# Matricine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/matricine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Proazulene matricine, Matricaria matricine, Chamomile matricine, German chamomile matricine, Matricaria recutita matricine, Proazulene sesquiterpene ## Overview Matricine is a sesquiterpene lactone found primarily in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) that partially converts to chamazulene during steam distillation. Its primary mechanisms involve inhibition of pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) enzymes such as COX-2 and NF-κB signaling, alongside induction of apoptosis in cancer cell lines. ## Health Benefits • Inhibits proliferation of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and blocking migration/invasion pathways, based on in vitro studies. • Reduces tumor incidence and inflammatory cytokines in a mouse model of lung cancer, as shown in preclinical in vivo research. • Elevates antioxidant levels while reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in animal studies. • Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity, confirmed through in vitro research. • Modulates apoptosis-related proteins and improves immune response in preclinical models. ## Mechanism of Action Matricine suppresses NF-κB transcriptional activity, thereby downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6 while inhibiting COX-2-mediated prostaglandin synthesis. In cancer cell models, it induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2/Bax ratios and activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 cascades. Additionally, matricine disrupts epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, reducing cellular migration and invasion. ## Clinical Summary Preclinical in vitro studies demonstrate that matricine inhibits proliferation of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines by triggering intrinsic apoptotic pathways, though specific IC50 values vary across studies. Mouse model research shows reduced lung tumor incidence alongside decreased circulating [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines following matricine administration, representing promising but early-stage in vivo evidence. No large-scale randomized controlled human clinical trials on isolated matricine have been published as of 2024, meaning the evidence base is entirely preclinical. The overall evidence strength is low-to-moderate and insufficient to support definitive therapeutic claims in humans without further clinical investigation. ## Nutritional Profile Matricine is a pure bioactive sesquiterpene lactone compound (molecular formula C17H20O5, molecular weight 308.33 g/mol), not a whole food or nutritional ingredient, and therefore carries no meaningful macronutrient, micronutrient, fiber, or protein content. As an isolated phytochemical, it does not contribute calories, carbohydrates, fats, or proteins in relevant quantities. Bioactive compound identity: Matricine is a proazulene-type sesquiterpene lactone, classified as a guaianolide skeleton compound. It is the biosynthetic precursor to chamazulene, converting to the blue-pigmented chamazulene (C14H16) upon steam distillation or heating, which is responsible for the characteristic blue color of chamomile essential oil. Concentration in source plants: Found primarily in Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) flower heads at approximately 0.1–0.5% of dry weight, depending on chemotype, growing conditions, and harvest timing. Also detected in Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) and related Asteraceae species at lower concentrations. Co-occurring bioactives in source material include alpha-bisabolol (up to 50% of essential oil fraction), apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin, and quercetin glycosides, though these are distinct from matricine itself. Solubility and bioavailability: Matricine is lipophilic with limited aqueous solubility, suggesting absorption may be enhanced with lipid co-administration. It is heat-labile, converting irreversibly to chamazulene above approximately 100°C. Oral bioavailability data in humans is not formally established; preclinical studies suggest cellular uptake via passive diffusion consistent with its lipophilic sesquiterpene structure. No established dietary reference intake or recommended daily allowance exists for this compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages in humans are available. Preclinical mouse studies used an oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Matricine is a sesquiterpene lactone and shares structural features with known contact allergens; individuals with documented allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies) face elevated risk of hypersensitivity reactions including contact dermatitis. No well-characterized drug interaction data specific to isolated matricine exists, but theoretical interactions with anticoagulants and NSAIDs are plausible given its [COX-2](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibitory activity. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established in controlled studies, and use should be avoided in these populations until more data are available. High-dose supplementation with concentrated sesquiterpene lactone extracts should be approached cautiously in individuals on immunosuppressive or chemotherapy regimens without physician oversight. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses on matricine were identified. Existing evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal studies, with specific study details provided in the research dossier. ## Historical & Cultural Context Matricine is found in chamomile, which has a long history in European traditional medicine for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anxiolytic purposes. While chamomile is well-studied, matricine's specific historical use is not documented. ## Synergistic Combinations Chamomile, Turmeric, Ginger, Green Tea, Boswellia ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is matricine and where does it come from? Matricine is a sesquiterpene lactone naturally occurring in the flower heads of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and related Asteraceae species. It is thermally unstable and readily converts to the blue-pigmented compound chamazulene when chamomile undergoes steam distillation, which is why chamomile essential oil appears blue but the fresh plant does not. ### Can matricine help fight cancer? Preclinical studies show matricine can inhibit proliferation of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells by activating caspase-3 and caspase-9-dependent apoptosis and suppressing MMP-2/MMP-9-driven invasion. Mouse models of lung cancer also demonstrated reduced tumor incidence and lower inflammatory cytokine levels after treatment. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted, so anticancer effects in people remain unproven. ### How does matricine differ from chamazulene? Matricine and chamazulene are structurally related sesquiterpene compounds derived from chamomile, but matricine is the colorless precursor present in the living plant, while chamazulene is the deep-blue artifact generated from matricine during high-temperature steam distillation. Both compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, but matricine has demonstrated more direct apoptosis-inducing activity in cancer cell studies, whereas chamazulene is more commonly studied for its COX-2 and free-radical inhibitory effects. ### Is matricine safe to take as a supplement? Isolated matricine supplements have not been evaluated in formal human safety trials, so an established safe dosage range does not exist. Because it is a sesquiterpene lactone, people allergic to Asteraceae family plants such as ragweed or chamomile should avoid it due to risk of allergic contact dermatitis or systemic hypersensitivity. Theoretical interactions with NSAIDs and blood thinners exist given its COX-2 inhibitory mechanism, and it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation without medical guidance. ### What anti-inflammatory pathways does matricine target? Matricine inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation, which reduces transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity, limiting prostaglandin E2 production at sites of inflammation. These dual mechanisms—targeting both upstream transcriptional regulation and downstream enzymatic activity—contribute to its observed anti-inflammatory effects in cellular and mouse model studies. ### What does the current clinical evidence show about matricine's effectiveness in humans? Most evidence for matricine comes from in vitro and animal studies, particularly research on pancreatic and lung cancer cells and models. Human clinical trials remain limited, so efficacy in real-world supplementation has not been firmly established in the way it has been in laboratory settings. The gap between preclinical promise and human clinical data is an important consideration when evaluating matricine supplements. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine whether the antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits observed in cells and animals translate to measurable health outcomes in people. ### Does matricine have better bioavailability in certain forms or when taken with specific foods? Matricine is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, which suggests absorption may be enhanced when consumed with dietary fat or oil. Most commercial matricine supplements derive from chamomile extract or dried herb preparations, but research directly comparing the bioavailability of different matricine formulations in humans is scarce. Taking matricine-containing supplements with meals—particularly those containing healthy fats—may optimize intestinal absorption, though specific food pairing studies have not been conducted. Individual absorption can vary based on digestive health and extract quality. ### Who is most likely to benefit from matricine supplementation based on current research? Individuals interested in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support may be candidates, given matricine's demonstrated ability to reduce oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in animal models. People with a family history of pancreatic or lung cancer might consider matricine as a complementary approach, though it should not replace conventional medical screening or treatment. Those already using chamomile medicinally may be obtaining matricine naturally, making additional supplementation unnecessary. As clinical data in humans remains limited, matricine is best viewed as a preventive wellness ingredient rather than a treatment for established disease. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*