Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 107-116 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 107 Review Article Open Access Chamomile Tea: An In-Depth Analysis of Its Bioactive Compounds, Therapeutic Applications, and Historical Usage Xichen Wang1, Lianming Zhang2 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: lianming.zhang@cuixi.org Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0009 Received: 27 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 30 Mar., 2024 Published: 17 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang X.C., and Zhang L.M., 2024, Chamomile tea: an in-depth analysis of its bioactive compounds, therapeutic applications, and historical usage, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(2): 107-116 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0009) Abstract Chamomile tea has been consumed for centuries due to its cultural significance and widespread use in both traditional and modern medicine. This study systematically analyzes the bioactive compounds in chamomile tea, focusing particularly on the synergistic effects of flavonoids and essential oils and their therapeutic potential, including comprehensive health benefits related to digestive health, mental well-being, and skincare. The study also explores the historical context of chamomile tea from ancient Egypt and Greece to its modern applications, compares its nutritional and therapeutic properties with other herbal teas, and showcases its clinical efficacy and safety through case studies. The findings indicate that chamomile tea holds significant therapeutic potential, but further research is needed to fully explore its bioactive components and long-term health benefits. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of chamomile tea's role in traditional and modern medicine and provides directions for future research. Keywords Chamomile tea; Bioactive compounds; Flavonoids; Essential oils; Therapeutic applications 1 Introduction Chamomile tea, derived from the dried flowers of Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile, is a widely consumed herbal infusion known for its soothing properties. For centuries, this fragrant tea has been embraced across various cultures, not only as a beverage but also as a remedy for numerous ailments. Chamomile's gentle yet potent effects have rendered it a staple in traditional practices, while recent scientific investigations have begun to explore its diverse bioactive compounds and their therapeutic potential. Chamomile tea holds a prominent place in the cultural traditions of many civilizations. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, chamomile was revered for its healing properties, often used to treat fevers and inflammation. Similarly, it has been incorporated into European and Middle Eastern traditions as a natural remedy for insomnia, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Today, chamomile continues to be a popular herbal choice, with its use expanding into holistic health practices around the world (Catani et al., 2021). Chamomile's role in traditional medicine extends beyond its historical use. Traditional herbalists have long valued its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties, employing it to alleviate various health conditions, including gastrointestinal disturbances, anxiety, and respiratory disorders. In modern medicine, research has substantiated some of these claims, highlighting chamomile's rich composition of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds are being actively studied for their role in reducing inflammation, managing anxiety, and improving cardiovascular health, positioning chamomile tea as a valuable complement to conventional treatments (Bayliak et al., 2021). This study provides an in-depth analysis of chamomile tea, focusing on its bioactive compounds, therapeutic applications, and historical usage. By integrating evidence from both traditional and scientific perspectives, this study aims to bridge the gap between historical remedies and modern medicine, exploring the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and potential of chamomile as a treatment in various medical fields. Through this study, the goal is to highlight the importance of chamomile tea as a versatile therapeutic agent while identifying areas that require further research to fully understand its capabilities.
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