chamomile oil and nanoemulgels as a promising treatment option for atopic dermatitis induced in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17425247.2020.1699054

3) Efficacy of anise oil, dwarf-pine oil and chamomile oil against thymidine-kinase-positive and thymidine-kinase-negative herpesviruses.

https://doi.org/10.1211/jpp/60.11.0017

4) Action mechanism of Roman chamomile in the treatment of anxiety disorder based on network pharmacology.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13547

5) Soil salinization in agriculture: Mitigation and adaptation strategies combining nature-based solutions and bioengineering.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108830


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