Terpene Guide/Alpha-Bisabolol
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C₁₅H₂₆O BP: 153°C (307°F) 0.01–0.2% in cannabis

Alpha-Bisabolol

Chamomile's calming compound — skin-healing, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory.

Alpha-bisabolol is the primary active component of chamomile essential oil and is widely used in cosmetics for its skin-healing and anti-irritant properties. In cannabis, it contributes floral, sweet notes and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. It is particularly relevant for topical cannabis applications.

Aroma Profile

FloralSweetChamomileNutty

Primary Effects

Skin-healingAnti-irritantAnti-inflammatoryCalming

Also Found In

Chamomile, Candeia tree, Myoporum crassifolium

Mechanisms of Action

Skin Penetration Enhancement

Increases skin permeability, enhancing the absorption of other therapeutic compounds including cannabinoids in topical formulations.

Anti-inflammatory Signaling

Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase and reduces leukotriene production, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects particularly in skin and mucosal tissues.

Antimicrobial Activity

Disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity, demonstrating activity against Staphylococcus aureus and other skin pathogens.

Role in the Entourage Effect

Bisabolol is particularly important in topical cannabis formulations, where it enhances cannabinoid skin penetration and adds its own anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. It is a key component of high-quality cannabis topicals.

Medical Applications

Skin Conditions

Strong Evidence

Extensive cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Reduces skin irritation, promotes wound healing, and enhances skin penetration of other compounds.

Condition guide

Inflammation

Moderate Evidence

Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in multiple models. Particularly effective for skin and mucosal inflammation.

Condition guide

Anxiety

Preliminary Evidence

Contributes to the calming effects of chamomile. Limited direct human data for bisabolol specifically.

Condition guide

Key Research

In Vitro2020International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Bisabolol enhances cannabinoid skin penetration

Alpha-bisabolol increased transdermal CBD flux by 3.2-fold in ex vivo skin models, confirming its role as a penetration enhancer for cannabinoid topicals.

In Vitro2022Skin Pharmacology and Physiology

Anti-inflammatory effects of bisabolol in skin models

Bisabolol reduced IL-8 and TNF-α production in UV-irradiated keratinocytes by 55% and 48% respectively, confirming anti-inflammatory activity in skin.

Top Strains

ACDC

Hybrid

0.05–0.15%

Harle-Tsu

Hybrid

0.04–0.12%

Pink Kush

Indica

0.05–0.18%

Oracle

Hybrid

0.03–0.10%

Safety & Considerations

GRAS status. Excellent safety profile — widely used in cosmetics. Safe at all cannabis concentrations.

All terpene information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis therapeutically.

Frequently Asked Questions