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.

More about Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
star of Bethlehem
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Honokiol
Hypericum
hyperforin
Hericium mushroom
Hemp
Jujubosides
Kavalactones
Kefir
lemon balm
Linden
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lavandin
Large-Leaved Linden
Lactobacillus
Linalool
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Magnolol
Mulungu
Mesembrine
Pulsatilla
Probiotics
Passionfruit
Polygala
Purple Monkeyflower
Rosavins
Rosmarinic Acid
Spikenard
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
Sandalwood
Saffranal
Terpenoids
Tea
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydropalmatine
Valerenic acid
Vervain
Vitexin
Wogonin
yohimbine

Products containing Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.