Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 267 participants, researched for Sleep.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Sleep
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Sleep
To investigate the effects of chamomile extract on melatonin levels in subjects suffering from insomnia and anxiety.
Study Type
Clinical trial (uncontrolled)
Purpose
To investigate the effects of chamomile extract on melatonin levels in subjects suffering from insomnia and anxiety.
Dose
15 ml/day of chamomile extract
Participants
50 male and female participants, aged 18-60 years
Duration
60 days
Results
The researchers observed a significant increase in melatonin levels was observed from 0.17 ng/mL before treatment to 0.55 ng/mL after chamomile extract treatment for 60 days. Melatonin is a hormone which helps regulate sleep. The researchers also observed significant decreases in triglyceride (a type of fat found in the blood) and cholesterol levels.
To evaluate the effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people. Research has shown that insomnia tends to be more common as people age.
Study Type
Single-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people. Research has shown that insomnia tends to be more common as people age.
Dose
400 mg/day of chamomile extract (2 x 200 mg capsules) or placebo (wheat flour capsules)
Participants
60 men and women with an average age of 70 years
Duration
28 days
Results
At the beginning of the study, participants in both the treatment and placebo groups had poor sleep quality. However, after 28 days of treatment, those taking chamomile extract capsules reported a significant improvement in their sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Given that sleep problems are common in older adults and many sleep medications may have harmful side effects, the authors recommended chamomile extract as a safe way to help improve sleep in the elderly.
How They Measured It
Sleep quality was assessed by interviewing participants at four time points: before the treatment started, two weeks into it, right after it finished, and two weeks after it ended.
To determine the effect of chamomile extract on sleep quality in elderly people admitted to nursing homes
Study Type
Quasi-experimental clinical trial
Purpose
To determine the effect of chamomile extract on sleep quality in elderly people admitted to nursing homes
Dose
400 mg/day of chamomile extract (2 x 200 mg capsules) or control (no intervention)
Participants
77 men and women with an average age of 74 years
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Results of this study showed an association between 4 weeks consumption of chamomile extract and significant improvements in sleep quality.
How They Measured It
Sleep quality was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire which measures subjective sleep quality.
To evaluate the effects of chamomile tea on sleep quality, fatigue, and depression in postpartum women
Study Type
Single-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of chamomile tea on sleep quality, fatigue, and depression in postpartum women
Dose
2 g/day of chamomile dried flowers (in one tea bag steeped in 300 ml hot water for 10-15 minutes)
Participants
80 postnatal women with an average age of 33 years (72 completed the study)
Duration
2 weeks
Results
Postnatal women who drank chamomile tea for 2 weeks saw a noticeable improvement in their sleep problems and symptoms of depression. These benefits were limited to the immediate term meaning, the effects only lasted while they were drinking the tea and did not continue once they stopped.
How They Measured It
Sleep quality, fatigue, and depression were assessed using standardised self-reported questionnaires that measured subjective sleep quality, postpartum depression, and perceived fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chamomile research
There are currently 4 peer-reviewed studies on Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), involving 267 total participants. Research covers Sleep. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Chamomile has been researched for: Sleep. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 4 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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