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Cardiac Effects of Chamomile Tea
Abstract
The hemodynamic effects of chamomile tea in patients with cardiac disease were evaluated. 12 patients with cardiac disease underwent cardiac catheterization. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained prior to and 30 min after the oral ingestion of chamomile tea. With tea, the patients demonstrated a small but significant increase in the mean brachial artery pressure. No other significant hemodynamic changes were observed. 10 of the 12 patients fell into a deep sleep shortly after drinking the beverage.
... M. chamomilla L., Anthemis nobilis L., and Ormenis multicaulis Braun Blanquet and Maire belonging to the family Asteraceae is a natural and major source of “blue oil” and flavonoids. The oil used as a mild sedative and for digestion[2024–29] besides being antibacterial and fungicidal in action.[20] ...
... M. chamomilla L., Anthemis nobilis L., and Ormenis multicaulis Braun Blanquet and Maire belonging to the family Asteraceae is a natural and major source of “blue oil” and flavonoids. The oil used as a mild sedative and for digestion[2024–29] besides being antibacterial and fungicidal in action.[20] ...
... Antonelli had quoted from writings of several doctors of ancient time of the 16th and 17th century that chamomile was used in those times in intermittent fevers.[19] Gould et al. have evaluated the hemodynamic effects of chamomile tea in patients with cardiac disease.[20] It was found in general that the patients fell into deep sleep after taking the beverage. ...
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a well-known medicinal plant species from the Asteraceae family often referred to as the "star among medicinal species." Nowadays it is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. Its multitherapeutic, cosmetic, and nutritional values have been established through years of traditional and scientific use and research. Chamomile has an established domestic (Indian) and international market, which is increasing day by day. The plant available in the market many a times is adulterated and substituted by close relatives of chamomile. 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. Furthermore, particular emphasis is given to the biochemistry, biotechnology, market demand, and trade of the plant. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of chamomile and highlight the need for research and development.
... Antonelli had quoted from writings of several doctors of ancient time of the 16 th and 17 th century that chamomile was used in those times in intermittent fevers. Gould et al. (1973) have evaluated the hemodynamic effects of chamomile tea in patients with cardiac disease. It was found in general that the patients fell into deep sleep after taking the beverage. ...
... Because of its extensive pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties, the plant thus possesses great economic value and is in great demand on the world market. The essential oil of chemomile is used as antibacterial, antifungicidal, as a mild sedative and for digestion problem (Gould et al., 1973, Pasechnik, 1996, Salamon, 1992. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively used in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, and in food industry (Lal et al., 1993 andMisra et al., 1999). ...
... Colic/Diarrhea conditions apple pectin-chamomile extract may help shorten the course of diarrhea in children as well as relieve symptoms associated with the condition and two clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of chamomile for the treatment of colic in children (Gould et al, 1973). ...
Baboonah (Matricaria chamomilla), commonly known as chamomile, is a widely used medicinal plant in Unani Medicine for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. This review explores its botanical characteristics, traditional Unani uses, pharmacological activities, and current scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic applications. Matricaria chamomilla has shown promising potential in various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, and inflammatory diseases. This study aims to bridge traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological research, providing insights into its potential integration into contemporary therapeutic practices.
... On the other hand, the administration of chamomile to EST mice reduced the rise in cardiac functions. According to [46] chamomile protects hearts by adjust brachial artery pressure. The author retained the protective effect of chamomile to its antioxidant properties (due to their polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids and coumarins). ...
Cancer is the most serious disorder that may affect a person and is also the leading cause of mortality. Worldwide, breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The popularity of treating diseases using alternative and complementary medicines has increased in recent decades; many of these are derived from plants. Chamomile has a beneficial effect in treating many diseases, there for the purpose of this work is to study how chamomile protect against cardiac damage and toxicity brought on by Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) in adult female mice. 40 female mice were distributed in 4 groups (control, chamomile, EST, EST+chamomile). The research results indicated that EST caused significant alterations in cardiac function and structure. EST induced a significant elevation in serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and myoglobin (MB), potassium, chloride ions, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cardiac tissue damage, apoptotic P53 and Caspase 3 expressions while levels of sodium ions and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly decreased. Treatments of EST with chamomile improved the biochemical, histopathological, and Immunohistochemical alterations. This suggests that chamomile may be useful as an adjuvant for the treatment and prevention of cardiac toxicity.
... Honey chamomile tea brewed with 5 g of Chamomile, two slices of lemon, and one tablespoon of honey has been reported to lower blood pressure, detoxify, and relieve inflammation [22]. Gould et al. found that chamomile tea could influence hemodynamics in patients with heart disease [23]. Guo et al. used the essential oil of CN to prepare a clear and transparent flower tea product with a unique flavor [24]. ...
Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (CN) are two varieties of Chamomile. These herbs have been used for thousands of years in Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt. Chamomile has been used for the treatment of stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections. The purpose of this study was to introduce the botanical characteristics and geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity studies and quality control studies, and lay a theoretical foundation for the rational development and utilization of chamomile. This review powered that chemical constituents include flavonoids, coumarins, volatile oils, terpenes, organic acids, polysaccharides, and others. These compounds possess anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, antihypertensive, antidepressant, neuroprotective activities, among others. Chamomile is a widely used herb in traditional medicine. It brings great economic value due to its numerous pharmacological effects and traditional uses. However, more toxicity tests should be carried out to confirm its safety. There is need for further research to provide concrete scientific evidence and validate its medicinal properties.
... Chamomile tea (made from chamomile flowers) has anti-oxidant activity, [51] Gastrointestinal effects [52], in addition to the sedative effect [53]. The most enhanced medicinal value is obtained when all the components are present in the extract [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64]. ...
... It also has medicinal properties such as antiinflammatory (Pourohit and Vyas, 2004), antispasmodic, antiseptic and therapeutic use (Franke and Schilcher, 2006) and antimicrobial (Letchamo and Marquard, 1992). The essential oil of chemomile used as antibacterial, antifungicidal, as a mild sedative and for digestion problem (Gould et al., 1973, Pasechnik, 1996, Salamon, 1992. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively used in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, and in food industry (Lal et al., 1993 andMisra et al., 1999). ...
... Chamomile is known for its as anti-inflammatory [12,13], anti-diarrhea [14], antioxidant [14,15], anti-cancer [16], neuro-protective [17], anti-allergic [18] and antimicrobial [19] effects. It also improves cardiac health [20]. ...
Objectives
The present study aimed at determining the antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids and to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile). The antioxidant activities were measured using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The total phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. The flavonoid content was determined using the aluminum chloride method. The MTT assay was used to estimate the antiproliferative activities against human hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cell line. We assessed the mode of action of the extract as a cancer preventive agent and reported its ability to regulate tumor angiogenesis by down regulating in a dose dependent manner the expression of some proteins involved in the process.
Results
The percentage inhibition of DPPH scavenging activity was dose-dependent ranging between (94.8% ± 0.03) at 1.50 mg/mL and (84.2% ± 0.86) at 0.15 mg/mL. It showed high polyphenols (21.4 ± 0.327 mg GAE/g) and high flavonoids content (157.9 ± 2.22 mg QE/g). Effect of extract was investigated against HepG2 cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was recorded in cells treated with the extract. The IC50 was ~ 300 µg/mL. It significantly inhibited the level of important prerequisite angiogenesis markers both in HepG2 cells and ex vivo.
Electronic supplementary material
The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3960-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
... However, several scientific reports and experiments conducted in in vitro and in vivo models (including human studies) are available in the literature and have supported the evidence of not only its well-known mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, but also of its anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic properties, as well as of its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumoral properties (reviewed in Reference [19]). In the past, it has been shown that oral ingestion of chamomile tea produces significant hemodynamic changes in cardiovascular patients [23]. Other epidemiological studies have reported that the intake of those flavonoids particularly present in chamomile is inversely associated with heart disease risk [24][25][26]. ...
Inhibitors of chymase have good potential to provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We used a computational approach based on pharmacophore modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the potential ability of 13 natural compounds from chamomile extracts to bind chymase enzyme. The results indicated that some chamomile compounds can bind to the active site of human chymase. In particular, chlorogenic acid had a predicted binding energy comparable or even better than that of some known chymase inhibitors, interacted stably with key amino acids in the chymase active site, and appeared to be more selective for chymase than other serine proteases. Therefore, chlorogenic acid is a promising starting point for developing new chymase inhibitors.
... No other significant hemodynamic changes were observed after chamomile consumption. Ten of the 12 patients fell into a deep sleep shortly after drinking the beverage (Gould, Reddy, & Gomprecht, 1973) and these results are also parallel to our results. ...
... No other significant hemodynamic changes were observed. 19 However, 10 of 12 patients fell into deep sleep shortly after drinking the tea. ...
... A study assessed the flavonoid intake of 805 men aged 65-84 years who were followed up for 5 years. It was found that flavonoid intake was significantly lowered the mortality from coronary heart disease and showed an inverse relation with incidence of myocardial infarction [19]. A reported case of M. recutita interaction with cardiovascular drug was brought in a recent study where a 70 year old female patient having a mechanical mitral valve and previous episode of atrial fibrillation and under amiodarone, digoxin, synthroid, alendronate, metoprolol Vitex agnus castus/chaste tree Menstrual symptoms Beta-blockers + Antihypertensives ↑ A [ 12] and warfarin treatment experienced major bleeding due to an increased INR of 7.9. ...
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally. In addition to conventional medications, a plethora of herbal products continue to offer therapeutic alternatives to patients to assuage suffering. Nonetheless, concomitant administration of herbs and conventional medicine are not always safe which could mimic, oppose or magnify the effect of the latter leading to serious herb-drug interactions, most of which escape pharmacovigilance. The paucity of relevant information to clinicians in relation to herb-drug interactions, the inadequacy of evidence-based knowledge coupled with the lack of mechanistic facts poses a momentous threat to meet desired therapeutic outcomes in CVD patients. In this endeavor, key scientific databases have been explored to review common herbal products that might interfere clinically with conventional drugs used for CVDs and related complications. Ten common medicinal plants have been included and representative case reports whereby herbal products are thought to be inducers of adverse events are also discussed. It is anticipated that the present review will be a pinnacle of evidence and hence serve as an up-to-date fundamental repertoire of recent scientific findings to promote better understanding of adverse herb-drug events amongst clinicians and enhance rapport between clinicians and patients for subsequent counseling. Indeed, acknowledging the risks attributed to herb-drug interactions is fundamental in the management of CVDs and related implications which should not be underestimated or considered as trivial by both health-care professionals and herbal consumers.
... It also has medicinal properties such as antiinflammatory (Pourohit and Vyas, 2004), antispasmodic, antiseptic and therapeutic use (Franke and Schilcher, 2006) and antimicrobial (Letchamo and Marquard, 1992). The essential oil of chemomile used as antibacterial, antifungicidal, as a mild sedative and for digestion problem (Gould et al., 1973, Pasechnik, 1996, Salamon, 1992. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively used in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, and in food industry (Lal et al., 1993 andMisra et al., 1999). ...
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a well-known aromatic and medicinal plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Flowers are the economical part for herbal preparation and essential oil production. Due to the several applications of chamomile in pharmaceutical, nutritional and sanitary industrials, chamomile was one of the most important commercial plants during the recent decades. In spite of its diverse uses, maintained for longer time and existence of suitable climatic conditions, the two chamomile types were never been evaluated for their agronomic and chemical performances in Ethiopia. Therefore, to get benefited out of its potential, this activity was set with the objective of evaluating the performances of American and German type chamomiles for agronomic and chemical traits in different locations of Ethiopia thereby for bringing the crop into cultivation. Data on plant height, flower weight per plant, flower yield per hectare, essential oil content, and essential oil yield were collected from three locations arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. The overall combined analysis of variance revealed that the two chamomile types are statistically different on plant height, essential oil content and essential oil yield. Location exerted a significance influence on flower yield/plant, essential oil content and essential oil yield. Year and interaction effect of location by year excreted a significant influence on all parameters considered in this study. The average flower yield over all the testing locations varied from 42 to 53.51 g/plant for American and from 37.78 to 58.72 g/plant for German chamomile. The American demonstrated a percent increase value of 9.44% over the German type in essential oil content. The overall essential oil yield varied from 6.85 to 22.15 kg/ha for American chamomile and from 6.71 to 13.7 kg/ha for German chamomile. Both the American and German chamomiles demonstrated a good adaptability at all testing locations indicating the possibility of their cultivation in Ethiopia for herbal flower and essential oil production.
... (Pothke and Bulin, 1969;Isaac, 1979;Gasic et al., 1983;Schilcher et al., 2005) and these components are known for their antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antiphlogistic, and spasmolytic properties. Although extensive studies have been carried out regarding the pharmacological importance (Antonelli, 1928;Gould et al., 1973;Salamon, 1992;Pasechnik, 1996) of the essential oil constituents, little is known about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of these terpenoid molecules. ...
Matricaria recutita (L.), commonly known as chamomile, is one of the most valuable medicinal plants because it synthesizes a large number of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites known as α-bisabolol and chamazulene. Although the plant has been well characterized in terms of chemical constituents of essential oil as well as pharmacological properties, little is known about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of these compounds. In this study, we report a new full-length cDNA encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), a key enzyme in the pathway of biosynthesis of isoprenoids, from M. recutita. The cDNA of MrFPS comprises 1032 bp and encodes 343 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 39.4 kDa. The amino acid sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis indicated that MrFPS belongs to the plant FPS super-family and is closely related to FPS from the Asteraceae family. Expression of the MrFPS gene in Escherichia coli yielded FPS activity. Using real-time quantitative PCR, the expression pattern of the MrFPS gene was analyzed in different tissues of M. recutita as well as in response to methyl jasmonate. The expression analysis demonstrated that MrFPS expression varies in different tissues (with maximal expression in flowers and stems) and was significantly elevated in response to methyl jasmonate. This study will certainly enhance our understanding of the role of MrFPS in the biosynthesis and regulation of valuable secondary metabolites in M. recutita at a molecular level.
... It is used to treat hysteria, nightmares, and other sleep problems (Martens, 1995). Deep sleep after 10 minutes of drinking the chamomile tea (two cups) is an effect of this plant (Gould et al., 1973). Active substances of German chamomile can be efficient for infant colic (Weizman et al., 1993). ...
Matricaria recutita L. (syn. M. chamomilla L., Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert) is known as true chamomile or German chamomile and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (syn. Anthemis nobilis L.) is known as Roman chamomile. The biological activity of chamomile is mainly due to the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, patuletin and essential oil constituents such as a-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes. There are several chamomile chemocultivars. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, deodorant, bacteriostatic, antimicrobial, carminative, sedative, antiseptic, anticatarrhal and spasmolytic properties. It is used to treat sleep problems. 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 characteristics, secondary metabolites and utilization of German and Roman chamomile.
... Patients had a small but significant increase in mean brachial artery pressure (91-98 mm Hg) 30 min after drinking two cups of chamomile infusion. No other significant changes in cardiac function have been observed, although 10 of the 12 patients fell into a deep sleep within 10 min of consuming the infusion (Gould et al., 1973). No explanations have yet been given to support these effects. ...
Medicinal plant research is universally on the rise. Researchers, as well as the general public, recognize that natural products, predominantly those derived from plants, may exhibit health benefits. The tendency is to consider natural products as non-toxic and presenting fewer side effects than those used by conventional medicine. However, information concerning the real human health benefits of natural products is yet seldom available, which is a drawback for their possible valuation. Chamomile is one of the most widely used medicinal plants and its sesquiterpenic-related products are an example of this informative weakness. Several health benefits have been claimed for chamomile extracts and for a large number of sesquiterpenic compounds known to occur in chamomile. However, a deep knowledge concerning the compounds responsible for each specific effect, as well as the mechanisms behind them has not been stated, or, if it exists, is dispersed in literature. Thus, this review comprises a deep survey on the reported potential health benefits of chamomile-related sesquiterpenic compounds, and takes into account the models used for their evaluation: in vitro or in vivo. In spite of the relevance of the in vitro and animal studies reported in literature, where the data obtained are very promising concerning the potential health benefits of chamomile-related sesquiterpenic compounds, their extension to human trials is essential. Several aspects related to this actual challenge are discussed.
... It contains a flavonoid, apgienin, which has an affinity for benzodiazepine receptors. 64,[91][92][93] In an investigation of the treatment of hypertension in hospitalized patients using chamomile, sleep was induced in 10 out of 12 patients. While there have been reports of sedative effects in humans and animals, no studies of the treatment of insomnia using the herbal remedy have been reported. ...
Insomnia is a frequent problem among the elderly, for which patients often self-medicate. The use of alternative medicine by individuals worldwide, including the elderly, is increasing and insomnia is a common reason for its use. Conventional treatments do not benefit all, and there is uncertainty about the effects of their long-term use. Many alternative therapies have been considered for the treatment of sleep disorders in published medical reports. These consist of pharmacological therapies, including melatonin, valerian, lavender, hops, kava, Chinese and Japanese herbal compounds, pyridoxine, St John's wort and German chamomile, and non-pharmacological therapies, including massage, acupuncture, music therapy, tai chi, magnetism and white noise. Comparison of these treatments, either with each other or with conventional therapies, is difficult because many studies inadequately define insomnia, have few subjects or lack randomization or controls. Many have not been tested specifically on elderly subjects. As a result of the problems in the trials of these treatments, drawing a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of these therapies is difficult. Melatonin appears to be the most promising. It has been shown to produce some limited benefit by studies to date, although it has not been investigated in enough appropriate subjects to definitively conclude that there is a benefit at a sufficiently low risk. A promising role for melatonin might be in the treatment of elderly people with sleep-phase disorders. Other pharmacological treatments with potential await well-designed studies on the elderly. There are many non-pharmacological therapies that offer the potential advantages of a low side-effect profile, but the investigations of these have been even less rigorous.
... In a pilot study of hospitalized heart patients who were given a strong dose of chamomile tea, a weak hypertensive effect was observed. 170 Ten of the 12 patients immediately entered into a deep sleep lasting an average of 90 minutes. Controlled trials are needed to test this study's observations in people with insomnia and in noninsomnia populations. ...
Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are common in cancer patients. Insomnia is a multifactorial health concern that currently affects at least 1 in 3 cancer patients, and yet most insomnia sufferers do not consult their physician regarding pharmaceutical options for relief. Use of hypnotic drugs (primarily benzodiazepines) is associated with increasing tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects on the central nervous system. While hypnotic drug use declined substantially in the past decade, the use of herbal sedatives appeared to increase. Mostly self-prescribed by lay people, herbal sedatives hold widespread appeal, presumably because of their lower cost and higher margin of safety when compared to pharmaceuticals. Studies of better-known herbal sedatives, notably valerian and kava, showed moderate evidence for both safety and efficacy for valerian while revealing disturbing toxicity concerns for kava. Milder sedatives or anxiolytics in need of clinical study include German chamomile, lavender, hops, lemon balm, and passionflower; St. John's wort may have anxiolytic effects with relevance to sleep. Herb-drug interactions are a possibility for some of these species, including St. John's wort. Although sufficient evidence exists to recommend some of these agents for short-term relief of mild insomnia, long-term trials and observational studies are needed to establish the safety of prolonged use as well as overall efficacy in the context of cancer treatment and management.
... The hemodynamic effects of chamomile tea were examined in an open study of 12 heart disease patients hospitalized for cardiac catheterization. Gould et al. (1973) observed that patients had a small but significant increase in mean brachial artery pressure (91 to 98 mmHg) 30 min after drinking two cups of chamomile tea (prepared as 2 tea bags in 6 oz water). No other significant changes in cardiac function were observed, although 10 of the 12 patients fell into a deep sleep within 10 min of consuming the tea. ...
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the most popular single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Chamomile tea, brewed from dried flower heads, has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. Evidence-based information regarding the bioactivity of this herb is presented. The main constituents of the flowers include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides. The principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers are the terpenoids alpha-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes, including chamazulene. Chamomile has moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and significant antiplatelet activity in vitro. Animal model studies indicate potent antiinflammatory action, some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as antispasmotic and anxiolytic effects. However, human studies are limited, and clinical trials examining the purported sedative properties of chamomile tea are absent. Adverse reactions to chamomile, consumed as a tisane or applied topically, have been reported among those with allergies to other plants in the daisy family, i.e. Asteraceae or Compositae.
... TABLE 1. (continued) Symptom CAM Therapy Evidence in Pediatrics Evidence in Adults Nonsignificant Findings Dominquez, 2000 195 Dorn, 2000 196 Ziegler, 2002 197 Wheatley, 2001 114 Passion flower Akhonzadeh et al, 2001 115 Kava Kava Gurley et al, 2005 112 Wheatley, 2001 114 Pittler and Ernst, 2003 200 Lehmann, 1996 201 Volz and Kieser, 1997 202 Emser and Bartylla, 1991 203 German Chamomile Gould, 1973 (tea), 204 Masago et al (aromatherapy), 2000 119 ...
The use of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) has been well documented among children with cancer. This report summarizes the research evidence on the role of CAM therapies for prevention and treatment of the most commonly reported cancer-related symptoms and late effects among children with cancer. Small clinical trials document evidence of effectiveness for select therapies, such as acupuncture or ginger for nausea and vomiting, TRAUMEEL S for mucositis, and hypnosis and imagery for pain and anxiety. Several relatively small clinical trials of varying quality have been conducted on these CAM therapies in children with cancer. Some herbs have demonstrated efficacy in adults, but few studies of herbs have been conducted in children. Larger randomized clinical trials are warranted for each of these promising therapies. Until the evidence is more conclusive, the providers' role is to assess and document the child's use of CAM, critically evaluate the evidence or lack of evidence, balance the potential risks with possible benefits, and assist the family in their choices and decisions regarding use of CAM for their child with cancer.
The aims of the current review were to give an overview of the contribution of
our research team to the study of antidiabetic, antihypertensive and anti-obesity medicinal
plants in the southeastern region of Morocco (Tafilalet). A systematic literature search
using PubMed, Scopus, and ResearchGate was conducted in regard to studies (established
by our research team and those carried out by other researchers) that evaluated
pharmacological interventions aiming to ameliorate diabetes mellitus, hypertension and
obesity using medicinal plants, particularly investigations carried out within our laboratory.
Since 2000 to nowadays, more than 37 pharmacological studies were carried out by our
research team concerning axis previously cited. Furthermore, we reported in this review
that among 90 plants cited in an enquiry conducted in Tafilalet region, 45 were
pharmacologically studied by different researchers throughout the world. We present in this
review the contribution of our team to the investigation of medicinal plants possessing
potential pharmacological effects on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity.
Keywords: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, Tafilalet, medicinal plants.
Piper methysticum (Familie: Piperaceae, Pfeffergewächse) ist ein auf der Inselwelt des Südpazifik verbreitetes Strauchgewächs, dessen Wurzelstock bei den Polynesiern zur Zubereitung eines Getränkes verwendet wird, das örtlich unterschiedlich Kava, Ava oder auch Yangona genannt wird. Kawa ruft ein Gefühl von Behaglichkeit und Zufriedenheit hervor, Ängste schwinden bis zur Sorglosigkeit, ohne aber die Willenskraft zu schwächen oder das Bewußtsein einzuengen. Europäische Teilnehmer an polynesischen Kawazeremonien geben oft an, keinerlei auffällige Wirkungen an sich verspürt zu haben (Ford 1967). Nach Einnahme hoher Doser treten jedoch ZNS-sedierende Wirkungen in Form von Müdigkeit und Schlafneigung deutlich hervor (Cawte 1986). Die Ähnlichkeit im pharmakologischen Wirkungsprofil zwischen den Kawawirkstoffen und den modernen Tranquillanzien hat zu Versuchen geführt, den lipophilen Kawaextrakt als„pflanzlichen Tranquilizer“ therapeutisch einzusetzen.
Die pflanzlichen Arzneistoffe, die im folgenden beschrieben werden, sind in den gängigen Arzneimittelverzeichnissen, beispielsweise in der (Roten Liste (1993)), teils unter die Sedativa-Hypnotika, teils unter die Psychopharmaka eingeordnet. Unter den sedativ und hypnotisch wirkenden Pharmaka versteht man Stoffe, welche die Aktivität des „Wachsystems“ in der Formatio reticularis vermindern. Diese Eigenschaft kommt keinem der pflanzlichen „Beruhigungsmitteln“ zu, die heute therapeutisch verwendet werden. Die Bezeichnung „Arzneimittel mit psychotroper Wirkung“ wurde deshalb gewählt, weil dieser Begriff nicht in gleicher Weise terminologisch festgelegt ist, wie die Begriffe „Sedativa, Hypnotika und Psychopharmaka“. Für viele pflanzliche „Beruhigungsmittel“ fehlen Wirksamkeitsnachweise im Sinne der naturwissenschaftlich orientierten Medizin.
Among the “Chamomille”, Matricaria species constitute an homogeneous botanical group of interest for phytotherapists. More particularly the german chamomille, Matricaria recutita, is largely described in the scientific literature for its sedative, digestive effect and use in dermoinflammatory diseases.
The definition of aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils (2). Essential oils are steam distillates obtained from aromatic plants. Aromatherapy is a fairly new complementary therapy, although its roots are in herbal medicine, one of the oldest known forms of medicine. Aromatherapy is an accepted part of nursing care in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and Canada, and many nurses in the United States are beginning to use aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is particularly useful in cardiology (see Table 1), because the use of familiar smells and gentle touch can be deeply reassuring. Essential oils have many other properties that can be useful in cardiology-hypotensor, sedative, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral. This chapter covers the use of aromatherapy for borderline hypertension and for fear and anxiety associated with myocardial infarction (MI) or cardiac surgery and outlines interesting case and small clinical studies addressing the effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Table 1
Essential Oils for Specific Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Essential oil
Research
Reference
Borderline hypertension
Ylang ylang
Lavender
Rose
Neroli
Lemon
Clary sage
Freund, 2000
Saeki and Shiohara, 2001
Nathan, 2000
Tiran, 1996
Tiran, 1996
Tiran, 1996
28
30
31
34
34
34
Reducing fear and anxiety
Lavender
Roman chamomile
Rose
Hadfiele, 2001
Yamada et al., 1996
Manly, 1993
41
46
51
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus
Tea tree
Lavender
Juniper
Peppermint
Lemongrass
Eucalyptus
Clove
Thyme
Nelson, 1997
Nelson, 1997
Nelson, 1997
Nelson, 1997
Sherry et al., 2001
Sherry et al., 2001
Sherry et al., 2001
Sherry et al., 2001
22
22
22
22
26
26
26
26
A glabrous, branching, erect, and aromatic annual of the COMPOSITAE family. It grows to about 1 m tall with a strong odor when bruised. The leaves, 2 to 3, are pinnately-parted with a narrow, thorny tip. Flow- ers are large, solitary heads on 2 to 8 cm long, grooved peduncles; The ray florets are white or yellowish, later becoming reflexed, disc florets numerous, yellow, tubular; peduncles 2.5 cm long, dark brown or dusk greenish yellow; achenes with 3–5 faint ribs.
This chapter focuses on the medicinal herb, chamomile and its health promoting properties in the older population. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is provided as an adjunct to mainstream medicine with the intention to provide symptom relief and improve quality of life. The different classes of bioactive compounds in chamomile are used in medicinal preparations as well as cosmetics and these compounds include terpenoids and flavonoids. An outline of the various preparations of chamomile, such as dry powder, standardized extract, oral infusion and tea preparation is given. The use of chamomile as a therapeutic agent is mentioned for common cold, cardiovascular conditions, eczema and gastrointestinal conditions among others. Drinking of chamomile tea is stated to boost the immune system and helps fight infections associated with cold and thus shows its health promoting benefits. The quality of life of cancer patients is shown to improve by use of the essential oils of chamomile in aromatherapy/massage for anxiety. The adverse effects to chamomile can occur in people who are sensitive to members of the Compositae family and the side effect can manifest as contact dermatitis.
This chapter focuses on the health benefits of traditional culinary and medicinal plants of the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean diet is mentioned to be rich in fruits and vegetables, monounsaturated fatty acids and olive oil and the diet has a negative association with incidence of metabolic syndrome that contributes to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Mediterranean plants are believed to prevent or cure a wide range of ailments based on their bioactive components that can exert anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic or anti-diabetic activities. A table is presented that gives a list of Mediterranean plants and their health benefits as well as brief accounts of the medicinal use of the plants and includes rosemary, licorice, chamomile and olive oil among others. The consumption of olive oil has a strong correlation with reduced hypertension, cancers of the prostate, breast and colon. It highlights the mechanism of action of the bioactive components and the molecular targets derived from these plants.
We studied the psychological and physiological effects in humans of eating chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and chamomile-free jellies. In 40 male and female examinees with an average age of 37.7±5.4 (mean±SD), we observed peripheral skin temperature and sleep consciousness upon ingestion of cold (10°C) and warm (60°C) jelly samples. Within 22 minutes of ingestion, the male and female groups that ate warm chamomile jelly showed a significant rise in skin temperature (p≤0.05) compared to the groups that ate the chamomile-free jelly. On the other hand, the male and female groups that ate the cold jelly did not exhibit a significant rise in temperature. The experimental result indicated that eating warm chamomile jelly enhanced blood current and contributed to the rise in the peripheral skin temperature. We also conducted a psychological test with Mood Check List-Short Form 1 (MCL-S.1) before and after the ingestion and found that the relaxed feeling score tended to increase with the ingestion of warm chamomile jelly. We then studied night sleep after the ingestion of warm chamomile jelly, and used OSA (Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi) survey sheets to observe the change in sleep consciousness. In the survey we used five subordinate factors: Sleepiness in the morning, Staying asleep, Anxiety, Satisfaction of sleep, and Ease of getting to sleep. The study showed that the male group showed a significant rise (p≤0.05), when they woke up, in the score of the factors Sleepiness in the morning, Staying asleep, and Ease of getting to sleep, compared to the group that ate chamomile-free jelly. The results clarified that eating warm chamomile jelly had psychological and physiological effects in humans and improved sleep consciousness.
Chamomile is a centuries-old established traditional medicinal herb popular in the Western world. It is available in two varieties, namely German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dry flower of chamomile contains approximately 120 secondary metabolites, comprising terpenoids and flavonoids, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are found to be beneficial in many human ailments. Chamomile is also well known for its essential oils with a pleasant aroma. It is used extensively for supplementing cosmetic products and in aromatherapy. Chamomile in the form of herbal tea is becoming increasingly popular, with more than a million cups of chamomile tea consumed daily worldwide. Chamomile has gained significant attention as a health-promoting herb with demonstrable effects against several diseases of old age. Because of its longstanding widespread use in traditional medicine, chamomile has attracted considerable attention in the field of biomedical research. This chapter discusses in detail the curative and preventive properties of chamomile in health-promoting strategies that are safe and clinically useful in the elderly population.
(E)-β-farnesene is a sesquiterpene semiochemical that is used extensively by both plants and animals for communication. This acyclic olefin is found in the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and was demonstrated that it could attract natural enemies to reduce cabbage aphids in the Chinese cabbage fields. However, little is known regarding the sequence and function of (E)-β-farnesene synthase in M. recutita. In this study, we reported a new full-length cDNA encoding (E)-β-farnesene synthase from M. recutita (Mr-βFS). The cDNA of Mr-βFS consisted of 2010bp including 1725bp of coding sequence encoding a protein of 574 amino acids with a molecular weight of 67kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits a considerably higher homology to βFS from Artemisia annua (about 92% identity) than to βFSs from other plants (about 20-40% identity). The recombinant enzyme, produced in Escherichia coli, catalyzed the formation of a single product, (E)-β-farnesene, from farnesyl diphosphate. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that Mr-βFS expression was highest in leaves and lowest in disk florets. The treatment of M. recutita with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) significantly enhanced the transcriptional level of βFS gene and the content of (E)-β-farnesene in M. recutita. The transcriptional level of βFS gene was approximately 11.5-fold higher than the control sample and the (E)-β-farnesene emission level ranged from approximately from 0.082 to 0.695μg/g after 24h induction. Our results laid a solid foundation for later improving crop aphid resistance by transgenic technology and provided an important basic data for the regulation of valuable products from M. recutita.
Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.
A comprehensive and authoritative text providing information on the usefulness, effectiveness and appropriateness of the use of herbal remedies in childhood. A practical guide to the safe and effective use of herbal medicines in pediatric primary care, written by a respected and internationally known expert Easily accessible information ensures quick reference in practice Case histories and practical tips make this an essential companion for all professionals in primary care. "Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives aims to provide healthcare professionals with a practical guide to how the use of herbal medicine can contribute to modern paediatric care. It promotes an integrative approach to healthcare that considers a variety of treatment possibilities, using both western and ayurvedic herbs." "Health professionals increasingly acknowledge that many of their clients have interests in complementary medicine, and this book sets out to create a greater and more meaningful symbiosis between their work and that of the herbalist. They need to be aware of the benefits and possible risks, to take advantage of the most up-to-date information available, and to draw on the knowledge of the professional herbalist. In return, the herbalist can advise on the safe and effective use of herbal medicines and give advice on dosage, interactions and contraindications, so that the confidence in herbal medicine that it deserves is ascertained."--BOOK JACKET.
The study aimed to compare the effects of Chamomile Extract and Mefenamic acid (MA) on the intensity of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. This study was a clinical randomized double blind trial, carried out with 90 students living in the dorms of Iran. The participants filled the daily forms about the intensity of PMS for two consecutive months. Once the definitive diagnosis of PMS was made, the participants were divided into two groups, each receiving either Chamomile capsule 100 mg or MA 250 mg three times a day. Intensity reduction of emotional symptoms was significantly higher among Chamomile Extract-users (30.1 ± 26.6 and 33.4 ± 25.3 percent) than that among MA-users (11.6 ± 25.7 and 10.7 ± 26.8 percent) after two cycles intervention (p < 0.001). Intensity reduction of physical symptoms was not significantly different (p > 0.05) among groups. Consumption of Chamomile seems to be more effective than MA in relieving the intensity of PMS associated symptomatic psychological pains.
Nasocomial infection has emerged as a critical issue in hospital care outcome, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. The hands of health care workers are the primary routes of transmission of infection to patients. Hence, it brings up the use of antiseptic for hand washing purposes. Many of the antiseptic available in market are alcohol based sanitizers which have some shortcomings or adverse effects. Their frequent use can lead to skin irritation. Chamomile is one of the most widely used and well-documented medicinal plants in the world. This study aimed to formulate effective herbal hand wash using Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) flowers with emphasis on safety and efficacy and to avoid the risk posed by synthetic antimicrobials. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens of the prepared herbal hand wash was performed using disc diffusion method. Its efficacy was checked and compared with the commercial ones. Results revealed that chamomile soap formulation was more efficient in reducing the number of organisms from hands than the commercial antiseptic soaps thus it can be used as an antiseptic soap with less or no side effects.
IntroductionBlack, oolong and green tea (C. sinensis)Other teas and tisanesSummary and conclusionsReferences
One individual’s lucid thoughts spell confusion to another unless logically explained from conception. I will therefore commence
my preamble to this chapter, with some definitions, as I interpret them, of key aspects of my subject.
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. 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. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day. In this review we describe the use of chamomile in traditional medicine with regard to evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health.
Research shows a dramatic increase in use of the medical system during times of stress, such as job insecurity. Stress is a factor in many illnesses - from headaches to heart disease, and immune deficiencies to digestive problems. A substantial contributor to stress-induced decline in health appears to be an increased production of stress hormones and subsequent decreased immune function. Non-pharmaceutical approaches have much to offer such patients. This article focuses on the use of nutrients and botanicals to support the adrenals, balance neurotransmitters, treat acute anxiety, and support restful sleep.
Interviews with Hispanic families in the San Luis Valley of Colorado delineated several medicinal herbs that are popular in Hispanic folk medicine, including Ligusticum porteri (osha) and Matricaria chamomilla (manzanilla). A search of the scientific literature reveals that related species of Ligusticum and Matricaria chamomilla contain compounds that possess significant pharmacologic activity. This combined information is now being used as a basis for further investigation at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in an effort to detect pharmacologic activity in osha and manzanilla preparations.
World-wide use of herbal medicines is increasing, following regulatory and manufacturing developments. Herbs are attractive alternative medications to many patients with sleep disorders, who may be averse to using conventional drugs. We review here the most common herbal stimulants and sedatives. Caffeine, in herbal teas, black tea, coffee, soft drinks and pharmaceuticals, is used widely to control sleepiness, but more research is needed on its use in sleep disorders. Ephedra, and its constituent ephedrine, are used in both stimulant and weight loss preparations, sometimes with caffeine; safety concerns have arisen with this practice. Yohimbe is another herb used in stimulant and body-building preparations which has safety concerns. Asian and Siberian ginseng have been traditionally used for fatigue, and have some supportive experimental evidence for this use. Herbal sedatives also have some evidence for efficacy; the observations that certain plant flavonoid compounds bind to benzodiazepine receptors adds interest to their use. Valerian and kava have received the most research attention; both have decreased sleep onset time and promoted deeper sleep in small studies, and kava also shows anxiolytic effects. German chamomile, lavender, hops, lemon balm and passionflower are reputed to be mild sedatives but need much more experimental examination.
In the present study, we investigated hypnotic activities of chamomile and passiflora extracts using sleep-disturbed model rats. A significant decrease in sleep latency was observed with chamomile extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg, while passiflora extract showed no effects on sleep latency even at a dose of 3000 mg/kg. No significant effects were observed with both herbal extracts on total times of wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, at a dose of 3 mg/kg showed a significant antagonistic effect on the shortening in sleep latency induced by chamomile extract. No significant effects were observed with chamomile and passiflora extracts on delta activity during non-REM sleep. In conclusion, chamomile extract is a herb having benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity.
A number of medicinal plants are traditionally endowed with anxiolytic or sedative properties and, in the context of this revue, both indications are considered since the former may induce a mood conducive to the latter. For any sleep-inducing drug to be effective, a tranquil ambience needs to be established a priori. Thus, physical ailments (i.e. pain), factors interfering with sleep (i.e. noise), psychological conditions causing stress, psychiatric illnesses (i.e. depression) and other drugs that interfere with sleep (i.e. caffeine) need to be controlled, if possible. Kava-kava is a well-established hypnotic drug, with a rapid onset of effect, adequate duration of action and minimal morning after-effects. However, reports of serious hepatotoxicity with this preparation have led to it being banned in most countries worldwide. On the other hand, side-effects with valerian would appear to be bland indeed. However, it's slow onset of effect (2-3 weeks) renders it unsuitable for short-term use (i.e. 'jet-lag'), but it does have profound beneficial effects on sleep architecture (augments deep sleep) that may make it particularly suitable for long-term use and for the elderly. In a personal trial (not double-blind) in stress-induced insomnia, both kava and valerian improved sleep and the ill-effects of stress, and the combination of the two was even more effective for the control of insomnia. Aromatherapy (lavender, chamomile, Ylang-Ylang) would appear to improve sleep, but how practical a form of treatment this may be remains to be determined. The only other plant drug that may have some effect on sleep is melissa, but reports are too scanty to form any opinion about this. Based on animal experiments, passion flower (passiflora) may have a sedative action, but the sedative action of hops has not been investigated in any detail. In conclusion, there is a need for longer-term controlled studies with some of these compounds (particularly valerian). Aromatherapy constitutes a tantalising possibility. In the interpretation of this review, it should be borne in mind that the evidence on which it is based is often incomplete or missing, but that is all that is available. Consequently some conjecture on the part of the author is inevitable and should be appreciated as such.
Uber die Messung des Blutquantums in den Herzventrikeln
- Fick A.