Matricaria recutita
Chamomile/Drug Interactions:
AlcoholAlcohol: German chamomile may prevent ulcer formation caused by ethyl alcohol (62). Antianxiety agentsAntianxiety agents: Due to its pharmacological properties, chamomile may cause drowsiness and exacerbate the effects of sedative medications (44; 54). In human research, chamomile ingestion reduced mean anxiety scores in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared to placebo (50; 79; 48). An extract of chamomile is apigenin, which has been shown in mice to have central benzodiazepine receptor affinity and anxiolytic and sedative effects (55). A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). In a case series intending to examine the cardiac effects of chamomile, the authors observed that 10 out of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization fell asleep shortly after drinking chamomile tea (44). However, there is limited evidence supporting the sedating effects of chamomile. In human research, significant between-group differences in sleep measures were lacking after chamomile treatment (80). Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase the atrial rate in rats (65). AntiasthmaticsAntiasthmatics: Chamomile may cause bronchial constriction, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, dyspnea, asthma, and shortness of breath (121). Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Due to its coumarin content, chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when ingested concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapies or NSAID treatments (69; 54). In one case report, concurrent use of ingested and topical chamomile products while using warfarin led to multiple internal hemorrhages (70). AntidepressantsAntidepressants: In human research, chamomile ingestion in individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) decreased depression subscores compared to placebo (56). Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In laboratory research, the flavonoid glucoside chamaemeloside found in Chamaemelum nobile has in vivo hypoglycemic activity comparable to free 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG) (63). AntidiarrhealsAntidiarrheals: Chamomile is a popular home remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. In human research, children treated with Matricaria recutita L. showed a reduction in the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency (85). In other research, the effects of chamomile alone remain unclear (51; 135). AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In animal research, a single oral administration of German chamomile flower extract showed antipruritic effects (11). Furthermore, the antipruritic effects of H1 antagonists, oxatomide and fexofenadine, were remarkably enhanced by the combined administration of the ethyl acetate extract of German chamomile. AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In animal research, apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, had hypotensive properties (64). Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: In vitro and in animal research, chamomile had anti-inflammatory properties (136; 137; 138; 139; 4; 67; 140). In human research, skin lesion healing time was significantly reduced in individuals treated with topical chamomile (83), while some trials report a lack of between-group differences in response rate (52). Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In animal research, chamomile had some cholesterol-lowering activities (90). AntimicrobialsAntimicrobials: In vitro, chamomile had antimicrobial properties (67; 126; 127; 128; 51; 1; 129; 130; 131; 132; 133; 134). Antispasmodic agentsAntispasmodic agents: In vitro and in animal research, alpha-bisabolol, apigenin, and farnesol in chamomile were considered spasmolytic (66; 67; 68). Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAntiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: In vitro, chamomile inhibited the induction of gastric ulcers (62). Calcium channel blockersCalcium channel blockers: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, relaxed thoracic aorta in rats by suppressing the Ca2+ influx through both voltage- and receptor-operated calcium channels (65). Cardiac glycosidesCardiac glycosides: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase atrial rate in rats (65). CNS depressantsCNS depressants: A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). Cytochrome P450 metabolized agentsCytochrome P450 metabolized agents: In vitro, chamomile has demonstrated the inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) (59; 60). In vitro data have indicated that chamomile preparations contain constituents that inhibit the activities of major human drug metabolizing enzymes; interactions with drugs whose route of elimination is mainly via cytochromes (especially CYP1A2) are therefore possible (60). Dermatologic AgentsDermatologic Agents: Allergic contact dermatitis and irritation in response to chamomile has been observed in multiple reports (105; 106; 107; 108; 110; 111; 112; 113; 114; 115; 83). Disulfiram (Antabuse?)Disulfiram (Antabuse?): Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause vomiting when taken with disulfiram.DiureticsDiuretics: In animal research, chamomile flowers had diuretic properties (141). EstrogensEstrogens: Chamomile may have anti-estrogenic effects (27). Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: Children treated with Matricaria recutita L. showed a reduction in the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency (85). When taken in large doses, chamomile has the potential to cause emesis (67). In human research, chamomile ingestion resulted in gastrointestinal discomfort (50; 56; 80). Hormonal AgentsHormonal Agents: Chamomile may have anti-estrogenic effects (27). Metronidazole (Flagyl?)Metronidazole (Flagyl?): Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause vomiting when taken with metronidazole.Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), COX 2 inhibitorsNonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), COX 2 inhibitors: In vitro and in animal research, chamomile had anti-inflammatory properties (136; 137; 138; 139; 4; 67; 140). SedativesSedatives: A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). In a case series intending to examine the cardiac effects of chamomile, the authors observed that 10 out of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization fell asleep shortly after drinking chamomile tea (44). However, there is limited evidence supporting the sedating effects of chamomile. In human research, significant between-group differences in sleep measures were lacking after chamomile treatment (80). Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
: In an in vitro study, an extract containing Matricaria chamomile, Sideritis euboea, Sideritis clandestine, and Pimpinella anisum was associated with SERM properties against osteoporosis (27). WarfarinWarfarin: In a case report, concurrent use of ingested and topical chamomile products while using warfarin led to multiple internal hemorrhages (70). Chamomile/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
Antianxiety agentsAntianxiety agents: Due to its pharmacological properties, chamomile may cause drowsiness and exacerbate the effects of sedative medications (44; 54). In human research, chamomile ingestion reduced mean anxiety scores in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared to placebo (50; 79; 48). An extract of chamomile is apigenin, which has been shown in mice to have central benzodiazepine receptor affinity and anxiolytic and sedative effects (55). A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). In a case series intending to examine the cardiac effects of chamomile, the authors observed that 10 out of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization fell asleep shortly after drinking chamomile tea (44). However, there is limited evidence supporting the sedating effects of chamomile. In human research, significant between-group differences in sleep measures were lacking after chamomile treatment (80). Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase the atrial rate in rats (65). AntiasthmaticsAntiasthmatics: Chamomile may cause bronchial constriction, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, dyspnea, asthma, and shortness of breath (121). AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, chamomile had antimicrobial properties (67; 126; 127; 128; 70; 1; 129; 130; 131; 132; 133; 134). Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Due to its coumarin content, chamomile may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when ingested concomitantly with anticoagulant herbs or supplements (69; 54). In one case report, concurrent use of ingested and topical chamomile products while using anticoagulants led to multiple internal hemorrhages (70). AntidepressantsAntidepressants: In human research, chamomile ingestion in individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) decreased depression subscores compared to placebo (56). AntidiarrhealsAntidiarrheals: Chamomile is a popular home remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. In human research, children treated with Matricaria recutita L. showed a reduction in the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency (85). In other research, the effects of chamomile alone remain unclear (51; 135). AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In animal research, a single oral administration of German chamomile flower extract showed antipruritic effects (11). Furthermore, the antipruritic effects of H1 antagonists, oxatomide and fexofenadine, were remarkably enhanced by the combined administration of the ethyl acetate extract of German chamomile. Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: In vitro and in animal research, chamomile had anti-inflammatory properties (136; 137; 138; 139; 4; 67; 140). In human research, skin lesion healing time was significantly reduced in individuals treated with topical chamomile (83), while some trials report a lack of between-group differences in response rate (52). AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal models, chamomile had some cholesterol-lowering activities (90). AntimicrobialsAntimicrobials: In vitro, chamomile had antimicrobial properties (67; 126; 127; 128; 51; 1; 129; 130; 131; 132; 133; 134). AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In vitro, chamomile had moderate antioxidant activities (90). AntispasmodicsAntispasmodics: In vitro and in animal research, alpha-bisabolol, apigenin, and farnesol in chamomile were considered spasmolytic (66; 67; 68). Antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agentsAntiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents: In vitro, chamomile inhibited the induction of gastric ulcers (62). Cardiac glycosidesCardiac glycosides: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase atrial rate in rats (65). Chronotropic herbsChronotropic herbs: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase atrial rate in rats (65). COX inhibitorsCOX inhibitors: In vitro and in animal research, chamomile had anti-inflammatory properties (136; 137; 138; 139; 4; 67; 140). CNS depressantsCNS depressants: A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). Cytochrome P450 metabolized herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450 metabolized herbs and supplements: In vitro, chamomile has demonstrated the inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) (59; 60). In vitro data have indicated that chamomile preparations contain constituents that inhibit the activities of major human drug metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, interactions with herbs and supplements whose route of elimination is mainly via cytochromes (especially CYP1A2) are possible (60). Dermatologic AgentsDermatologic Agents: Allergic contact dermatitis and irritation in response to chamomile has been observed in multiple reports (105; 106; 107; 108; 110; 111; 112; 113; 114; 115; 83). DiureticsDiuretics: In animal research, chamomile flowers had diuretic properties (141). Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: Children treated with Matricaria recutita L. showed a reduction in the duration of diarrhea and stool frequency (85). When taken in large doses, chamomile has the potential to cause emesis (67). In human research, chamomile ingestion resulted in gastrointestinal discomfort (50; 56; 80). Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Chamomile may have anti-estrogenic effects and interact with herbs and supplements, such as red clover or soy (27). HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In laboratory study, the flavonoid glucoside chamaemeloside found in Chamaemelum nobile has in vivo hypoglycemic activity comparable to free 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG) (63). HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, had hypotensive properties (64). PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: Chamomile may have anti-estrogenic effects and interact with herbs or supplements, such as red clover or soy (27). SedativesSedatives: Due to its pharmacological properties, chamomile may cause drowsiness and exacerbate the effects of sedative herbs or supplements (44; 54). In human research, chamomile ingestion reduced mean anxiety scores in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared to placebo (50; 79; 48). An extract of chamomile is apigenin, which has been shown in mice to have central benzodiazepine receptor affinity and anxiolytic and sedative effects (55). A lyophilized infusion of chamomile administered intraperitonealy in mice displayed a depressive effect on the central nervous system (78). In a case series intending to examine the cardiac effects of chamomile, the authors observed that 10 out of 12 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization fell asleep shortly after drinking chamomile tea (44). However, there is limited evidence supporting the sedating effects of chamomile. In human research, significant between-group differences in sleep measures were lacking after chamomile treatment (80). Chamomile/Food Interactions:
Insufficient available evidence.Chamomile/Lab Interactions:
ACTHACTH: ACTH levels were decreased by chamomile in ovariectomized rats and were further reduced by the administration of diazepam; flumazenile inhibited this action (142). Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In laboratory research, the flavonoid glucoside chamaemeloside found in Chamaemelum nobile has in vivo hypoglycemic activity comparable to free 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG) (63). Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal research, apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, had hypotensive properties (64). Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: Chamomile contains coumarin constituents and may suppress vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors and increase coagulation time (69; 54). Cytochrome P450 levelsCytochrome P450 levels: Chamomile has demonstrated the inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) (59; 60). In vitro data have indicated that chamomile preparations contain constituents that inhibit the activities of major human drug metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, interactions with drugs whose route of elimination is mainly via cytochromes (especially CYP1A2) are possible (60). Heart rateHeart rate: Apigenin, a constituent of chamomile, was found to increase atrial rate in rats (65). Lipid panelLipid panel: In animal models, chamomile had some cholesterol-lowering activities (90).