Roman Chamomile Flowers Extract
Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, chamomile flower extract, Matricaria recutita
Overview
Roman chamomile flower extract, derived from the dried flowers of Matricaria recutita, is a traditional herbal remedy known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and sedative properties. It is commonly used to address anxiety, sleep disturbances, inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and skin ailments. The extract's therapeutic effects are attributed to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin), terpenoids, and essential oils. Research on Roman chamomile is relatively mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly for anxiety, sleep, and inflammation. The evidence quality is generally good, including well-designed studies with adequate sample sizes.
Benefits
Roman chamomile offers several evidence-based benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, showing reductions in inflammation markers and clinical symptoms like gingival bleeding (p < 0.05). For anxiety and sleep, meta-analyses indicate significant improvements in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms (mean difference ~ -1.5 on HAM-A scale, p < 0.01) and sleep quality (standardized mean difference between -1.23 and -0.23, p < 0.005). While effects on general anxiety and insomnia are less conclusive due to data limitations, the evidence for GAD and sleep quality is strong. Chamomile has also shown efficacy in reducing cancer-related symptoms such as oral mucositis, skin complications, depression, and vomiting in patients undergoing radiotherapy, thereby improving quality of life. Preclinical and some clinical studies suggest additional antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, though these require further validation.
How it works
Chamomile's therapeutic actions stem from its rich composition of bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids like apigenin. Apigenin exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as COX-2. The anxiolytic and sedative properties are believed to be mediated through the modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and interaction with central nervous system receptors, promoting relaxation. Its antioxidant activity is due to the free radical scavenging capabilities of its polyphenols. Antimicrobial effects involve disrupting microbial cell walls and inhibiting microbial enzymes. The moderate oral bioavailability of active constituents can be enhanced by using hydroalcoholic extracts.
Side effects
Roman chamomile extract is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions are rare but possible common side effects (>5%). Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include skin irritation, particularly with topical application. Rare side effects (<1%) encompass hypersensitivity reactions, especially in individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies). While no major drug interactions have been definitively reported, caution is advised when combining chamomile with sedatives or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects. Contraindications include a known allergy to chamomile or related plants. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should use chamomile only under medical supervision.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Roman chamomile extract vary based on the intended use. For anxiety and sleep quality, clinical trials typically use oral doses ranging from 220 mg to 1100 mg daily, standardized for flavonoid content. These doses are usually administered for durations of 2 to 8 weeks. For topical applications, such as for skin conditions, 2.5% chamomile infusions or creams are commonly applied 2-3 times daily. The maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, but doses up to 1100 mg/day have been well tolerated in clinical trials. Hydroalcoholic extracts are often preferred as they may enhance the bioavailability of active compounds compared to aqueous extracts. No specific cofactors are required for absorption.
FAQs
Can it improve sleep?
Chamomile has been shown to improve overall sleep quality, but its direct effects on clinical insomnia require further clarification.
Is it safe long-term?
Short- to medium-term use (up to 8 weeks) is generally considered safe; however, long-term safety data are limited.
How fast do effects appear?
Benefits for anxiety and sleep typically become noticeable within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
Are there allergy concerns?
Yes, individuals with allergies to plants in the ragweed or daisy family should exercise caution or avoid chamomile due to potential cross-reactivity.
Research Sources
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2025.2530995?src= – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that chamomile significantly reduces markers of inflammation and clinical symptoms such as gingival bleeding. The study pooled data from multiple RCTs, demonstrating a statistically significant anti-inflammatory effect (p < 0.05) across various study designs, despite some heterogeneity.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6349 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs investigated chamomile's effects on anxiety and sleep. It concluded that chamomile significantly improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and enhances sleep quality. However, the review noted limitations regarding the number of RCTs for insomnia and general anxiety, and some studies had small sample sizes.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15347354231164600 – This research, encompassing RCTs and intervention studies, explored chamomile's role in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It reported that chamomile reduced oral mucositis, skin complications, and depression, while improving overall quality of life. However, some outcomes, like dermatitis reduction, did not reach statistical significance, and the studies were limited by small sample sizes and occasional lack of control groups.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5074766/ – This source discusses various pharmacological effects of chamomile beyond its primary uses, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties. It highlights that while these effects have been observed in preclinical and some clinical studies, further rigorous validation is needed to confirm their clinical relevance and efficacy.
- https://consensus.app/questions/chamomile-dosage-for-anxiety-and-sleep/ – This source provides insights into the typical dosages of chamomile used in clinical trials for anxiety and sleep. It indicates that effective oral doses for these conditions generally range from 220 mg to 1100 mg daily, standardized for flavonoid content, and administered over several weeks. It also touches upon the tolerability of these dosages in clinical settings.
Supplements Containing Roman Chamomile Flowers Extract
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