Effect of Matricaria chamomilla on the Quality of Life Among Women with Menopausal Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Farideh Mohsenzadeh-Ledari, Mouloud Agajani Delavar, Ali Akbar Moghadamnia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This triple-blind randomized controlled trial assessed daily Matricaria chamomilla supplementation in 80 postmenopausal women aged 47–62 years in Iran. Participants received 400 mg chamomile capsules, standardized to 1.2% apigenin, or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared with placebo, chamomile reduced vasomotor symptoms (mean difference = -0.82, 95% confidence interval: -1.25 to -0.39, p ≤ 0.001). The trial found no significant improvement in psychological, physical, sexual, or overall quality-of-life scores.
Key findings
- Chamomile reduced vasomotor symptoms versus placebo (mean difference = -0.82, 95% confidence interval: -1.25 to -0.39, p ≤ 0.001).
- No significant improvements were observed in psychological, physical, sexual, or overall quality-of-life scores.
- Mild side effects, including mouth sores and skin spots, led two participants in the chamomile group to withdraw.
Why it matters
The findings suggest a possible benefit of chamomile for vasomotor symptoms, but not for broader menopause-related quality of life over the 12-week study period. This distinction is relevant when interpreting evidence for supplements: improvement in one symptom domain should not be assumed to translate into wider psychological, physical, or sexual benefits.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 80 participants and followed them for 12 weeks, limiting conclusions about longer-term effects.