Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Quick Summary

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a widely studied medicinal plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and antimicrobial properties. It has been evaluated in multiple clinical contexts including oral health, sleep disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), inflammation, and anxiety. Clinical evidence suggests potential benefits in reducing mucositis severity, musculoskeletal pain, and anxiety symptoms, improving sleep quality, and modulating glycemic markers, with a generally favorable safety profile. However, evidence quality varies and further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety, especially regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding use.

What is it?

Chamomile is a flowering herb from the Asteraceae family, historically used in traditional medicine. It is commonly consumed as a tea or used in topical preparations. The German chamomile species, Matricaria chamomilla, is the most often studied type for medicinal purposes.

Traditional Uses

Anti-inflammatory agent for various inflammatory conditions
Analgesic for mild pain relief
Calming herb to reduce anxiety and promote sleep
Topical antimicrobial and wound healing agent, especially in oral health

Active Compounds

Chamomile contains multiple bioactive constituents including:

Flavonoids (e.g., apigenin)
Sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol)
Coumarins
Volatile oils

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

Oral mucositis and oral health
Evidence level: Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials
Chamomile has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, reducing oral mucositis severity and pain, and aiding mucosal healing. Herbal oral care products containing chamomile may improve periodontal outcomes comparable to conventional products.
[Ref 1],
[Ref 2],
[Ref 3],
[Ref 4]
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Evidence level: Systematic review including meta-analysis of 2 human RCTs and 4 animal studies
Chamomile supplementation improved clinical features of PCOS in some human and animal studies. However, pooled meta-analysis showed no significant effects on serum testosterone or lipid profile. Evidence is mixed and further well-designed trials are required.
[Ref 5]
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Evidence level: Clinical trials and systematic reviews
Chamomile is suggested to exert mild hypnotic and anxiolytic effects, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety symptoms. It may complement other melatonergic therapy strategies. Evidence indicates safety and potential benefit but remains limited.
[Ref 6],
[Ref 7],
[Ref 8]
Musculoskeletal pain
Evidence level: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Chamomile showed potential analgesic effects compared with placebo and similar effects to other pain medications in reducing musculoskeletal pain. Results are promising but significant study heterogeneity exists.
[Ref 9]
Glycemic control
Evidence level: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 human RCTs and 8 animal studies
Chamomile consumption may reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in humans and lower blood glucose in animal models. Additional trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical application.
[Ref 10]
Anxiety and psychological symptoms
Evidence level: Systematic reviews and RCTs with moderate quality
Chamomile shows anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with clinical evidence supporting improved psychological symptoms in menopausal women and anxiety-related disorders. More rigorous studies are required.
[Ref 11]
Oral mucosal lesions and wound healing
Evidence level: Narrative reviews and clinical evidence
Chamomile-containing products contribute to mucosal healing and oral health improvement, with evidence supporting use in oral mucosal lesions as a supportive topical agent.
[Ref 12]
Periodontitis and dental care
Evidence level: Systematic reviews of RCTs
Herbal products including chamomile may be effective adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy with comparable clinical outcomes to chlorhexidine and fewer adverse effects.
[Ref 13],
[Ref 2]

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal complications (mild, self-limiting)
Drowsiness (mild, self-limiting)
Allergic reactions including rare anaphylaxis (especially in individuals allergic to related Asteraceae family plants)

Drug Interactions

No specific drug interactions have been conclusively established for chamomile based on current evidence. However, potential allergic reactions and mild sedative effects suggest caution when used with other central nervous system depressants or in allergy-prone individuals. Further research is needed to clarify clinically significant interactions.

Who Should Avoid It

Individuals with known allergy to chamomile or related plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid use.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use chamomile cautiously and ideally under professional supervision due to insufficient safety data.

Evidence Limitations

Many clinical trials have small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity
Limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials for many indications
Insufficient data on long-term safety and use in special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women
Inconsistent standardization of chamomile preparations and dosages used
Some evidence derives from animal or in vitro studies, with less direct human clinical validation
More rigorous, large-scale, and standardized clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety

References

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Chamomile and other herbal supplements may interact with medications or have side effects. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking medications.