Matricaria Recutita Flower Extract
Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla L., German chamomile, chamomile flower extract, Matricaria recutita L.
Overview
Matricaria recutita flower extract, commonly known as German chamomile, is derived from the dried flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant. It is a widely used herbal supplement in traditional medicine, recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin), terpenoids, and essential oils, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Primary uses include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and gastrointestinal support. Research on this extract is moderately mature, with numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly for anxiety, inflammation, and metabolic health. It is available in various forms, including infusions, standardized extracts, and essential oil preparations.
Benefits
Matricaria recutita flower extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, consistently reported in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, making it useful for inflammatory conditions and infections. For instance, a meta-analysis confirmed significant anti-inflammatory effects with statistically significant reductions in inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). In individuals with type 2 diabetes, a randomized clinical trial demonstrated that chamomile infusion significantly improved metabolic markers, reducing total cholesterol (p=0.02), LDL cholesterol (p=0.04), fasting blood glucose (p=0.01), postprandial glucose (p=0.03), and creatinine (p=0.03). Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs indicated that chamomile significantly improved symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) after 2 and 4 weeks (mean difference ~ -1.4 to -1.8 on HAM-A scale, p < 0.01) and enhanced sleep quality (standardized mean difference significant, p < 0.005). Other reported benefits, such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antidiarrheal, and angiogenesis-modulating activities, have been documented but require further high-quality randomized controlled trials for definitive confirmation.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Matricaria recutita flower extract are primarily mediated by its bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids like apigenin and various terpenoids. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as COX-2. Its antioxidant activity stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals. The anxiolytic effects are thought to involve modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain, contributing to its calming properties. Metabolic benefits, such as improved glycemic control and lipid profiles, may be related to enhanced insulin sensitivity and altered lipid metabolism, although the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The oral bioavailability of its active components is considered moderate.
Side effects
Matricaria recutita flower extract is generally considered safe for consumption, with adverse effects being rare and typically mild. The most common side effects, occurring in a minority of users (less than 5%), may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or stomach upset. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals with sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from skin rashes and itching to more severe responses like anaphylaxis, though the latter is extremely rare. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established in clinical trials, suggesting a low risk of adverse interactions with medications. However, due to limited data, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, as well as young children, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Long-term safety data are also limited, so prolonged use should be monitored.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Matricaria recutita flower extract vary depending on the intended therapeutic purpose and the form of the extract. For anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits, a common regimen observed in clinical trials is 200 ml of chamomile infusion (prepared with 10 g of chamomile per 100 ml of water) taken twice daily for 4 weeks. When used for anxiolytic effects and to improve sleep quality, standardized extracts have been administered in doses ranging from 220 mg to 1100 mg daily in various randomized controlled trials. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses used in clinical studies have generally demonstrated good tolerability. Timing of administration can be important; for metabolic effects, it is often taken before meals, while for sleep and anxiety benefits, evening dosing is common. The extract is available in various forms, including herbal infusions, standardized capsules, and essential oil preparations, each with its own concentration and recommended usage.
FAQs
Is chamomile extract effective for anxiety?
Yes, evidence supports modest benefits for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, but its effectiveness for general anxiety or insomnia is less conclusive.
Can it help with type 2 diabetes?
Chamomile infusion has been shown to improve blood glucose and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential metabolic benefits.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Short-term use of chamomile extract appears safe and well-tolerated; however, comprehensive data on its long-term safety are currently limited.
Are there any known allergies to chamomile?
Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies, may experience allergic reactions to chamomile.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5074766/ – This systematic review, published in 2016, analyzed 69 studies on Matricaria recutita, identifying broad therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. It highlighted the heterogeneity of studies and the prevalence of small sample sizes as limitations, while still supporting the diverse pharmacological activities of chamomile.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2025.2530995?src= – A meta-analysis focusing on the anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile, published in 2025, included multiple randomized controlled trials. It demonstrated statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects with low heterogeneity, providing strong evidence for this benefit despite some included studies having small sample sizes.
- https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/progressinnutrition/article/view/5884 – This randomized clinical trial (n=50) investigated the metabolic effects of chamomile infusion over 4 weeks. It found significant improvements in lipid profiles and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose. The study's strength lies in its controlled design, though its duration was relatively short.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6349 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs examined chamomile's effects on anxiety and sleep. It reported significant improvements in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and sleep quality, but found less conclusive evidence for general anxiety or insomnia. The study benefited from multiple RCTs and standardized outcomes, but noted variability in chamomile preparations and doses.
- https://journals.viamedica.pl/clinical_diabetology/article/view/72544 – This article discusses the role of chamomile in managing type 2 diabetes, reinforcing findings from other studies regarding its potential to improve glycemic control and lipid profiles. It contributes to the understanding of chamomile's metabolic benefits, emphasizing its traditional use and emerging scientific support.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11109927/ – This source provides additional context or research related to the therapeutic properties of Matricaria recutita, likely covering its broader applications beyond specific conditions. It contributes to the overall understanding of the plant's pharmacological profile and potential health benefits.