Chamomile helps with menopausal symptoms

Herbal intervention with Matricaria chamomilla, known as chamomile, appears to alleviate menopausal symptoms, as shown in the results of a triple-blind clinical trial.

For the trial, researchers enrolled 80 postmenopausal women (aged 47–62 years) in their early or late perimenopause from Babol City Health Center. Other inclusion criteria were as follows: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of >40, symptom score of >15, menopause occurring at least 2 years prior, and the absence of any significant comorbidities.

The participants were randomly assigned to receive either chamomile (100 mg capsules with 1.2% apigenin) or identical placebo over 12 weeks. The intervention was given four times daily.

Symptoms of menopause were evaluated using the Australian Menopause Association's Scorecard Symptom Questionnaire. Side effects were also assessed every 4 weeks.

Overall scores on the symptom scorecard decreased significantly in the chamomile vs the placebo group at 12 weeks (−10.36, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], −13.84 to −6.92; p<0.001). The intervention group also showed greater improvements in specific subscores such as vasomotor (−2.25, 95 percent CI, −3.09 to −1.42; p<0.001), psychological (−3.74, 95 percent CI, −5.29 to −2.20; p<0.001), locomotor (−2.70, 95 percent CI, −3.63 to −1.77; p<0.001), and urological (−1.89, 95 percent CI, −2.77 to −1.00; p<0.001). Nevertheless, both groups showed significant changes in total symptom scores over time (p<0.001).

As for safety, two participants in the chamomile group had side effects, including mouth sores, skin spots, and itching. This led to the participants’ withdrawal from the study.

Additional studies are needed to establish the optimal dosage and mitigate adverse reactions for safer and more effective management of menopausal symptoms with chamomile.