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German Chamomile Flower Glycerite Liquid Extract

Also known as: German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, German chamomile flower glycerite liquid extract, Matricaria chamomilla

Overview

German chamomile flower glycerite liquid extract is derived from the flowers of *Matricaria chamomilla*, a medicinal plant renowned for its rich composition of essential oils, polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids. This extract is traditionally valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and spasmolytic properties, making it a common remedy for sleep disorders, pain relief, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, and mucosal inflammation. The glycerite form utilizes glycerin as a solvent, which effectively preserves the plant's bioactive compounds and makes it suitable for both oral and topical applications. While there is a moderate level of research, including in vivo animal studies and some human clinical trials, high-quality systematic reviews specifically on glycerite liquid extracts are limited. Most evidence supporting its efficacy comes from general chamomile extracts, encompassing aqueous and essential oil forms.

Benefits

German chamomile glycerite liquid extract offers several evidence-based benefits. Primary effects include significant analgesic and soporific (sleep-inducing) properties, demonstrated in rodent models, with enhancement observed when combined with amino acids like glycine and β-alanine, suggesting potential for pain and sleep disorders. It also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, attributed to its flavonoid and volatile oil content, making it beneficial for various skin and mucosal conditions. For gastrointestinal relief, it shows spasmolytic effects and has been used to treat diarrhea in children, with some randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence supporting the efficacy of chamomile preparations. Specific populations that may benefit include children with acute diarrhea, cancer patients experiencing mucositis (oral inflammation), and individuals with sleep disturbances or mild pain. Some RCTs have shown statistically significant reductions in diarrhea duration and mucositis severity, with benefits like mucositis relief observed within 7 days. Secondary effects such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive activities have been reported in preclinical studies, but these require further clinical validation.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of German chamomile glycerite liquid extract are mediated by its diverse chemical constituents. Polyphenols and amino acids within the extract interact with neurotransmitter systems; molecular docking studies suggest antagonism of GABAA and NMDA receptors, which likely contributes to its observed sedative and analgesic effects. The extract's anti-inflammatory activity is partly due to the inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase (LOX-5) enzyme. Its antimicrobial properties are primarily attributed to volatile oils and flavonoids, which are thought to disrupt microbial membranes or inhibit their growth. The glycerite extraction method is crucial as it effectively preserves both water-soluble and certain lipophilic compounds, thereby enhancing their bioavailability for both oral and topical administration and ensuring the broad spectrum of therapeutic effects.

Side effects

German chamomile glycerite liquid extract is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its oils and extracts, indicating a low risk profile. Animal studies show a high oral LD50 (>5 g/kg), suggesting low acute toxicity. Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed or daisies. There have been rare reports of bleeding complications when chamomile is combined with anticoagulants like warfarin, indicating a potential for drug interactions that warrants caution. However, clinical trials have not observed significant adverse hemodynamic effects. Individuals with known allergies to related plants or those on blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare professional before using this supplement.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for German chamomile glycerite liquid extracts are not yet standardized, as research often focuses on general chamomile preparations. Traditional use and some clinical studies suggest oral doses comparable to those found in chamomile tea or tinctures. For instance, in clinical trials addressing mucositis, a mouthwash preparation consisting of 15 drops of chamomile liquid extract diluted in 100 mL of water, used thrice daily, demonstrated efficacy. For treating diarrhea in children, commercial preparations combining chamomile extract with apple pectin were administered for a period of 3 days. The optimal dosage is highly dependent on the concentration of the specific preparation and the intended therapeutic indication. More randomized controlled trials are needed to establish precise and standardized dosing recommendations for glycerite liquid extracts.

FAQs

Is German chamomile glycerite extract safe?

Yes, it is generally considered safe with low toxicity. However, caution is advised for individuals prone to allergies, especially to Asteraceae plants, and those taking blood thinners due to potential interactions.

How quickly does it work?

Effects on mucositis and diarrhea can be observed within a few days. Sleep and analgesic effects may be more acute, though these have been primarily demonstrated in animal studies.

Can it be used topically?

Yes, glycerite extracts are suitable for topical application. They can be incorporated into gels or used as mouthwashes for treating mucosal or skin conditions effectively.

Does it interact with medications?

There is a potential for interaction with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, which could increase bleeding risk. Always consult a healthcare provider before use if you are on medication.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11311743/ – This in vivo animal study investigated the analgesic and soporific effects of chamomile, demonstrating its potential in pain and sleep disorders. Molecular docking suggested involvement with GABAA and NMDA receptors, providing insight into its mechanism of action, though human trials are needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9822300/ – This review article summarized the chemical constituents and broad pharmacological activities of chamomile, including its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. It highlights the need for more clinical trials to validate these preclinical findings in humans.
https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v13-1-58.pdf – This summary of RCT and clinical trial data reported on chamomile extract's efficacy in reducing diarrhea duration in children and mucositis severity in cancer patients. It noted a good safety profile but indicated small sample sizes and some open-label elements as limitations.