HPLC–NMR-Based Chemical Profiling of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz and Matricaria recutita and Their Protective Effects on UVA-Exposed Fibroblasts

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and protective activity on fibroblasts of two Matricaria species: M. pubescens, which grows wild in Algeria, recutita, is cultivated Greece. A comparative phytochemical investigation using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, coupled with Photodiode Array Detection Mass Spectrometry (HPLC–PDA–MS) combined Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), was performed for identification main constituents flowerheads these medicinal plants. In pubescens more than 25 compounds were identified and/or isolated; among them are quercetagenin-3-O-glucopyranoside, reported first time sp., polyamines previously other Asteraceae species. officially recognized species Europe, 19 identified. To minimize analysis, structure elucidation based a multi-analytical approach directly subfractions. Two representative polar extracts from each characterized chemically further screened their effects 3T3 fibroblasts. cells exposed mild toxic dose UVA light (6 J/cm2), presence different concentrations extracts. Both recutita effective. methanolic extract best agent at lower (0.1 10 μg/mL), hydromethanolic higher ones (100–200 μg/mL). exhibited most enhanced cell viability relation those not UV control; it ranged 28 49% viability, depending dose, leading conclusion that latter seems exhibit potent cytoprotective significant regeneration activity.