Matricaria chamomilla: Difference between revisions
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A recent prospective clinical study found twice-a-day chamomile [[compress]] as effective as [[hydrocortisone]] 1% ointment on peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Charousaei F, Dabirian A, Mojab F. | title = Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study | journal = Ostomy Wound Manage | year = 2011 | volume = 57 | issue = 5 | pages = 28–36 | pmid = 21617262}}</ref> |
A recent prospective clinical study found twice-a-day chamomile [[compress]] as effective as [[hydrocortisone]] 1% ointment on peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Charousaei F, Dabirian A, Mojab F. | title = Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study | journal = Ostomy Wound Manage | year = 2011 | volume = 57 | issue = 5 | pages = 28–36 | pmid = 21617262}}</ref> |
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In 2009, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania concluded the first controlled clinical trial of chamomile extract for [[Generalized Anxiety Disorder]] (GAD). The results suggest that chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity in patients with mild to moderate GAD, although the results have not since been replicated.<ref>{{Cite journal |
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| title = A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. |
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| journal = Journal of Clinical Pharmacology |
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| pages = 378-82 |
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===Other Uses=== |
===Other Uses=== |
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Revision as of 18:22, 6 January 2012
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (June 2011) |
| Matricaria chamomilla | |
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| Species: | M. chamomilla
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| Matricaria chamomilla | |
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Chamomilla chamomilla (L.) Rydb. | |
Matricaria chamomilla or German chamomile, also spelled camomile, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. Synonyms are: Chamomilla chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita (correct name according to the Flora Europaea), Matricaria recutita, and Matricaria suaveolens.
Distribution
Matricaria chamomilla can be found near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia, and it has been widely introduced in temperate North America and Australia. It often grows near roads, around landfills, and in cultivated fields as a weed because the seeds require open soil to survive.
Etymology
Common names include wild chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, pineapple weed (referring to the shape of the inflorescences), and scented mayweed (and is distinct from the scentless mayweed Matricaria perforata). Chamomile blue refers to chamazulene, the purified deep blue essential oil derived using steam distillation rather than the plant itself. Hungarian chamomile has a reputation (among herbalists) for being incorrectly prepared because it is dried at a temperature above the boiling point of the volatile components of the plant.
The word chamomile comes from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon) meaning "earth-apple",[3] which is derived from χαμαί (chamai) meaning "on the ground"[4] and μήλον (mēlon) meaning "apple".[5] It is so called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.
Growth
Matricaria chamomilla has a branched stem which is erect and smooth, and which grows to a height of 15–60 cm. The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate.
The flowers are borne in paniculate capitula. The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German Chamomile from, Corn Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to mid summer and have a strong aromatic smell.
Uses
Herbalism
German chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid.[citation needed] It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal.[citation needed] It can be taken as a herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for ten to fifteen minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile oils. The marc should be pressed because of the formation of a new active principle inside the cells, which can then be released by rupturing the cell walls, though this substance only forms very close to boiling point. For a sore stomach, some recommend taking a cup every morning without food for two to three months.[6] It is also used as a mouthwash against oral mucositis.[citation needed] It has acaricidal properties against certain mites, such as Psoroptes cuniculi.[citation needed] One of the active ingredients of the essential oil from German chamomile is the terpene bisabolol.[7] Other active ingredients include farnesene, chamazulene, flavonoids (including apigenin, quercetin, patuletin and luteolin) and coumarin.[7]
Potential pharmacology
A 2006 review of the medical literature reported a number of beneficial effects for chamomile in in vitro and animal tests, but added that more human clinical trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Research with animals suggests antispasmodic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering effects for chamomile.[8] Chamomile has sped healing time of wounds in animals.[9][10] It also showed some benefit in an animal model of diabetes.[11] In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.[7][12] Essential oil of chamomile was shown to be a potential antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro.[13] Potential risks include interference with warfarin and infant botulism in very young children.[14][15]
The methanol extract of Matricaria recutita showed potent anti-allergic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells in cell mediated allergic models.[16]
A recent prospective clinical study found twice-a-day chamomile compress as effective as hydrocortisone 1% ointment on peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients.[17]
In 2009, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania concluded the first controlled clinical trial of chamomile extract for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The results suggest that chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity in patients with mild to moderate GAD, although the results have not since been replicated.[18]
Other Uses
Chamomile is also used cosmetically, primarily to make a rinse for blonde hair, and as a yellow dye for fabrics.
Tolerance can develop to the sedative action of chamomile if taken habitually.[citation needed]
Agriculture
Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially ones that produce essential oils. It is thought to increase production of those oils, making certain herbs, like mints (spearmint, sage, oregano) and basil stronger in scent and flavour.
Chamomile tea is also thought to be useful to suppress fungal growth, for example, misting it over seedlings may prevent damping off.
Chamomile is frequently an invasive species in agricultural fields. Farmers often must control chamomile's spread to maintain productivity of their fields.
Possible side effects
Chamomile is a relative of ragweed and can cause allergy symptoms and can cross-react with ragweed pollen in individuals with ragweed allergies. It also contains coumarin and thus care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions, e.g. with blood thinners.
While extremely rare, very large doses of Chamomile may cause nausea and vomiting. Even more rarely, rashes may occur.[19] A type-IV allergic reaction with severe anaphylaxis has been reported in a 38-year old man who drank chamomile tea.[20]
Conditions for growing and reproduction
Soil Type: German chamomile will tolerate many soils, but prefers a sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 7.0-7.5 and lots of sun.
Cultivation: Space plants 15–30 cm apart. Chamomile does not require large amounts of fertilizer but depending on soil tests, small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied before planting.
The amounts of major nutrients that German chamomile needs for growing and reproduction are:
- C = Carbon 430,000 ppm (43%)
- H = Hydrogen 60,000 ppm (6%)
- O = Oxygen 430,000 ppm (43%)
- P = Phosphorus 2,000 ppm (0.2%)
- K = Potassium 10,000 ppm (1%)
- N = Nitrogen 8,500 ppm (0.85%)
- S = Sulfur 1,000 ppm (0.1%)
- Ca = Calcium 5,000 ppm (0.5%)
- Mg = Magnesium 2,000 ppm (0.2%)[21]
References
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Matricaria chamomilla". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
- ^ "Matricaria recutita". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
- ^ χαμαίμηλον, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
- ^ χαμαί, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
- ^ μήλον, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
- ^ "Chamomile". Planet Botanic. Retrieved 12 February 2009.
- ^ a b c McKay DL, Blumberg JB (2006). "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L". Phytother Res. 20 (7): 519–530. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900. PMID 16628544.
- ^ Mckay, Diane L.; Blumberg, JB (2006). "A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.)". Phytother Res. 20 (7): 519–30. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900. PMID 16628544.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Jarrahi, Morteza (20 March 2008). "An experimental study of the effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract on cutaneous burn wound healing in albino rats". Nat Prod Res. 22 (5): 423–8. doi:10.1080/14786410701591713. PMID 18404562.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Nayak, BS; Raju, SS; Rao, AV (2007). "Wound healing activity of Matricaria recutita L. extract". J Wound Care. 16 (7): 298–302. PMID 17708380.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Cemek, M; Kağa, S; Simşek, N; Büyükokuroğlu, ME; Konuk, M (13 February 2008). "Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats". Nat Med (Tokyo). 62 (3): 284–93. doi:10.1007/s11418-008-0228-1. PMID 18404309.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Janmejai K. Srivastava; Sanjay Gupta (14 November 2007). "Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of chamomile extract in various human cancer cells". J Agric Food Chem. 55 (23): 9470–8. doi:10.1021/jf071953k. PMID 17939735.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Koch C, Reichling J, Schneele J; et al. (2008). "Inhibitory effect of essential oils against herpes simplex virus type 2". Phytomedicine. 15 (1–2): 71–78. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.09.003. PMID 17976968.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Segal, R; Pilote, L (25 April 2006). "Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 174 (9): 1281–2. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051191. PMC 1435958. PMID 16636327.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bianco, M; Lúquez, C; De Jong, LI; Fernández, RA (10 February 2008). "Presence of Clostridium botulinum spores in Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) and its relationship with infant botulism". Int J Food Microbiol. 121 (3): 357–60. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2007.11.008. PMID 18068252.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Chandrashekhar V.M., K.S. Halagali, R.B. Nidavani, M.H. Shalavadi, B.S. Biradar, D. Biswas, I.S. Muchchandi (2011). "Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 137 (1): 336–340. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.029.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Charousaei F, Dabirian A, Mojab F. (2011). "Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study". Ostomy Wound Manage. 57 (5): 28–36. PMID 21617262.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder". Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: 378–82. 29 August 2009. PMID 19593179.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Readers' Digest Association
- ^ Andres C, Chen WC, Ollert M et al. (2009). "Anaphylactic reaction to camomile tea." Allergol Int. 58:135-136.
- ^ http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/herbs/chamom.htm
Further reading
- Graedon, Joe (2001). The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies. St. Martin's Griffin. p. 283. ISBN 978-0312267643.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Reader's Digest Association (1999). The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs. Reader's Digest. p. 259. ISBN 978-0762101320.
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External links
- Chamomile Tea - All Information about Chamomile Tea
- Chamomile for IBD/Crohn's
- Herbal Supplements in Pregnancy - Lists active chemical components of chamomile
- Wild Chamomile in wildflowers of Israel
- Chamomile tea 'may ease diabetes - BBC