Efficacy of Matricaria chamomilla L. in Infantile Colic: A Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Randomized Trial

Objective: Infantile colic is one of the most common problems in neonatal and early infancy, the prevalence of which has been reported as 10-20%. The present clinical trial was conducted to investigate whether topical use of chamomile oil reduces crying and fussing in breastfed colicky infants.

Methods: A total of 102 breastfed colicky infants were divided into two groups to receive topical chamomile or placebo oil 6 times a day for 7 days. Both groups also received 5 mg of Simethicone syrup 4 times a day. Parents reported on crying and fussing duration, exertion times and side effects using a questionnaire.

Results: 90 babies could complete the trial including 47 patients in chamomile group and 43 patients in the placebo group. Babies in both groups were the same in terms of gestational age, birth weight, birth order, gender, delivery type, crying and fussing on the day before the treatment. At the end of the study, crying and fussing was found to be lower in chamomile group than the placebo group (p <0.001). Also, 39 and 27 patients responded to the treatment in chamomile and placebo groups respectively. The effect of chamomile oil on crying (p<0.01) and fussing (p< 0.001) was significant. No serious adverse event was reported.

Conclusion: Results revealed that chamomile oil reduced symptoms in breastfed colicky infants compared to the infants in the placebo group. This suggests that topical use of chamomile oil may be effective in the treatment of colic.