Evidence supporting the use of: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has a long history of traditional use as a calming herb for anxiety and insomnia. In recent years, several clinical studies have explored its efficacy for anxiety disorders. The most notable is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2009 in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, which found that chamomile extract provided modest but statistically significant improvement in symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) compared to placebo. A follow-up 2016 study found that long-term use of chamomile extract was associated with reduced moderate-to-severe GAD symptoms, though relapse prevention was not significantly better than placebo.

Chamomile's anxiolytic effects are thought to be mediated by flavonoids such as apigenin, which can bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. However, research is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and variability in chamomile preparations. Systematic reviews conclude that, while promising, evidence is not yet robust enough to make strong clinical recommendations. More large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm both efficacy and safety. In summary, chamomile is traditionally used for anxiety and has some scientific support, but the quality and quantity of evidence are moderate at best, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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