Study on the effect of Chamomile extract on melatonin hormone levels in subjects suffering from insomnia and anxiety

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Insomnia and anxiety are the most common among the psychiatric disorders. These disorders have been associated to melatonin levels; an endocrine hormone produced by the pineal gland in brain. Melatonin has also been associated to several metabolic processes in the body. In this study we aimed to investigate into the effect of chamomile extract on serum melatonin levels as well as on various other blood parameters. Materials and Methods: Fifty randomized subjects were orally treated with chamomile extract (15% w/v daily) for 8 weeks. Liver enzymes, urea, creatinine, and lipid profile were measured to see the effect of chamomile extract on the body. Results: From the results, we found a significant increase in the melatonin levels after treatment with chamomile extract. We also did not observe any rise in the liver enzyme levels, blood urea and serum creatinine. Also we found decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: This study suggests that chamomile extract can be a natural and safe nutritional strategy for improving sleep duration and quality and in improving the lipids levels.