Green extraction of chamomile bioactives: techniques, health benefits, and wellness applications–a comprehensive review

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a widely utilized medicinal plant known for its therapeutic, functional, and cosmetic applications. This review highlights advancements in chamomile extraction methods, emphasizing green technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). These techniques have improved the yield, sustainability, and bioactive compound preservation, including flavonoids, polyphenols, sesquiterpenes, and essential oils. Chamomile extracts demonstrate significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antimicrobial properties, supporting their use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Additionally, valorisation of chamomile byproducts offers opportunities for resource recovery and sustainability. However, challenges persist, including the need for standardizing extraction protocols, characterizing underexplored bioactive, and validating health benefits through clinical trials. Synergistic combinations of chamomile with other natural or pharmaceutical agents show potential for enhanced efficacy but require deeper investigation. Furthermore, life cycle assessments of green extraction technologies are crucial to ensure environmental and economic feasibility. This review identifies gaps in existing research and recommends focusing on developing integrated biorefinery models, improving analytical techniques, and conducting robust clinical studies. Such efforts will maximize chamomile’s potential, enabling innovation in diverse applications while promoting sustainability. Chamomile stands out as a versatile and eco-friendly resource, offering significant value to modern industries.