Review on CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is one of the most popular traditional medicinal herbs. The name chamomile refers to several daisy-like
plants in the family Asteraceae. The most popular species used in commercial chamomile preparations are Matric
aria chamomile L. Traditionally; chamomile has been proposed to be useful in treating a wide range of conditions
from wounds and ulcers to insomnia and stress. Various preparations of chamomile are available, including herbal
tea, extract capsules, topical formulas, and essential oils

Chamomile is a medicinal plant containing numerous active ingredients including terpenoids (α-bisoprolol,
chamazulene), flavonoids (aligning, lutein, quercetin), and coumarone (herniary, umbelliferon). While some studies
have explored the effects of isolated chamomile compounds, such as aligning and quercetin, this narrative review
will focus on the potential uses of the whole chamomile plant The main constituents of the flowers of the
chamomile plant are polyphenol compounds, which include aligning, lutein, patuletin, and quercetin.

Chamomile Properties:
Approximately 120 secondary metabolites have been identified in chamomile, including 28 terpenoids and 36
flavonoids. The principal components of the essential oil extracted from the German chamomile flowers are the
terpenoids α-bisoprolol and its oxide alkenes including chamazulene and acetylene derivatives. Chamazulene and
bisoprolol are very unstable and are best preserved in an alcoholic tincture. Other major constituents of the flowers
include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids aligning, quercetin, and patuletin as glucosides and
various acetylated derivatives. Among flavonoids, aligning is the most promising compound. It is present in very
small quantities as free aligning, but predominantly exists in the form of various glycosides.

Chamomile is used as an herbal treatment for various skin conditions. It is used as anti-allergic, antioxidant, and
analgesic. Active component of chamomile contains terpenoids (bisoprolol, matric in, and chamazulene), flavonoids
(lutein, ruin, and aligning), hydroxycoumarins, and mucilage’s. It has anti-inflammatory action and also assists in
wound healing. This has been widely used in cosmetic products like soothing moisturizers, cleansers, and colour-
enhancing hair products. This has been used as a popular ingredient in various aroma therapies and hair care.

Chamomile is a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Here’s how chamomile is commonly used in cosmetics and some formulation ideas:

Benefits of Chamomile in Cosmetics

1. Anti-Inflammatory: Chamomile helps calm irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive or inflamed
skin conditions.
2. Antioxidant: It contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
3. Soothing: Chamomile can reduce redness and provide relief from conditions like eczema or rosacea.
4. Moisturizing: It can help maintain skin hydration and improve the overall texture of the skin.

Common Forms of Chamomile in Formulations

Chamomile Extract: Concentrated form of chamomile that can be used in various formulations. It’s often
found in serums, creams, and lotions.
 1. Chamomile Oil: Essential oil derived from chamomile flowers, used in facial oils and body care
products.
2. Chamomile Hydrosol: A byproduct of essential oil distillation, used in toners and facial mists.
3. Chamomile Powder: Ground chamomile flowers used in masks and exfoliating scrubs.

Formulation Ideas

1. Chamomile Facial Cleanser

o Ingredients: Chamomile extract, gentle surfactants (e.g., mild sulfate-free surfactants),
hydrating agents (e.g., glycerin), and a preservative.
o Benefits: Cleanses without stripping the skin, soothing inflammation and redness.
2. Chamomile Soothing Serum
o Ingredients: Chamomile extract, hyaluronic acid, squalene or other hydrating oils, and a light
preservative.
o Benefits: Provides intense hydration and reduces redness, ideal for sensitive skin.
3. Chamomile Moisturizing Cream
o Ingredients: Chamomile extract, shear butter, ceramides, and a stabilizing agent.
o Benefits: Moisturizes and calms the skin, creating a barrier to protect from environmental
stressors.
4. Chamomile Facial Mask
o Ingredients: Chamomile powder, kaolin clay, aloe Vera gel, and a binding agent.
o Benefits: Provides a soothing and detoxifying effect, ideal for calming and hydrating the skin .
5. Chamomile Eye Cream
o Ingredients: Chamomile extract, caffeine (for reducing puffiness), peptides, and a lightweight
emollient.
o Benefits: Reduces puffiness and dark circles while soothing the delicate eye area.
6. Chamomile Body Lotion
o Ingredients: Chamomile extract, lightweight oils (e.g., jojoba oil), and emollients.
o Benefits: Hydrates and calms the skin, perfect for daily use to keep skin smooth and calm.

Formulation Tips

 PH Levels: Ensure the final product has a pH level compatible with chamomile and your skin type. For
most skincare products, a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal.
 Preservation: Chamomile extracts can be prone to bacterial growth. Use appropriate preservatives to
extend shelf life.
 Compatibility: Test for compatibility with other ingredients to avoid potential reactions or reduced
efficacy.

Chamomile is versatile and can enhance the efficacy of many cosmetic formulations. When formulating, consider
the specific needs of your target skin type and the intended use of the product.

While chamomile is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most people, it can cause adverse effects in some
cases. Here are some potential issues to be aware of:

1. Allergic Reactions
  Symptoms: Itching, redness, swelling, or rash. In severe cases, it might cause anaphylaxis, a serious
allergic reaction.
 Risk: Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies, and marigolds)
may be more likely to react to chamomile.

2. Skin Sensitivity

 Symptoms: Increased sensitivity or irritation, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or conditions
like eczema.
 Risk: Chamomile extracts can occasionally cause irritation in sensitive individuals or when used in high
concentrations.

3. Photosensitivity

 Symptoms: Skin may become more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risk of sunburn.
 Risk: While not commonly reported, it’s a precautionary measure to monitor how your skin reacts to
chamomile products, especially when using them during prolonged sun exposure.

4. Interaction with Medications

 Symptoms: Potential interactions with anticoagulants or blood thinners, which might increase bleeding
risk.
 Risk: Chamomile may interact with certain medications or supplements, so it's advisable to consult a
healthcare professional if you're on medication.

5. Contact Dermatitis

 Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and itching at the site of contact with the chamomile-containing product.
 Risk: More common in individuals with a history of contact dermatitis or allergies to botanical
ingredients.

6. Risk in Pregnant or Nursing Women

 Symptoms: Potential for unknown effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 Risk: Some sources advise caution with chamomile use during pregnancy and lactation, though evidence
is not conclusive.

Precautionary Measures

1. Patch Testing: Before using a chamomile product extensively, perform a patch test by applying a small
amount to a discreet area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
2. Consultation: If you have known allergies to related plants or are on medication, consult with a
healthcare provider before using chamomile-containing products.
3. Monitoring: Pay attention to how your skin responds to products containing chamomile and discontinue
use if any adverse symptoms arise.
4. Overall, while chamomile is generally safe for most people, it's important to be mindful of potential
adverse effects and take necessary precautions to ensure it suits your individual needs.
 Conclusion :
Chamomile has been used as an herbal medication since ancient times, is still popular today and
probably will continue to be used in the future because it contains various bioactive
phytochemicals that could provide therapeutic effects. Establishing whether or not therapeutic
effects of chamomile are beneficial to patients will require research and generation of scientific
evidence. There is a need for continued efforts that focuses on pre-clinical studies with
chamomile involving animal models of various diseases. This may then be consequently
validated in clinical trials that will help in developing chamomile as a promising therapeutic
agent. Without such evidence, it will remain unclear whether these untested and unproven
medical treatments are truly beneficial. It is advisable that the discriminate and proper use of
chamomile preparations could be safe and provide therapeutic benefits however the
indiscriminate or improper use can be unsafe and harmful.