Terpene of the Month: Bisabolol | AusCannaReviews

This month we’re taking a deeper look at the terpene Bisabolol.

Bisabolol, also referred to as α-bisabolol or levomenol, is a terpene that’s present in significant amounts in chamomile flowers but can also be found in a few other plants, including the Candeia tree (Vanillosmopsis erythropappa), Myoporum crassifolium, and cannabis. Its distinct aroma is often described as floral, sweet, and earthy, making it a sought-after component in perfumes and cosmetics.

Egyptians historically used chamomile to alleviate digestive discomfort and as a remedy for skin irritations, particularly sunburns and rashes. A study published in 2011 in Fitoterapia, a journal dedicated to medicinal plants and fungi, tested this theory with dermatitis in male mice. The study results suggested that Bisabolol may be an effective topical anti-inflammatory treatment.

In ancient Greece, chamomile was used in herbal infusions to treat inflammatory conditions, including joint pain and muscle soreness. Inflammatory arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. A study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy’s July 2022 issue evaluated the anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effects of Bisabolol. The study conducted on rats showed that Bisabolol was helpful in fighting arthritis because it improved grip strength, reduced swelling, and reduced inflammation and pain.

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) was used in ancient Rome for its calming effects and was often employed to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. A study published in the August 2019 issue of Drug Intervention Toady explored whether aromatherapy could help reduce anxiety in dental patients. The study's findings concluded that chamomile oil does indeed have a calming effect, helping patients maintain a relaxed mental state. These therapeutic properties were found to be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing dental extractions.

Lastly, Bisabolol's role as a neuroprotective agent is of particular interest, especially in the context of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's disease. Research has suggested that Bisabolol may help protect neurons from damage, potentially slowing the progression of these conditions. A study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in January 2018 tested the anti-amyloidogenic and anti-apoptotic effects of Bisabolol and proved that it could be used as a therapeutic drug to combat Alzheimer’s disease.

If you’re looking for medicinal cultivars on the Australian market that are high in Bisabolol**…

1. SatiVite’s Eucla 24 (Total Bisabolol 0.28%)

2. Kind Medical’s Rosa 22:1 (Total Bisabolol 0.21%)

3. Beacon Medical’s Pink Kush (Total Bisabolol 0.19%)

4. Grandiosa’s Bubba Mandarin Cookies (Total Bisabolol 0.18%)

5. Phytoca’s Zurple Punch (Total Bisabolol 0.16%)

6. Releaf Dispensaries’s Tom Ford (Total Bisabolol 0.13%)

7. Cannatrek’s T21 Tilba Flower (Total Bisabolol 0.11%)

8. Medibis’s Maleny (Total Bisabolol 0.10%)

**This data was provided by Catalyst by honahlee. The honahlee team requires all product suppliers to verify their terpene percentages beyond the suppliers’ brochure or health professional marketing claims via a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with measured terpene value for the products to be searchable.

This substack aims to provide anecdotal information from my personal experiences in hopes it will lead to meaningful conversations between my readers and their healthcare professionals about medicinal cannabis.

I have no formal training in medicine or science. This article does not constitute medical advice.