Recent Research: Chamomile Health Benefits

Chamomile (German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita) have two types: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. This fact sheet focuses on German chamomile. Chamomile was described in ancient medical writings and was an important medicinal herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. 

Today, chamomile is promoted for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. It is also used topically for skin conditions and for mouth sores resulting from cancer treatment. (1) 

 Aflatoxin (AFB) is a poisonous mold that can grow on some foods and animal feed. It can make rabbits sick. Mahmoud Gamal Rashad and colleagues investigated if chamomile could improve rabbits' health and protect their livers from damage caused by AFB. In the study, rabbits were divided into four groups: 1. Chamomile group (chamomile): Given chamomile daily, 2. Mold group (AF): Given AFB daily, 3. Chamomile + Mold group (AFLCha): Given both chamomile and AFB daily, and 4. Regular group (CON): Not given chamomile or AFB. They found: Rabbits with AFB grew slower and had smaller bodies compared to those with chamomile or both. Chamomile and the chamomile + AFB groups had healthier livers and kidneys than the AFB group alone. Chamomile and the chamomile + AFB groups had stronger defenses against cell damage than the AFB group alone. The AFB group had more cell damage and weaker defenses than the chamomile and regular groups. In short, this study suggests that chamomile might help protect rabbits from the harmful effects of AFB on their livers. (2) 

 Gastric Cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide. While, apigenin (Api), a natural flavonoid found in chamomile tea and some other plant-products. Api may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. With respect to gastric cancer, studies have systematically examined Api’s effects on cancer cells, focusing on cell proliferation, apoptosis, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and molecular targets. The literature suggests that Api inhibits cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner Mechanistically, Api acts through the Akt/Bad/Bcl2/Bax axis, activating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and thereby restricting cell proliferation. Though it seems that the anti-proliferative potential of Api on gastric cancer cells is particularly relevant in a more aggressive gastric cancer phenotype but can also affect normal gastric cells. (3) 

 Farshid Bahrami and colleagues conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled design of 3 groups - the damask rose group (n = 30), the chamomile group (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30). In the damask rose and chamomile groups, three drops of 40% essential of each plant were used for inhalation aromatherapy (three drops every hour for 3 hours) The subjects are emergency orthopedic surgery patients. They found that both of the intervention groups experienced a decrease in pain and anxiety over time compared to the control group. (4) 

 REFERENCE 

 1. Chamomile, Health Information, NIH website, May 04, 2024. 2. Mahmoud Gamal Rashad et al, Dietary chamomile flowers extract improved performance and mitigated aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rabbits, J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2024 Apr 30. 3. Ana Pratas et al, Effects of apigenin on gastric cancer cells, Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Mar:172:116251. 4. Farshid Bahrami et al, Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy With Damask Rose and Chamomile Essential Oil on Preoperative Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial, J Perianesth Nurs. 2024 Feb 1:S1089-9472(23)01031-6.

Review / Recent Research: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical byproduct of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP can be converted to serotonin in the body. It works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases serotonin levels, it is used for conditions in which serotonin is believed to play an important role. These possibly include depression, anxiety, and many other conditions. However, it may be ineffective for improving muscle strength or development in children with Down syndrome. (1) 

According to the reference 1, it is possibly safe to take 5-HTP by mouth in doses of up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. The most common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Large doses of 5-HTP, such as 6-10 grams daily, are possibly unsafe. These doses have been linked to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms. And, some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a serious health condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). (1)

RECENT RESEARCH

Clarinda Nataria Sutanto and colleagues studied whether a daily supplement of 5-HTP, a natural precursor to sleep hormones, could improve sleep in older adults. They divided 30 people over 65 into two groups, one taking 5-HTP and the other not. After 12 weeks, they found that people who already had trouble sleeping benefited the most from the supplement, reporting better sleep quality. Interestingly, the supplement also seemed to improve the gut bacteria of those who had poor sleep initially. Overall, this small study suggests that 5-HTP might be a helpful option for older adults with sleep problems. (2)

Researchers studied how a common chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin) damages the heart and found a way to potentially prevent this damage. The drug works well against cancer, but it weakens the heart muscle over time. They discovered that the drug disrupts communication between heart cells, leading to a weaker heart structure. They then found that a substance the body naturally produces (5-HTP) can block this communication disruption and protect the heart from the chemotherapy drug's harmful effects. Importantly, this protection doesn't prevent the drug from working against cancer. This research suggests that 5-HTP might be a future medicine to help people undergoing this type of chemotherapy avoid heart damage. {3}

REFERENCE

1. 5-HTP, MedlinePlus, May 2, 2024.

2. Clarinda Nataria Sutanto et al, The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial, Randomized Controlled Trial Clin Nutr. 2024 Mar;43(3):593-602. 

3. Wenshe Sun et al, 5-Hydroxytryptophan acts as a gap junction inhibitor to limit the spread of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction, Aging (Albany NY). 2024 Mar 10;16(5):4889-4903.

Review: Rhodiola Rosea

 Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or rose root, is a flowering plant that grows in cold regions of Europe and Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Russia and Scandinavia, as an adaptogen. (1) Adaptogens are believed to help the body adapt to stress, both physical and mental.

Potential Health Benefits:

Research on Rhodiola rosea is ongoing, and while some studies suggest potential benefits, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Reducing fatigue and improving energy levels: Some studies suggest that Rhodiola may help improve energy levels and combat fatigue, possibly also in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). (2, 3)

• Improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression: Some research indicates that Rhodiola may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression. (2)

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Rhodiola may help manage stress and anxiety symptoms, although the evidence is not conclusive. (4)

• Enhancing cognitive function: Some studies suggest Rhodiola may improve memory, focus, and concentration. Salidroside is a phenylpropanoid mainly isolated from Rhodiola species with various pharmacological effects. A total of 20 studies were included, and the results showed that the Salidroside treatment significantly improved behavior abnormalities in Alzheimer's Disease animal models. The authors reported that salidroside treatment could effectively increase superoxide dismutase, decrease malondialdehyde, and decrease interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α. Salidroside treatment was effective in reducing amyloid-β levels and the number of apoptotic cells, as well. (5) But more research is needed.

• Boosting physical performance: Some evidence suggests Rhodiola may improve exercise performance and reduce muscle fatigue. (4)

Side Effects:

Rhodiola is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses for short periods. However, based on information over the internet, some potential side effects may include headache, dizziness, stomach upset, dry mouth, sleep disturbance and irritability. 

Important Considerations include limited evidence for the health claims and drug interactions. 

Current Research:

Several ongoing research studies are investigating the potential benefits of Rhodiola for various conditions. These studies are crucial for understanding its true efficacy and potential side effects. It is important to stay updated on the latest research findings before using Rhodiola for any health concern.

Remember:

Always consult your doctor before taking any new supplement, including Rhodiola rosea. They can advise you on the potential benefits and risks based on your individual health and medical history.

REFERENCE

1. Anastasia Agapouda et al, Rhodiola Rosea Extract Counteracts Stress in an Adaptogenic Response Curve Manner via Elimination of ROS and Induction of Neurite Outgrowth, Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022; 2022: 5647599.

2. Jurga Bernatoniene et al, Phenolic Compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 31;24(15):12293.

3. Yevgeniya Lekomtseva et al, Rhodiola rosea in Subjects with Prolonged or Chronic Fatigue Symptoms: Results of an Open-Label Clinical Trial, Complement Med Res. 2017;24(1):46-52.

4. Grant M Tinsley et al, Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen to enhance exercise performance: a review of the literature, Br J Nutr. 2024 Feb 14;131(3):461-473. 

5. Nan Zhang et al, Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Salidroside in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies  J Agric Food Chem. 2023 Nov 22;71(46):17597-17614.