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Dried Chamomile Flowers Extract

Also known as: Chamomile, German chamomile, Dried Chamomile Flowers Extract, Matricaria chamomilla

Overview

Dried chamomile flowers extract is derived from the dried flowers of *Matricaria chamomilla*, a traditional medicinal plant. It is widely used in herbal medicine and contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), terpenoids (e.g., alpha-bisabolol, chamazulene), and volatile oils. This extract is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting properties. It also has applications for gastrointestinal issues and skin health. The extract is shelf-stable and can be formulated into powders, creams, or teas. Research supporting its therapeutic effects is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, indicating its efficacy and safety.

Benefits

Chamomile extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing inflammatory markers like nitric oxide (NO) production and inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, with studies showing a 53–83% reduction in NO production in vitro. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate its effectiveness and safety for improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety. For skin health, topical application has been shown to reduce radiation-induced dermatitis and oral mucositis in cancer patients, improving quality of life, although some studies report modest or non-significant differences compared to controls. Potential secondary benefits include anticancer activity through apoptosis induction in cancer cells, particularly linked to its apigenin content, with minimal effects on normal cells in preclinical models. Individuals with sleep disturbances, anxiety, or cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy are most likely to benefit.

How it works

Chamomile extract exerts its effects through several primary pathways. It inhibits inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, and attenuates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity. Its antioxidant activity is attributed to its polyphenol content. In cancer cells, flavonoids like apigenin can induce apoptosis. The extract modulates the immune response by reducing macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-8, MCP-1). When applied topically, its flavonoids and essential oils can penetrate skin layers. Oral bioavailability varies depending on the preparation and formulation, with the drying method impacting the content and bioactivity of polyphenols.

Side effects

Dried chamomile flowers extract is generally regarded as safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. The most common side effect is rare allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies). Uncommon side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or slight skin irritation when applied topically. Very rare instances of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, have been reported. Caution is advised regarding drug interactions: chamomile may have mild blood-thinning effects, potentially interacting with anticoagulants. Due to its sedative properties, it should be used cautiously with other sedatives to avoid additive effects. Contraindications include known allergy to chamomile or related plants. Limited data necessitates caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should also use it cautiously.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for anti-inflammatory effects in vitro is observed at 5–40 µg/mL. Clinical dosages vary by formulation and purpose. For topical use, creams containing 2.5% chamomile infusion have been utilized. Oral doses for anxiety and sleep typically range from 220–1100 mg of dried flower equivalent per day, often consumed as tea or standardized extracts. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but it is generally well tolerated at typical supplemental doses. For skin applications, it is often applied twice daily during radiotherapy. For sleep and anxiety, daily use over several weeks is usually required to observe benefits. Form-specific recommendations include powdered extract for oral use, infusions for topical compresses, and creams for skin application. The drying method significantly affects polyphenol content and bioactivity, with freeze-drying preserving more bioactive compounds than spray-drying. No specific cofactors are required, though bioavailability may be enhanced by formulation.

FAQs

Is chamomile extract safe for daily use?

Yes, chamomile extract is generally considered safe for daily use with a low risk of side effects, especially at recommended dosages.

Can chamomile extract cause allergies?

Yes, allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed or daisies.

How long does it take to see benefits?

Improvements in sleep and anxiety may take days to weeks of consistent use. Skin benefits during radiotherapy are typically observed over several weeks of treatment.

Is topical chamomile effective?

Yes, topical chamomile can penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation, though clinical benefits for certain conditions may vary in significance.

Does chamomile interact with medications?

Chamomile may interact with blood thinners and sedatives. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611340/ – This review summarizes in vitro studies demonstrating chamomile extract's ability to reduce inflammatory markers like nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α. It identifies apigenin as a key active compound responsible for these anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting the mechanistic basis for chamomile's traditional uses.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15347354231164600 – This study, involving breast and head & neck cancer patients, found that chamomile cream reduced the incidence and delayed the onset of radiation-induced dermatitis. While some results were not statistically significant, it suggests clinical relevance for improving skin health during radiotherapy.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/3792390 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs concluded that chamomile is effective and safe for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety symptoms across various populations. Despite some heterogeneity in studies, it provides strong evidence for chamomile's clinical use in these areas.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1003209/full – This article discusses the impact of different drying methods on the bioactive compounds of chamomile. It highlights that freeze-drying preserves more polyphenols and other active compounds compared to spray-drying, which can influence the extract's overall bioactivity and efficacy.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2995283/ – This research explores the potential anticancer activity of chamomile, particularly focusing on apigenin. It indicates that apigenin can induce apoptosis in various cancer cells while showing minimal effects on normal cells, suggesting a selective cytotoxic effect relevant for preclinical cancer research.