Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) A Review of Ethnomedicinal use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities

:Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), one of the most ancient and widely used medicinal plants in human history, has been extensively employed across diverse cultures for its broad therapeutic properties. This comprehensive review systematically examines the ethnomedicinal traditions, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of M. chamomilla. A thorough literature search was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 1970 to 2024. The plant has been used traditionally for gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, anxiety, insomnia, wound healing, and menstrual irregularities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The major bioactive constituents include flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin), terpenoids (chamazulene, α-bisabolol, bisabolol oxides), coumarins (herniarin, umbelliferone), and phenolic acids. Scientific investigations have validated anti inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, wound-healing, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory activities. Several clinical trials have confirmed efficacy in generalized anxiety disorder, dysmenorrhea, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal complaints. The plant is generally regarded as safe, though allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals and potential drug interactions warrant attention. This review underscores the immense therapeutic potential of M. chamomilla and highlights the need for standardized formulations, pharmacokinetic studies, and well-designed clinical trials. Keywords: Matricaria chamomilla; Chamomile; Ethnomedicine; Apigenin; Chamazulene; α-Bisabolol; Anti inflammatory; Phytochemistry; Traditional medicine; Herbal review