Mixed evidenceherb
Chamomile for Anxiety
Apigenin, a flavonoid concentrated in chamomile extract, binds benzodiazepine receptor sites in the brain, giving a plausible mild anxiolytic mechanism similar in principle to how anti-anxiety drugs work.
How strong is the research?
Mixed evidence
Of 179 patients given 12 weeks of open-label chamomile, 93 responders were randomized to continue chamomile or switch to placebo for 26 weeks. Chamomile significantly reduced ongoing GAD symptoms during continuation, but did not significantly reduce relapse rate versus placebo -- the study's own primary endpoint. Authors attribute this to a lower-than-expected placebo relapse rate and limited sample size. Funded by NIH (NCCIH, NCI).
How much to take
500–1500 mg