Bisabolol

α-Bisabolol ((2S)-6-methyl-2-[(1S)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]hept-5-en-2-ol; C₁₅H₂₆O) is a sesquiterpene alcohol (a terpenoid) best known as the principal active constituent of chamomile essential oil. In cannabis it is typically a minor terpene but contributes soft floral and slightly sweet aromatic notes. Preclinical data support anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and gastroprotective activities (Kamatou & Viljoen, 2010, Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society 87:1), and α-bisabolol has been studied as a topical skin-soothing agent and penetration enhancer in cosmetic formulations. Evidence level: in vitro, rodent, and limited topical human cosmetic studies; no cannabis-specific human RCTs. → See also: Terpene, Terpenoid.