HERBAL

MEDICINAL

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN

Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (Asteraceae/Compositae)

by

Rettodwikart Thenu

 ROMAN CHAMOMILE

Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (Asteraceae/Compositae)

 (Barnes, J et al., 2007)

SUMMARY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT

The chemistry of Roman chamomile, particularly of the volatile oil, is well documented and is similar to that of German chamomile. Limited pharmacological data are available for Roman chamomile, although many actions have been reported for German chamomile. In view of the similar chemical compositions, many of the activities described for German chamomile are thought to be applicable to Roman chamomile and thus support the traditional herbal uses. However, rigorous clinical research assessing the efficacy and safety of preparations of Roman chamomile is required. Roman chamomile is stated to be of low toxicity, although allergic reactions (mainly contact dermatitis) have been reported.

SPECIES (FAMILY)

Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (Asteraceae/Compositae)

SYNONYM(S)

Anthemis nobilis L., Chamomile, ormenis nobilis (L.) J. Gay ex Coss. & Germ.

PART(S) USED

Flower head

       

     Figure 2. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)      Figure 3. Roman chamomile – dried drug substance (flowerhead)

PHARMACOPOEIAL AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS

BHC 1992(G6)

BHP 1996(G9)

BP 2007(G84)

Martindale 35th edition(G85)

Ph Eur 2007(G81)

USP29/NF24(G86)

LEGAL CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)

GSL(G37)

CONSTITUENTS

The following is compiled from several sources, including General References G2 and G6.

Coumarins Scopoletin-7-glucoside.

Flavonoids Apigenin, luteolin, quercetin and their glycosides (e.g. apiin, luteolin-7-glucoside and rutin).

Volatile oils 0.4–1.75%. Angelic and tiglic acid esters (85%);(1) others include 1,8-cineole, l-trans-pinocarveol, l-trans-pinocarvone, chamazulene, farnesol, nerolidol; germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones (0.6%),(2) including nobilin, 3-epinobilin, 1,10-epoxynobilin, 3-dehydronobilin; various alcohols including amyl and isobutyl alcohols, anthemol.(1–4) Chamazulene is formed from a natural precursor during steam distillation of the oil, and varies in yield depending on the origin and the age of flowers.(1)

Other constituents Anthemic acid (bitter), phenolic and fatty acids, phytosterol, choline and inositol.

FOOD USE

Roman chamomile is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N2). This category indicates that Roman chamomile can be added to foodstuffs in small quantities, with a possible limitation of an active principle (as yet unspecified) in the final product.(G16) Chamomile is commonly used as an ingredient of herbal teas. Previously, Roman chamomile has been listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe).(G41)

HERBAL USE

Roman chamomile is stated to possess carminative, anti-emetic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. It has been used for dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, vomiting of pregnancy, dysmenorrhoea, and specifically for flatulent dyspepsia associated with mental stress.(G2,G6, G7, G8, G64)

DOSAGE

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Ø  Dried flowerheads 1–4 g as an infusion three times daily.(G7)

Ø  Liquid extract 1–4mL (1 : 1 in 70% alcohol) three times daily.(G7)

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

German and Roman chamomile possess similar pharmacological activities (see Chamomile, German for a fuller description of documented pharmacological actions).

In vitro and animal studies  

Few studies have been documented specifically for Roman chamomile. The azulene compounds are reported to possess anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties; their mechanism of action is thought to involve inhibition of histamine release (see Chamomile, German). The volatile oil has been documented as having anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenan rat paw oedema test), and antidiuretic and sedative effects following intraperitoneal administration of doses up to 350 mg/kg body weight to rats.(5) The azulenes have been reported to stimulate liver regeneration following oral, but not subcutaneous, administration. The sesquiterpenoids nobilin, 1,10-epoxynobilin and 3-dehydronobilin have demonstrated in vitro antitumour activity against human cells.(1) The concentration of hydroxyisonobilin required for cytotoxic activity is reported to be low enough to warrant further investigations (ED50 0.56 mg/mL versus HeLa; ED50 1.23 mg/mL versus KB; arbitrary acceptable test level 4 mg/mL).

Clinical studies 

Clinical research assessing the effects of Roman chamomile is limited, and rigorous randomised controlled clinical trials are required.

SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY

There is a lack of clinical safety data and toxicity data for Roman chamomile and further investigation of these aspects is required. Instances of allergic and anaphylactic reactions to chamomile have been documented (see Chamomile, German) The allergenic principles in chamomile are thought to be the sesquiterpene lactones.(1) Roman chamomile yields nobilin, a sesquiterpene lactone that is reported to be potentially allergenic.(1) However, Roman chamomile oil has also been reported to be non-irritant and non-sensitising to human skin.(2) Animal studies have indicated the oil to be either mildly or non-irritant, and to lack any phototoxic effects.(2) Large doses of Roman chamomile are stated to act as an emetic(G44) and this has been attributed to the anthemic acid content.(6) The acute toxicity of Roman chamomile in animals is reported to be relatively low.(1) Acute LD50 values in rabbits (dermal) and rats (by mouth) have been stated to exceed 5 g/kg.(2)

CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS

In view of the documented allergic reactions and cross-sensitivities (see Chamomile, German), Roman chamomile should be avoided by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to any members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. In addition, Roman chamomile may precipitate an allergic reaction or exacerbate existing symptoms in susceptible individuals (e.g. asthmatics). The use of chamomile preparations in teething babies is not recommended.

Drug interactions 

None documented. However the potential for preparations of Roman chamomile to interact with other medicines administered concurrently, particularly those with similar or opposing effects, should be considered (particularly where oral preparations of Roman chamomile are used). Coumarin compounds detected so far in Roman chamomile do not possess the minimum structural requirements (a C-4 hydroxyl substituent and a C-3 non-polar carbon substituent) for anticoagulant activity.

Pregnancy and lactation 

Roman chamomile is reputed to be an abortifacient and to affect the menstrual cycle.(G30) In view of this and the potential for allergic reactions, the excessive use of Roman chamomile during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.

REFERENCES

1.      Mann C, Staba EJ. The chemistry, pharmacology, and commercial formulations of chamomile. In: Craker LE, Simon JE, eds. Herbs,

2.      Spices, and Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, vol 1. Arizona: Oryx Press, 1986: 235–280.

3.      Opdyke DLJ. Chamomile oil roman. Food Cosmet Toxicol 1974: 12: 853.

4.      Casterline CL. Allergy to chamomile tea. JAMA 1980; 4: 330–331.

5.      Hausen BM et al. The sensitizing capacity of Compositae plants. Planta Med 1984; 50: 229–234.

6.      Melegari M et al. Chemical characteristics and pharmacological properties of the essential oils of Anthemis nobilis. Fitoterapia 1988; 59: 449–455.

7.      Achterrath-Tuckermann U et al. Pharmacologisch Untersuchungen von Kamillen-Inhaltestoffen. Planta Med 1980; 39: 38–50.