| Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chamomile tea consumption inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in subjects with type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 individuals with T2DM (males and females) aged between 30 and 60 years. The
intervention group (n=32) consumed chamomile tea (3g/150 mL hot water) 3 times per day immediately after meals for 8 weeks. The control group (n=32) followed
a water regimen for the same intervention period. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements and 3-day, 24-h dietary recalls were collected at the baseline
and at the end of the trial. Data were analysed by independent t test, paired t test, Pearson correlation test, and analysis of covariance.
Results: Analysis of covariance showed that tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and homeostatic model
assessment for insulin resistance (HOM-IR) were significantly decreased by 4.87%, 57.20% and 23.60% respectively in chamomile group compared with these
variables in control group at the end of the intervention (all p<0.05). There was significant positive correlation between the changes of serum TNFα and hs-CRP with
HOMA-IR (r=0.567, p<0.001 and r= 0.520, p<0.001, respectively) in chamomile tea group at the end of the study.
Conclusion:: Short term intake of chamomile tea has beneficial effects on inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in patients with T2DM. Higher larger sample
population and a longer intervention period may be required to show significant clinical improvements. |