Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 107-116 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 111 5.2 Allergic reactions and sensitivities Despite its general safety, chamomile tea can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (Chang and Chen, 2016). Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported due to cross-reactivity between chamomile pollen allergens and those of other Asteraceae plants. Allergic contact dermatitis, systemic allergic contact dermatitis, and airborne contact dermatitis have also been documented, with symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylactic shock. The allergens involved include proteins such as Art v 1 and Mat c 1, which are homologous to Bet v 1, and other proteins sized between 23 and 50 kDa. Additionally, components like matricin, desacetylmatricarin, and herniarin have been identified as potential allergens (Avonto et al., 2017). 5.3 Long-term consumption and chronic effects The long-term consumption of chamomile tea has not been extensively studied, and thus, its chronic effects remain largely unknown (Raal et al., 2012). While short-term studies indicate beneficial effects without significant adverse outcomes, the potential for cumulative exposure to allergens and other bioactive compounds warrants caution. For instance, the anti-allergic activity of chamomile, demonstrated through its inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation and histamine release, suggests that it may have complex interactions with the immune system. Therefore, while chamomile tea is generally safe for short-term use, individuals with known sensitivities or allergies should exercise caution, and further research is needed to fully understand the implications of long-term consumption (Bravo et al., 2021). 6 Comparative Analysis with Other Herbal Teas 6.1 Nutritional comparison with other popular herbal teas Chamomile tea, known for its high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, stands out among herbal teas for its significant antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that chamomile contains high levels of apigenin, luteolin, and their glycones, which contribute to its potent antioxidant effects. In comparison, other popular herbal teas such as green tea and lemon balm also exhibit high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with lemon balm showing the highest contents among the studied herbal infusions. These compounds are associated with various health benefits, including the inhibition of digestive enzymes and antioxidant capacity, which are crucial for promoting overall health (Poswal et al., 2019). 6.2 Therapeutic efficacy comparison Chamomile tea is renowned for its wide range of therapeutic applications, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and sedative effects (Duan et al., 2022). It has been shown to have significant effects on the central nervous system, providing antinociceptive, sedative, and anxiolytic-like effects. Additionally, chamomile has demonstrated potential in managing obesity and metabolic syndrome by modulating signaling pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, Nrf2, and PPARγ transcription factors (Figure 2) (Bayliak et al., 2021). In comparison, other herbal teas such as lavender, spearmint, and hibiscus have been studied for their effects on female health, diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss, but the number of studies exploring their clinical efficacy and safety remains limited. Chamomile's broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, particularly in reducing cancer complications and improving quality of life among cancer patients, further highlights its superior therapeutic efficacy (Maleki et al., 2023). Bayliak et al. (2021) highlighted the intricate relationship between excessive energy intake, low physical activity, and the onset of metabolic syndrome. They found that hypertrophied adipocytes, resulting from over-nutrition, play a key role in triggering oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These conditions arise from elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, leading to impaired insulin signaling and increased free fatty acid release. The accumulation of these free fatty acids in the liver and muscle reduces insulin sensitivity, further contributing to hyperglycemia. Additionally, Bayliak et al. emphasized the role of NF-κB in exacerbating inflammation by inhibiting PPARγ, which typically mediates anti-inflammatory processes. This cascade of events fosters the development of metabolic syndrome, characterized by dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and heightened glucose levels. These findings underscore the detrimental cycle between obesity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
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