Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 107-116 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 109 preventing infections in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that chamomile can be beneficial in treating conditions such as gastritis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The therapeutic effects are attributed to its ability to modulate the immune response and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria (Maleki et al., 2023). 3.2 Role in mental health and relaxation Chamomile tea is widely recognized for its calming effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and stress. The anxiolytic properties of chamomile are primarily due to the presence of apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing a sedative effect. A systematic review and meta-analysis have demonstrated that chamomile is effective in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and improving overall mental well-being (Dai et al., 2022). Chamomile tea is commonly used as a natural remedy for sleep enhancement and the treatment of insomnia. The sedative effects of chamomile help in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. Research has shown that chamomile administration significantly improves sleep quality, although its effect on insomnia severity is less conclusive4. The mild sedative properties of chamomile make it a safe and effective option for individuals seeking to improve their sleep patterns. 3.3 Applications in skin health Chamomile exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Its active components, such as apigenin and bisabolol, play a crucial role in these effects (Figure 1) (Sah et al., 2022). Studies have discovered that topical application of chamomile tea can be used to treat various skin inflammations. The flavonoids and terpenoids in chamomile help reduce redness and irritation associated with skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Its soothing effects make it a valuable addition to skincare routines aimed at managing inflammatory skin disorders (Sah et al., 2022). Figure 1 The therapeutic applications of chamomile and the respective mechanism of action (Adopted from Sah et al., 2022) Image caption: The figure lists the pharmacological effects of chamomile in areas such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, neurological disorders, and metabolic syndrome, and it identifies the potential mechanisms behind each effect. For example, chamomile exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. Studies have shown that various chemical components of chamomile, such as apigenin and bisabolol, actively regulate multiple physiological processes, confirming its therapeutic potential as a multifunctional natural remedy (Adapted from Sah et al., 2022)
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