Terpene Spotlight: Bisabolol
Buckle up cannabinoids, there’s a new wunderkind taking the world of organic cannabis compounds by storm. Terpenes, once thought to be primarily aromatic compounds, are now being studied and isolated to understand their potential health benefits. One such terpene, thought to have huge cosmetic and anti-inflammatory potential, is called bisabolol.
What You Will Learn
In this post, we’ll cover:
- What bisabolol is
- Where you can find it in nature
- Bisabolol’s potential health benefits
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a diverse group of organic compounds produced by a wide variety of fruits, plants, flowers, herbs, and even some animals (like us humans!). They are primarily responsible for a plant’s aroma but also play a crucial role in a plant’s self-defense system. Terpenes can deter certain pests and herbivores by making the plant taste bitter or bad, while at the same time using scent to attract beneficial pollinators.
The cosmetic and food industries highly prize terpenes for their aroma and taste. You can more than likely find products that contain terpenes in your house right now:
- Citrus fruits contain limonene
- Hops used to brew beer contain humulene
- Mangos and their skin contain myrcene
While we’ve been using terpenes for some time, we are just now discovering their potential health benefits which we’ll touch on later in this post.
What is Bisabolol?
Also known as alpha-bisabolol, is a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol known for its light, sweet, and floral scent. You’ve likely smelled and tasted this terpene if you’ve ever made yourself a nice cup of chamomile tea.
You can also find bisabolol in various other plants like sage, the candeia tree, and of course hemp flower. When isolated from other terpenes, bisabolol’s scent has been likened to red apples, sugar, and honey.
Fun Fact: comes in two different structural forms called isomers: alpha-bisabolol, the subject of this post, and beta-bisabolol, which is typically found in cotton and corn and has a slightly more citrus scent than its alpha cousin.
What is Bisabolol Used For?
Bisabolol is often used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and other cosmetics due to its naturally light and sweet aroma. Many skincare companies also include it as an ingredient in many lotions and repair products because of its skin-soothing properties.
Potential Health Benefits of Bisabolol
Because terpenes have recently taken center stage in cannabis and health science, some studies into bisabolol have yielded some interesting results. For one, researchers believe that it may interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system which would make it both a terpene and a phytocannabinoid. The only other terpene we know of that exhibits this property is beta-caryophyllene.
Current research into bisabolol as a therapeutic compound highlights some of its more interesting properties, like:
Anti-inflammatory Agent
In a 2014 study about skin inflammation, researchers found that bisabolol significantly inhibited inflammation in ear tissue and suggested that it may be a useful candidate for the treatment of skin inflammation.
Comparatively, other common anti-inflammatory agents like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and increased risk of bleeding. Being a natural compound, it offers a gentler alternative with fewer side effects.
Analgesic (Pain Management)
Inflammation and pain go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that a 2011 study suggested that bisabolol has anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (anti-pain sensation) properties.
Many synthetic pain relievers, while effective, come with risks of addiction and other adverse effects. Bisabolol’s potential as a natural analgesic could provide an alternative for those seeking pain relief without the associated risks of conventional medications.
Gastroprotective Properties
Using rodents, a 2010 study found that using extracted from chamomile could reduce gastric damage induced by pure ethanol. This could have serious implications for folks who suffer from gastrointestinal issues or alcohol-induced digestive issues.
In comparison, traditional treatments for gastrointestinal issues often involve proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, which can have long-term side effects such as nutrient malabsorption and increased risk of infections. Bisabolol’s natural gastroprotective properties may offer a safer alternative for managing these conditions.
Anti-anxiety Agent
A more recent 2017 study found that bisabolol may also have neuropharmacological properties. In a study using rodents and mazes, researchers found that the rodents given bisabolol were less anxious. They further found that bisabolol interacted with GABA, a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between your peripheral and central nervous systems.
Comparing to traditional anti-anxiety medications, which often have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and dependency, presents a promising natural alternative with potentially fewer side effects.
How Does Bisabolol Compare to Other Terpenes?
Bisabolol is unique among terpenes due to its dual role as both a terpene and a phytocannabinoid. While many terpenes share similar aromatic properties and potential health benefits, interaction with the endocannabinoid system sets it apart.
For example, limonene, another well-known terpene found in citrus fruits, is prized for its uplifting and anti-stress effects. However, limonene does not exhibit the same anti-inflammatory or gastroprotective properties as bisabolol. Similarly, myrcene, found in mangos, is known for its sedative effects but lacks the broad spectrum of health benefits associated with bisabolol.
Bisabolol in the Cosmetic Industry
The cosmetic industry has long recognized the benefits of bisabolol. Its light, sweet aroma makes it a popular choice for perfumes and fragrances. Additionally, bisabolol’s skin-soothing properties make it a valuable ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products.
Many high-end skincare brands incorporate bisabolol into their formulations to enhance the soothing and healing properties of their products. For instance, bisabolol can help reduce redness and irritation, making it an ideal ingredient for products aimed at sensitive skin.
Bisabolol in CBD Products
At Sunset Lake CBD, we pride ourselves on our approach to sungrown hemp. Not only do we think that producing hemp flower outdoors is better for the environment, but it’s also been shown to increase terpene production in the flowers.
We then carefully cure and process our hemp flower to retain as many beneficial terpenes as possible. This year we’ve got a handful of cultivars that prominently feature bisabolol including:
- Cherry Abacus Hemp Flower – 0.24%
- Lifter Hemp Flower – 0.13%
- Suver Haze Hemp Flower – 0.18%
Conclusion
Bisabolol is a remarkable terpene with a wide range of potential health benefits. From its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to its gastroprotective and anti-anxiety effects, stands out as a versatile and valuable compound.
As research continues to uncover the many benefits of bisabolol, it’s likely that this terpene will become an increasingly important ingredient in both the health and wellness industries. Whether used in cosmetics, CBD products, or as a natural remedy for various ailments, is poised to make a significant impact. for more visit our website.
FAQs
What is bisabolol?
- It is a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol known for its light, sweet, and floral scent. It is found in chamomile tea, sage, the candela tree, and hemp flower.
What are the health benefits of bisabolol?
- Has potential health benefits including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastroprotective, and anti-anxiety properties.
How is bisabolol used in cosmetics?
- It is used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics due to its light and sweet aroma. It is also included in lotions and repair products for its skin-soothing properties.
Can bisabolol be found in any CBD products?
- Yes, bisabolol can be found in certain CBD products. At Sunset Lake CBD, cultivars like Cherry Abacus, Lifter, and Suver Haze hemp flowers prominently feature.
What is the difference between alpha-bisabolol and beta-bisabolol?
- Alpha-bisabolol has a light, sweet, and floral scent, while beta-bisabolol, found in cotton and corn, has a slightly more citrus scent.