Antidepressant effects of oral (matricaria chamomilla L.) extract: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24054/coh.v15i1.4481Keywords:
Matricaria chamomilla, Depression, Plant Extracts, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phytotherapy, Complementary Therapies, Systematic ReviewAbstract
This study presents a systematic review of the literature on the possible antidepressant effect of oral extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. in humans. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS up to March 12, 2026, using key terms related to chamomile, depression, and oral administration. Randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies evaluating depressive symptoms through validated scales (HRSD, BDI, HAM-D) in human populations were included, while in vitro and animal studies were excluded. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Among the studies identified, three exploratory trials met the inclusion criteria, all focusing on patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and comorbid depression. Results: The findings indicated that oral chamomile extract (doses ranging from 220 mg to 1500 mg/day for 8 weeks) produced significant reductions or clinically relevant trends in depression scale scores (HRSD/HAM-D, BDI) in the subgroup with comorbid depression, suggesting a potential antidepressant action beyond its well-known anxiolytic effects. Proposed mechanisms include GABAergic modulation (apigenin), monoaminergic influence, regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Although promising, these findings derive from exploratory studies in comorbid populations, which limits their generalization to primary Major Depressive Disorder. Conclusion: Oral extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. shows potential as a complementary intervention for depressive symptoms; however, well-designed controlled clinical trials in patients with primary major depression are required to validate its efficacy and safety as an antidepressant treatment
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