Abstract

The essential oil and methanol of Matricaria Chamomilla L. were subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by two complementary test systems, namely 2,2-Diphenykpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. BHT was used as positive control in both test systems. In the DPPH test system, the IC50 value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 4.18 and 1.83 µg/ml. In the β-carotene-linoleic acid system, oxidation was effectively inhibited by M. Chamomilla, the RAA value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 12.69 and 11.37%. When compared to BHT, the oil and methanol extract were nearly the same value. The essential oil and methanol extract were tested against bacterial and fungal strains using a broth microdilution method. The results suggest that M. Chamomilla, oil and methanol extract have significant antimicrobial activity.

Key words: Matricaria chamomilla L., essential oil, methanol extract, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity.