A pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on topical chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oil for severe carpal tunnel syndrome

•Efficacy of chamomile oil on severe carpal tunnel syndrome was assessed.•Functional and symptomatic status, and electrodiagnostic parameters were evaluated.•Chamomile oil significantly improved the patients' functional and symptomatic status.•Electrodiagnostic parameters showed no between-group significant changes.

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of standardized topical Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oil in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, as a complementary treatment.MethodA pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Twenty six patients with documented severe carpal tunnel syndrome were treated in two parallel groups with a night splint plus topical chamomile oil or placebo. They were instructed to use their prescribed oil for 4 weeks, twice daily. Symptomatic and functional status of the patients and their electrodiagnostic parameters were evaluated when enrolled and after the trial period, as our outcome measures.ResultsA significant improvement of symptomatic and functional status of patients in the chamomile oil group was observed (p = 0.019 and 0.016, respectively) compared with those in the placebo group. However, electrodiagnostic parameters showed no significant changes between the two groups.ConclusionChamomile oil improved symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.