Chamomile for Anti-Inflammatory

Research suggests that chamomile possesses meaningful anti-inflammatory properties, with evidence spanning laboratory studies, mechanistic investigations, and at least one clinical meta-analysis. Multiple in vitro and animal studies point to specific mechanisms, including selective inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and reduction of pro-inflammatory markers such as prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, with bioactive compounds like apigenin, chamazulene, α-bisabolol, luteolin, and quercetin identified as likely contributors to these effects. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized clinical trials found statistically significant reductions in mucositis severity and pain associated with chamomile use, offering some clinical corroboration, and a 2008 narrative review highlighted chamomile's potential for inflammatory skin conditions as a longer-term alternative to conventional treatments. However, the overall body of evidence remains limited by a heavy reliance on cell-based and animal experiments, relatively small clinical trial sizes, and calls from multiple review authors for more rigorous human studies before firm conclusions can be drawn about chamomile's anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety in clinical settings.