Bisabolol

Alpha-bisabolol, also known as levomenol, is a chemical compound from the series of isomeric bisabolols. It is a monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. Alpha-bisabolol is found in chamomile oil (Matricaria recutita) and in chamomile flowers (see Matricaria flos below) in relevant quantities.

Alpha-bisabolol has a variety of effects. It improves gastric motility, promotes skin circulation and wound granulation and has an antiviral effect, especially against herpes simplex. It also has an antibacterial effect, particularly against gram-positive bacteria, as well as antiphlogistic, gastroprotective, ulcer-protective, antioxidant, spasmolytic and antifungal effects.

The antibacterial effect is achieved by disrupting electron transport in the bacterial cell wall and by blocking bacterial enzymes through reversible incorporation into the cell membrane.
The antiphlogistic effect is achieved by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. A spasmolytic effect is caused by the inhibition of calcium mobilization in the smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract.
The gastro- and ulcer-protective effect is achieved by inhibiting the formation of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, endogenous prostaglandin synthesis is stimulated and the mucosal gastric wall protective barrier against ulcer-causing, aggressive substances is strengthened.

Alpha-bisabolol is used for persistent or recurrent abdominal complaints and motility-related gastrointestinal disorders. It is also used for dyspeptic complaints of the reflux and/or ulcer type, existing neurodermatitis and keratoderma as well as vulvovaginitis. Other indications include hard-to-heal wounds, periodontitis, prosthesis infections, actinic keratoses in conjunction with inflamed skin, dermatomycoses, onychomycoses and as an adjunctive therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

For internal use of an alcoholic camomile flower tincture reinforced with alpha-Bisabolol, apply 10 to 20 drops to 10 ml DAB camomile fluid extract.
For external use, apply alpha-Bisabolol either as a pure substance without excipients or as an emulsion. Add 10 parts alpha-Bisabolol together with 10 parts Tween 20 + 80 parts distilled water. For a full bath, add 100 ml of this emulsion to the bath.

To make an ointment: 60 parts almond oil, 35 parts spermaceti, 4 parts alpha-bisabolol and 1 part vitamin E acetate.

Sensicutan® (0.3% alpha-bisabolol cream)

1. Lee J et al (2010) Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects. Int J Cosmet Sci 32:299-303.
2. Maurya AK et al (2014) alpha-bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 15:173-181.
3. Solovăstru LG et al,(2016) Randomized, controlled study of innovative spray formulation containing ozonated oil and α-bisabolol in the topical treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers. Adv Skin Wound Care 28:406-409.
4. Veraldi S et al,(2009) Treatment of pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical non-steroidal agent. J Drugs Dermatol 8:537-539.