Nanoparticles induced antioxidative compounds in Matricaria chamomilla

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of silica nanoparticles (NPs) were studied on growth, membrane stability, and antioxidant properties of Matricaria chamomilla in vitro. The sterilized seeds were incubated in different concentrations of silica NPs (0, 2, 4, 6 g L-1) for one hour and then were cultured on Murashing and Skoog medium. Silica NPs application enhanced relative water content and fresh and dry weight of leaf and root. The highest growth was observed at 4 g L-1 silica NPs. Hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde significantly reduced at 4 g L-1 silica NPs. Total phenol and flavonoid contents increased by silica NPs treatment, and induction effect of silica NPs was more prominent at 6 g L-1 silica NPs. Low level of IC50 was detected at 6 g L-1 silica NPs. Overall, application of silica NPs at proper concentration can improve growth and induces the production of metabolites in M. chamomilla.