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1541937 
Journal Article 
Chamomile: An ancient pain remedy and a modern gout relief - A hypothesis 
Ghavimi, H; Shayanfar, Ali; Hamedeyazdan, S; Shiva, A; Garjani, A 
2012 
6 
8 
508-511 
WOS:000303762800002 
Matricaria chamomilla (MC) is a well-known medicinal plant.
In the present paper, the researchers intended to focus on the possible anti-inflammatory
pharmacological mechanisms of MC preparations in the treatment of gouty arthritis and the
constituents of MC responsible for its effects. The medicinal preparations of MC are composed of
several classes of biologically active compounds with an inhibitory effect on inflammation
including essential oils and flavonoids. Apigenin, quercetin and luteolin are flavonoids, which
exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects via different mechanisms. Apigenin exhibits anti-
inflammatory activity via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines production. Luteolin suppresses
production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E-2 and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS)
and cyclooxygenase-2 - which are all associated with inflammatory responses. In addition,
Luteolin along with quercetin, inhibit xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme. There are also additional
components of the MC preparations which play a role in its anti-inflammatory action via other
pathways. The mentioned mechanisms are in accordance with the authors's concept that MC can
alleviate inflammation in gouty arthritis. 
Matricaria chamomilla; gout; inflammation; essential oils; flavonoids