Chamomile Oil, German (Matricaria chamomilla)

German chamomile oil (Matricaria chamomilla) is a volatile essential oil and is not consumed as a macronutrient source; it contains negligible calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber per typical therapeutic dose (1–3 drops, ~0.05–0.15 mL). Its value lies entirely in its bioactive compound profile. Key Bioactive Compounds: Chamazulene (1–15% of oil; a deep blue sesquiterpene formed during steam distillation from matricine; primary anti-inflammatory agent; concentration varies by chemotype and distillation method). α-Bisabolol (up to 10–65% depending on chemotype; sesquiterpene alcohol with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-penetration-enhancing properties). Bisabolol oxides A, B, and C (collectively 10–50%; contribute to anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic activity). Bisabolone oxide A (variable, typically 2–10%). trans-β-Farnesene (5–30%; sesquiterpene hydrocarbon with mild anti-inflammatory activity). Matricine (precursor to chamazulene; present in fresh plant material, partially converted during distillation; potent anti-inflammatory). En-yn-dicycloether (spiroether; 2–5%; spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory). Apigenin and related flavonoids are present in chamomile extracts but are largely non-volatile and thus found only in trace amounts in the essential oil; they are more concentrated in aqueous/ethanolic extracts. Trace Compounds: cis- and trans-spiroethers, germacrene D, spathulenol, β-caryophyllene, and small amounts of coumarins (herniarin, umbelliferone). Mineral/Vitamin Content: Essentially none in the distilled essential oil. Bioavailability Notes: Chamazulene and α-bisabolol are lipophilic and show good dermal absorption (bioavailability through skin is significant, making topical application effective). Oral bioavailability of α-bisabolol is moderate; it undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism. Chamazulene is relatively stable in oil carriers but degrades with prolonged light/oxygen exposure. The oil's composition is highly chemotype-dependent — the 'bisabolol' chemotype (rich in α-bisabolol) is considered therapeutically superior to the 'bisabolol oxide' chemotype for anti-inflammatory applications.