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

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is traditionally used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation, but there is also some scientific evidence supporting its use for anxiety disorders. Several clinical trials have evaluated chamomile extract for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). One notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Phytomedicine (2016) found that participants with moderate to severe GAD who received chamomile extract experienced a modest but statistically significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo. Earlier studies, such as a 2009 trial in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, reported similar findings, indicating chamomile’s anxiolytic effects may be superior to placebo, though the effect size is generally small.

The proposed mechanisms for chamomile’s anxiolytic effects include its flavonoid content, particularly apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. However, the overall body of evidence is limited by small sample sizes and short study durations, and chamomile is not considered a first-line therapy for anxiety disorders. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that while chamomile may offer mild benefit, more robust, large-scale studies are needed for definitive conclusions.

In summary, chamomile’s use for anxiety disorders is supported by both tradition and some preliminary scientific evidence, but the strength of this evidence is modest, and it should be regarded as an adjunct rather than a primary treatment option.

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