Research Summary
α-Bisabolol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol that was first isolated from *Matricaria chamomilla* (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century. Since then, it has been identified in other aromatic plants, including *Eremanthus erythropappus*, *Smyrniopsis aucheri*, and *Vanillosmopsis* species. Recently, α-bisabolol was recognized as a major constituent of *Salvia runcinata* essential oil, a plant indigenous to South Africa.
The use of α-bisabolol or bisabolol-rich oil as an anti-inflammatory agent is widespread. This compound also exhibits several other pharmacological properties, such as analgesic, antibiotic, and anticancer activities. Additionally, the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of bisabolol have been investigated. Due to its low toxicity, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted this compound Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status, promoting its use as an active ingredient in various commercial products.
This review aims to summarize the role of α-bisabolol in pharmacological and physiological processes and to discuss some of the possible mechanisms of action of this commercially important molecule.
Keywords: α-Bisabolol, biological properties, *Matricaria chamomilla*, toxicity
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