PubMed-compiled information sheet
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Compiled from 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:36615326, 40006854].
Background
Chamaemelum nobile, also known as Roman chamomile, is a medicinal plant widely cultivated across Europe, Northwest Asia, North America, and Africa [PMID:38540360]. It is one of two primary chamomile species used therapeutically, alongside German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) [PMID:36297396].
Traditional uses
It has been used for thousands of years in Greece, Rome, and ancient Egypt to treat stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections [PMID:36615326]. It is used orally as a sedative and for gastrointestinal conditions, topically for wound healing, and in some regions for ophthalmological problems [PMID:30000867, 27269391]. It has also been used as a galactogogue and in culinary applications [PMID:30000867, 33683253].
Active compounds
The plant contains flavonoids, coumarins, volatile oils, terpenes, organic acids, and polysaccharides [PMID:36615326]. Specific constituents include sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, farnesene), sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., nobilin), and esters such as 3-methylpentyl angelate [PMID:30000867, 40006854, 36076410].
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory effects may involve increasing NAG-1 activity and inhibiting ROS generation [PMID:24471493]. In anxiety treatment, it may act via multi-target pathways including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonin synapse, and cAMP signaling, potentially involving the LRRK2 protein [PMID:33152801]. It also demonstrates in vitro vasorelaxant effects on rat aortic rings [PMID:22866985].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DWound Infection (P. aeruginosa)
A 5% C. nobile ointment showed antimicrobial and wound healing properties in male rats [PMID:28034365].
Evidence DBronchial Inflammation
Aqueous extracts in OVA-sensitized rats improved MDA levels and reduced IL-4 and inflammatory cell infiltration [PMID:37807304].
Evidence DBreast Cancer (MCF-7 cells)
Ethyl acetate fraction showed antiproliferative activity and induced mitochondrial apoptosis [PMID:28228817].
Evidence DDepression-like behavior
Inhalation of Roman chamomile essential oil combined with clomipramine attenuated depression-like behavior in stressed mice [PMID:31369988].
Safety & adverse effects
Roman chamomile is suspected of being a potential sensitizer that can elicit allergic plant contact dermatitis, although evidence for this specific species is largely anecdotal [PMID:12492516].
Pregnancy & lactation
It has been used as a galactogogue, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use [PMID:30000867].
Evidence summary
The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models, and literature reviews; there is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (Level A or B) specifically for Roman chamomile.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36615326 (2022) — Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 36297396 (2022) — A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 30000867 (2006) — Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. · Molecular medicine reports
- 4.PMID: 36076410 (2022) — Valorisation of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.) herb by comprehensive evaluation of hydrodistilled aroma and residual non-volatile fractions. · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)
- 5.PMID: 38540360 (2024) — High-Quality Assembly and Analysis of the Complete Mitogenomes of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).