PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 18 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea/Chamomilla suaveolens) is a medicinal herb used traditionally as an insect repellent [PMID:30379955] and is noted for its phenolic and terpenoid content [PMID:21922910, PMID:20184038].
Background
Pineapple weed, referred to as Matricaria discoidea DC. or Chamomilla suaveolens (Pursh) Rydb., is a plant of the Asteraceae family [PMID:30379955, PMID:21922910].
Traditional uses
It has documented use as an insect repellent by Blackfoot Indians and other indigenous groups of North America [PMID:30379955]. It is also mentioned in historical folkloristic records of medicinal plant use in Estonia [PMID:36297723].
Active compounds
Identified compounds include alpha-terpineol, spathulenol, and neryl isovalerate [PMID:30379955]. Other constituents include (Z)-en-yne-dicycloether, (E)-beta-farnesene, geranyl isovaleriate, palmitic acid, and myrcene [PMID:20184038], as well as dicaffeoylquinic acids, chlorogenic acids, ferulic acid glycoside, and various flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin glycosides) [PMID:21922910]. Additionally, cis-en-yn-dicycloether, trans-en-yn-dicycloether, and the coumarin herniarin have been identified [PMID:17260697].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DMosquito biting
Hydrodistilled oil from dried aerial parts and specific compounds (most notably alpha-terpineol) act as biting deterrents against Aedes aegypti [PMID:30379955]
Evidence DHelicobacter pylori aggregation
Aqueous extracts of pineapple-weed blocked the aggregation of H. pylori and did not reveal antimicrobial activity [PMID:10079525]
Safety & adverse effects
Wild chamomile (related species) has been identified as an elicitor of positive reactions in Compositae-allergic patients [PMID:11683829].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on phytochemical analysis and in vitro or bioassay-directed studies (Level D), with no clinical trials available for this specific species.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30379955 (2018) — Isolation and identification of mosquito biting deterrents from the North American mosquito repelling folk remedy plant, Matricaria discoidea DC. · PloS one
- 2.PMID: 21922910 (2011) — Content of phenolic compounds in aerial parts of Chamomilla suaveolens from Estonia. · Natural product communications
- 3.PMID: 36297723 (2022) — The Appeal of Ethnobotanical Folklore Records: Medicinal Plant Use in Setomaa, Räpina and Vastseliina Parishes, Estonia (1888-1996). · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 11683829 (2001) — Sensitization and cross-reaction patterns in Danish Compositae-allergic patients. · Contact dermatitis
- 5.PMID: 10079525 (1999) — Effect on cell surface hydrophobicity and susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to medicinal plant extracts.