Bisabolol

Bisabolol, also known as α-bisabolol or levomenol, is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol that is a common constituent of the essential oil derived from German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and other plants, including the cannabis plant. Within the context of cannabis, bisabolol is one of the many terpenes produced in the trichomes of the cannabis flower, contributing to the plant’s aromatic complexity and potential therapeutic effects. Structurally characterized by its unsaturated bicyclic framework, bisabolol exhibits a delicate, sweet, and floral aroma, which can be associated with the soothing qualities often attributed to chamomile.

Scientific interest in bisabolol extends beyond its olfactory significance; it has garnered attention for its purported anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These attributes may play a role in the entourage effect, a hypothesis suggesting that the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes within cannabis can enhance the overall pharmacological impact of the plant. In the evolving landscape of cannabis research, bisabolol’s presence in specific cannabis strains is being investigated for its potential to contribute to the modulation of effects, ranging from anxiety relief to the healing of skin irritations, when utilized in topical applications or inhaled as part of the cannabis flower’s volatile profile. As such, bisabolol serves as a point of interest in the phytochemical and pharmacological characterization of cannabis and its wide array of bioactive compounds.