Plant Comparison
Chamomile vs Noni
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Chamomile and Noni: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, headache, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Chamomile | Noni | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Blood sugar / diabetes support | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The volatile oil, concentrated in the flower head, gives chamomile its characteristic blue colour (chamazulene) and much of its anti-inflammatory activity (alpha-bisabolol).
Apigenin is considered a key contributor to chamomile's sedative/anxiolytic activity via GABA-A receptor binding.
Minor constituents (e.g. herniarin, umbelliferone) contributing to the mild antispasmodic action.
Contribute to the soothing, demulcent effect on irritated mucous membranes.
A major phytochemical class of noni fruit and leaf, studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Found mainly in the root and, at lower levels, the fruit; studied for anticancer and antimicrobial activity.
Fruit polysaccharides studied for gut-microbiota-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease.
A phenolic coumarin found in the fruit, studied for anti-inflammatory and vascular effects.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from vulnerary action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally considered very safe when used as tea or topical preparations.Allergy risk: People allergic to ragweed, daisies, or other Asteraceae plants may react (itching, rash).Blood thinners: Chamomile may slightly enhance effects of anticoagulants—use large amounts cautiously.Pregnancy: Normal tea amounts are usually considered safe, but concentrated extracts should be used with caution.Topical use: Rare skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Duke (2002) rates German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) highly for anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing activities. The essential oil contains the potent anti-inflammatory compound alpha-bisabolol. Chamomile is Commission E approved for digestive complaints and topical wound care. Dose: 3 g dried flower heads per cup of water, three times daily. Alpha-bisabolol is noted as one of the most active natural anti-inflammatory compounds known. Caution: chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family and can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe. Rare allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums). May cause contact dermatitis with topical essential oil use. Avoid very high doses in pregnancy. Well tolerated by children in appropriate amounts.
Scented mayweed (Matricaria chamomilla) shares the same species as German chamomile (see German Chamomile entry above). Duke (2002) provides the same clinical support: Commission E approves it for dyspeptic complaints (orally) and skin and mucous membrane inflammation (topically). Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing activities are well-established (Duke, 2002).
Generally safe in moderate amounts. High potassium content — use caution in renal disease. Rare cases of hepatotoxicity reported with excessive consumption. May interact with warfarin (due to vitamin K content). Avoid during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates noni as +++ and notes analgesic, antirheumatic, antiarthritic, antitumor, antispasmodic, and hypotensive activities at the experimental level (score 1). Traditional Polynesian and South Asian medicine values it as a broad-spectrum tonic. The plant contains morindine, proxeronine, and damnacanthal, which are under investigation for immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects. Duke notes that noni fruit can be consumed as food and is generally safe, though the juice has a strong unpleasant odor and taste. No significant toxicity has been reported with regular food consumption (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic annual herb, 15-60 cm tall, with an erect, much-branched, hairless stem. Leaves are alternate and finely bi- to tripinnately divided into thread-like segments, giving a feathery appearance. Flower heads are small daisy-like composites, 1-2.5 cm across, with white ray florets that reflex sharply downward as the flower matures around a conical, hollow, yellow disc of tubular florets - the hollow, conical receptacle is a key feature distinguishing German chamomile from similar-looking daisies. The fruit is a tiny ribbed achene without a pappus.[1, 10]
Small evergreen tree or shrub (Rubiaceae), 3-10 m tall, with large, glossy, dark green, elliptical leaves marked by prominent parallel veins. Small, white, tubular, fragrant flowers are borne in dense rounded heads, developing into a compound fleshy fruit (syncarp) that is warty, semi-translucent and yellow-white when ripe, with a strong, pungent, cheese-like odour.[1]
Habitat
Native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, and dispersed across the Pacific islands and into India and the Caribbean by early Polynesian voyagers and subsequent cultivation; grows in coastal areas, open and disturbed forest, and even on bare lava flows, tolerating poor, saline and drought-prone soils.[1, 6]
Harvesting
Flower heads are hand- or machine-harvested at full bloom, when the ray florets are horizontal and just beginning to reflex, then dried quickly at low temperature and out of direct light to preserve the volatile oil.[6]
Ripe fruit is hand-picked as it softens and turns yellow-white, then traditionally left to further ripen or ferment for juice production; leaves and root are also traditionally gathered.[6]
Traditional Uses
Chamomile is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world, with a long traditional history as a mild digestive, calming and anti-inflammatory remedy - taken as a tea for indigestion, cramping, and restlessness or poor sleep, and applied topically for skin and mucous-membrane inflammation and wound healing. Modern reviews confirm anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative/anxiolytic and antimicrobial pharmacological activity supporting these traditional uses.[1, 6, 10]
Noni has an extensive Polynesian, South Asian and Southeast Asian traditional-medicine history, used as a broad-spectrum tonic for pain, inflammation, infection and immune support, and traditionally for diabetes and skin complaints. The fermented fruit juice is the most widely used modern preparation, now studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and metabolic effects supporting several of these traditional uses.[1, 6]
Preparations
Dried flower heads steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking chamomile for digestive complaints, mild anxiety and sleep support.
Steam-distilled from the flower heads; a concentrated source of alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, used mainly in topical and aromatherapy preparations.
Concentrated extract or infused oil applied to skin, or as a compress - a randomised controlled trial found a topical chamomile oil preparation effective for knee osteoarthritis pain.
Dosage
Commercial noni juice is typically taken in modest daily amounts (a few tablespoons); given rare reports of hepatotoxicity with excessive or prolonged intake, avoid high doses, especially with pre-existing liver disease. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Chamomile and valerian are both traditional mild sedatives for restlessness and poor sleep; taken together they may enhance calming and sleep effects but also add to drowsiness.[23]
Chamomile and lemon balm are both gentle calming herbs commonly combined for stress and sleep; used together their mild sedative effects may add up.[23]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- El Mihyaoui, A., Esteves da Silva, J.C.G., Charfi, S., Candela Castillo, M.E. and others (2022) 'Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses', Life, 12(4), pp. 479. doi:10.3390/life12040479 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/life12040479 - Kazemi, A., Shojaei-Zarghani, S., Eskandarzadeh, P. and Hashempur, M.H (2024) 'Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 84, pp. 103071. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071 - Mao, J.J., Xie, S.X., Keefe, J.R., Soeller, I. and others (2016) 'Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial', Phytomedicine, 23(14), pp. 1735-1742. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.012 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.012 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Q.S., Xie, S.X. and Mao, J.J (2020) 'Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(9), pp. 813-819. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0252 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0252 - McKay, D.L. and Blumberg, J.B (2006) 'A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.)', Phytotherapy Research, 20(7), pp. 519-530. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900 - Dai, Y.L., Li, Y., Wang, Q., Niu, F.J. and others (2022) 'Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies', Molecules, 28(1), pp. 133. doi:10.3390/molecules28010133 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010133 - Miraj, S. and Alesaeidi, S (2016) 'A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recutita chamomile (chamomile)', Electronic Physician, 8(9), pp. 3024-3031. doi:10.19082/3024 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.19082/3024 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K. and others (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c - Park, S.H., Kim, D.S., Oh, J., Geum, J.H. and others (2021) 'Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) Ameliorates Muscle Atrophy in Mice by Targeting Protein Catalytic Pathways, Myogenesis, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 49(6), pp. 1493-1514. doi:10.1142/S0192415X21500701 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X21500701 - Singh, O., Khanam, Z., Misra, N. and Srivastava, M.K (2011) 'Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview', Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(9), pp. 82-95. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79103 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.79103 - Amsterdam, J.D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J.J., Rockwell, K. and Newberg, A.B (2012) 'Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study', Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 18(5), pp. 44-49. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chamomile%20%28Matricaria%20recutita%29%20may%20provide%20antidepressant%20activity%20in%20anxious%2C%20depressed%20humans%3A%20an%20exploratory%20study - Shoara, R., Hashempur, M.H., Ashraf, A., Salehi, A., Dehshahri, S. and Habibagahi, Z (2015) 'Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 21(3), pp. 181-187. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.06.003 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.06.003 - Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M. and Asghari-Jafarabadi, M (2016) 'Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Nutrition, 32(1), pp. 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 - Niazi, A. and Moradi, M (2021) 'The effect of chamomile on pain and menstrual bleeding in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review', International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery, 9(3), pp. 174-186. doi:10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.87219.1417 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.87219.1417 - European Medicines Agency (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Matricaria%20recutita%20L.%2C%20flos - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Padula, M.C (2006) 'Chamomile: industrial profiles'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chamomile%3A%20industrial%20profiles - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Srivastava, J.K., Shankar, E. and Gupta, S (2010) 'Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future', 3(6), pp. 895--901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Segal, R. and Pilote, L (2006) 'Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla', CMAJ, 174(9), pp. 1281-1282. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051191 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051191 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c - Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M. and Asghari-Jafarabadi, M (2015) 'Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Nutrition, 32(1), pp. 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011
- Potterat, O. and Hamburger, M (2007) 'Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit--phytochemistry, pharmacology, safety', Planta Medica, 73(3), pp. 191-199. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967115 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-967115 - Brown, A.C (2012) 'Anticancer activity of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit: a review', Phytotherapy Research, 26(10), pp. 1427-1440. doi:10.1002/ptr.4595 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4595 - Almeida-Souza, F., de Souza, C.S., Taniwaki, N.N., Silva, J.J. and others (2016) 'Morinda citrifolia Linn. fruit (Noni) juice induces an increase in NO production and death of Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes in peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c', Nitric Oxide, 58, pp. 51-58. doi:10.1016/j.niox.2016.06.004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2016.06.004 - Wang, R., Wang, L., Wang, S., Wang, J. and others (2022) 'Phenolics from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit alleviate obesity in high fat diet-fed mice via modulating the gut microbiota and mitigating intestinal damage', Food Chemistry, 402, pp. 134232. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134232 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134232 - Yoshitomi, H., Zhou, J., Nishigaki, T., Li, W. and others (2020) 'Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice promotes vascular endothelium function in hypertension via glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor-CaMKKbeta-AMPK-eNOS pathway', Phytotherapy Research, 34(9), pp. 2341-2350. doi:10.1002/ptr.6685 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6685 - Almeida, E.S., de Oliveira, D. and Hotza, D (2019) 'Properties and Applications of Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A Review', Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(4), pp. 883-909. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12456 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12456 - Kim, S.H., Seong, G.S. and Choung, S.Y (2020) 'Fermented Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Alleviates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice through Modulating Immune Balance and Skin Barrier Function', Nutrients, 12(1), pp. 249. doi:10.3390/nu12010249 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010249 - Jin, M.Y., Wu, X.Y., Li, M.Y., Li, X.T. and others (2021) 'Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Polysaccharides Regulated IBD Mice Via Targeting Gut Microbiota: Association of JNK/ERK/NF-kappaB Signaling Pathways', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(35), pp. 10151-10162. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03833 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03833 - Lee, D., Yu, J.S., Huang, P., Qader, M. and others (2020) 'Identification of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Hawaiian Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Juice', Molecules, 25(21), pp. 4968. doi:10.3390/molecules25214968 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25214968 - Ma, L.D., Lin, G.B., Yang, L.B., Cao, J.L. and others (2021) 'Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Juice Suppresses A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells via Inhibiting AKT/Nuclear Factor-kappaB Signaling Pathway', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 27(9), pp. 688-695. doi:10.1007/s11655-020-3421-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-020-3421-y - Hirazumi, A. and Furusawa, E (1999) 'An immunomodulatory polysaccharide-rich substance from the fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia', 13(5), pp. 380--387. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=An%20immunomodulatory%20polysaccharide-rich%20substance%20from%20the%20fruit%20juice%20of%20Morinda%20citrifolia - Potterat, O. and Hamburger, M (2007) 'Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit — phytochemistry, pharmacology, safety', 73(3), pp. 191--199. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967115 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-967115 - West, B.J., Jensen, C.J., Westendorf, J. and White, L.D (2006) 'A safety review of noni fruit juice', 71(8). doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2006.00164.x Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2006.00164.x - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.