Coumarins of Matricaria chamomilla L.: aglycones and glycosides.

The identity and quantity of coumarin-like compounds in leaves and anthodia of Matricaria chamomilla L. were studied by LC-DAD and NMR. So far, two monosubstituted coumarins, herniarin and umbelliferone, and two herniarin precursors were identified therein. In this paper, two other coumarin glycosides and one aglycone were confirmed. Skimmin (umbelliferone-7-O-β-d-glucoside), daphnin (daphnetin-7-O-β-d-glucoside) and daphnetin (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin) were found for the first time in diploid and tetraploid leaves and anthodia of M. chamomilla L. Daphnetin is known as a strong sensitizer, so this compound and its glycosidic derivative can contribute to the allergic potential of chamomile. Commercial chamomile preparations were tested for their presence.