The effect of chamomile on postoperative pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Postoperative pain remains a significant clinical challenge. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of chamomile in mitigating postoperative pain. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Dire...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Heliyon |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025014525 |
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| Summary: | Background: Postoperative pain remains a significant clinical challenge. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of chamomile in mitigating postoperative pain. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The search strategy did not impose any limitations on the type of surgical procedure and the geographical location of the studies. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a control group (placebo) reporting the effects of chamomile on pain outcomes. Exclusion criteria were studies not published in English or Farsi, without a control group, case reports, non-human studies, or studies lacking sufficient data. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used for quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using CMA software version 2 based on the random effects model. Results: 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis indicated that chamomile has a mild effect in reducing post-operative pain (SMD = −0.903, 95 % CI: −1.379 to −0.427). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 92.874 %, P < 0.001). Specifically, studies with episiotomy showed high homogeneity (I2 = 0 %, P = 0.437), while cesarean studies showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 90.212 %, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed homogeneity in topical chamomile applications (I2 = 0 %, P = 0.597), but heterogeneity in other applications (I2 = 93.153 %, P < 0.001). Meta-regression indicated that the pain-reducing effect of chamomile diminishes with increased therapy duration (β = 0.103, 95 % CI 0.009 to −0.196, p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study highlights the mild pain-reducing effects of chamomile after surgery. Chamomile may be a cost-effective and relatively safe adjunctive method for pain relief. However, the efficacy is influenced by surgical procedure type and application method, and decreases with prolonged use. |
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| ISSN: | 2405-8440 |