German Chamomile Extract
Also known as: Matricaria chamomilla, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Matricaria recutita
Overview
German chamomile extract is derived from the flowers of *Matricaria recutita*, a plant traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and gastrointestinal soothing properties. It contains key bioactive compounds such as chamazulene, bisabolol oxides, and flavonoids. The extract is widely used in supplements to reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, alleviate anxiety, and manage various skin or mucosal conditions. Research on German chamomile is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses available, particularly focusing on its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects. The quality of evidence varies but includes well-conducted meta-analyses and RCTs with adequate sample sizes, supporting its efficacy in several applications.
Benefits
German chamomile extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects, as shown by a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs, which reported reductions in inflammatory markers and clinical signs like gingival bleeding and mucosal inflammation (p < 0.05). For anxiety and sleep, a 2019 systematic review of 12 RCTs found chamomile significantly improved generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and enhanced sleep quality, though evidence for general anxiety or insomnia was limited. In skin and mucosal conditions, chamomile volatile oil reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in eczema models, and a 2023 systematic review reported it significantly reduced oral mucositis severity and pain in cancer patients. It also has traditional use for gastrointestinal relief, supported by its anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant properties, though more high-quality RCTs are needed in this area.
How it works
German chamomile exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory pathways. Its active compounds, such as chamazulene and bisabolol oxide A/B, inhibit Th17 cell differentiation and reduce mast cell infiltration, thereby decreasing cytokine production and cellular inflammation. These compounds interact with inflammatory mediators and signaling proteins. The extract also influences T-cell lymphatic subpopulations, contributing to its overall immunomodulatory action. Additionally, bioactive volatile oils and flavonoids contribute to its antimicrobial properties and smooth muscle relaxant effects, explaining its traditional use for gastrointestinal discomfort.
Side effects
German chamomile extract is generally considered safe, with mild adverse events reported in a minority of randomized controlled trials. These typically include gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants from the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, marigolds, daisies). No serious adverse effects or significant drug interactions have been consistently reported in high-quality studies. However, caution is advised for specific populations. Pregnant women should use German chamomile with caution due to limited safety data regarding its effects during pregnancy. Individuals with known allergies to the Asteraceae family should avoid its use. While generally well-tolerated, long-term safety data are still somewhat limited, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged use, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Effective dosages of German chamomile extract vary depending on the specific indication and formulation. For anxiety and sleep improvement, studies have shown efficacy with daily doses ranging from 220 mg to 1100 mg of standardized extract, typically taken over 2 to 4 weeks. For inflammatory conditions and mucositis, topical or mouthwash formulations are common; for instance, 8 g of extract in 50 cc solution used multiple times daily for 1 to 2 weeks has shown effectiveness. Overall daily doses in RCTs commonly range from 220 mg to 1500 mg of standardized extract or equivalent volatile oil doses. Absorption can be enhanced with volatile oil extracts, and bioavailability may vary significantly based on the specific preparation and form (e.g., capsules, tinctures, teas). It is advisable to follow product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosing.
FAQs
Is German chamomile extract effective for anxiety?
Evidence supports modest improvement in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, but its effect on general anxiety or insomnia is more limited.
Can it reduce inflammation?
Yes, meta-analyses confirm significant anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in oral and skin inflammatory conditions.
Is it safe to use long-term?
Generally safe with mild side effects; however, long-term safety data are still somewhat limited.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Anxiety and sleep improvements are often noted within 2–4 weeks, while anti-inflammatory effects may be seen within days to weeks depending on the condition.
Research Sources
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2025.2530995?src= – This 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile extract, showing reductions in inflammatory markers and clinical signs like gingival bleeding. The study used rigorous meta-analytic methods, confirming efficacy across multiple inflammatory outcomes despite some heterogeneity in preparations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.706836/full – This 2021 mechanistic study, using molecular docking and histological analysis, showed that chamomile volatile oil components inhibit the Th17 pathway and reduce mast cell infiltration in eczema models. It provides biological plausibility for chamomile's anti-inflammatory effects by detailing its cellular and molecular interactions.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6349 – This 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found that chamomile significantly improved generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and enhanced sleep quality. While effective for GAD, it noted limited or non-significant effects on insomnia and general anxiety, highlighting specific areas of benefit.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15347354231164600 – This 2023 systematic review of 15 RCTs in cancer patients reported that chamomile significantly reduced the severity and pain of oral mucositis and decreased vomiting frequency during chemotherapy. The study concluded that chamomile improved the quality of life for these patients, despite variability in formulations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5074766/ – This 2016 review summarized the traditional uses and clinical evidence for German chamomile's gastrointestinal and anti-inflammatory effects. It provides an overview of its historical applications and some supporting clinical data, though it notes the presence of older data and fewer high-quality RCTs in certain areas.
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