Chamomile: A Review

Abstract

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is common composite spices and herbs that used worldwide. They contain flavonoids and hydroxycinnamates that are potentially beneficial to human health. They are used as home spices, health foods, and herb teas and their extracts are used in some pharmaceutical preparations. It is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. This article briefly reviews the medicinal uses along with botany and cultivation techniques. Since chamomile is a rich source of natural products, details on chemical constituents of essential oil and plant parts as well as their pharmacological properties are included. Chamomile is used mainly as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, also antispasmodic and mildly sudorific. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. There are few adverse effects in children. However, children who are allergic to ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums should use chamomile with caution. Researchers indicated that the pharmacological effect of German chamomile is mainly connected with its essential oils. Environmental conditions and stresses can alter active substances of chamomile. This review focuses on Extraction, uses, and Chemical constituent with their activity of Chamomile.