Chamazulene / Azulene
Chamazulene is a sesquiterpene, derived from azulene, and found in German chamomile, giving it a blue color. It is also found in wormwood, yarrow, tansy, cypress, and blue violet.
Sesquiterpenes are less volatile than monoterpenes, but still prone to oxidation. They have a strong odor. If oxidized (exposed to air) they could cause skin irritation and/or mucous membrane irritation.
Links to Plants Containing Chamazulene
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
DRUG INTERACTION
- Chamomile constituents may interact with drug metabolizing enzymes and include chamazulene, cis-spiroether, trans-spiroether and bisabolol. From: Ganzera, M., Schneider, P., & Stuppner, H. (2006). Inhibitory effects of the essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and its major constituents on human cytochrome P450 enzymes. Life sciences, 78(8), 856-861.
ANTIOXIDANT
- Chamazulene inhibited lipid peroxidation. From: Rekka, E. A., Kourounakis, A. P., & Kourounakis, P. N. (1996). Investigation of the effect of chamazulene on lipid peroxidation and free radical processes. Research communications in molecular pathology and pharmacology, 92(3), 361-364.
- Chamazulene in chamomile demonstrated antioxidant power. From: Capuzzo, A., Occhipinti, A., & Maffei, M. E. (2014). Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of chamazulene. Natural product research, 28(24), 2321-2323.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
- The author discussed the anti-inflammatory proazulenes: chamazulene and matricin that occur in chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium), along with a few other Asteraceae species. From: Ramadan, M., Goeters, S., Watzer, B., Krause, E., Lohmann, K., Bauer, R., … & Imming, P. (2006). Chamazulene carboxylic acid and matricin: a natural profen and its natural prodrug, identified through similarity to synthetic drug substances. Journal of natural products, 69(7), 1041-1045.
- Chamazulene in chamomile showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis. From: Safayhi, H., Sabieraj, J., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. T. (1994). Chamazulene: an antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene B4 formation. Planta medica, 60(05), 410-413.
Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 01/04/19
