Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Activities of Matricaria chamomilla Extract: Targeting Platelet Activation Pathways in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are driven by chronic low-grade inflammation and heightened platelet reactivity, which contribute to endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and thrombotic complications. Matricaria chamomilla extract (MCE), a traditional medicinal herb, contains amphiphilic bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective properties.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects of MCE, with a focus on mechanisms relevant to CVD pathophysiology. Bioactive profiling was performed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was quantified using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with all samples exhibiting potent radical-scavenging capacity. Total carotenoid content (TCC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were also measured to assess phytochemical richness.

The anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic potential of MCE was evaluated ex vivo in human platelets by measuring inhibition of platelet-activating factor (PAF)- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Significant inhibition was observed across all extracts, indicating a strong modulatory effect on both inflammatory and pro-thrombotic signaling pathways.

These results suggest that MCE exerts clinically relevant biological activities that may support its use as a complementary therapeutic agent in the prevention or management of inflammation-driven cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Further in vivo and clinical validation is warranted to explore its translational potential in cardiovascular medicine.