FlavScents AInsights Entry: Helichrysum Italicum Flower Absolute (CAS: 90045-56-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is a complex natural material derived from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this material is 90045-56-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers such as FL number or CoE number are not typically assigned to complex natural materials like absolutes. The composition of helichrysum italicum flower absolute can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is known for its rich, warm, and slightly spicy aroma with notes of honey, hay, and tea. It is often described as having a sweet, earthy, and herbaceous scent profile. The intensity of the odor is moderate to strong, and it has a good diffusion. This absolute is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing depth and complexity. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is known to be a potent material that can influence a fragrance blend even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Helichrysum italicum is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in dry, rocky, and sandy soils. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of the flowers, capturing the aromatic compounds present in the plant. This material is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its botanical origin. The formation of its characteristic aroma is primarily due to the presence of sesquiterpenes, esters, and ketones, which are naturally occurring in the plant.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is less commonly used in flavor applications compared to its use in fragrances. When used, it can impart a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet note to flavor systems, often in herbal or tea-like profiles. Typical use levels in food and beverages are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests it is used sparingly, often in the range of 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor matrix. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or extreme pH conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, helichrysum italicum flower absolute is valued for its unique and complex aroma, fitting well within oriental, chypre, and fougère fragrance families. It serves as a modifier and impact note, providing warmth and depth. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary widely, from trace amounts to several percent, depending on the desired effect. It contributes primarily to the middle and base notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of helichrysum italicum flower absolute include neryl acetate, α-pinene, γ-curcumene, and italidione. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma profile. The composition can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, helichrysum italicum flower absolute is not specifically listed under FEMA GRAS but is used in compliance with general flavor and fragrance regulations. In the European Union, it is subject to the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavorings and is used in fragrances under IFRA guidelines. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, specific regulations may vary, but it is generally accepted under natural flavor and fragrance categories. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have similar regulatory frameworks, though specific approvals may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, specific ADI or MSDI values for helichrysum italicum flower absolute are not established, but it is used at low levels in flavor applications. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally considered safe within IFRA guidelines, though sensitization potential should be evaluated. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its use in small quantities in fragrances. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are considered low when used appropriately.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is prized for its unique aromatic profile, offering warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It blends well with other floral, citrus, and woody notes, enhancing the overall composition. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can dominate a blend. It is often underutilized due to its cost and intensity, but when used judiciously, it can elevate a formulation significantly.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on helichrysum italicum flower absolute is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses in fragrances. However, specific quantitative data on flavor use levels and toxicological thresholds are less documented, relying on industry practices and expert judgment. Regulatory information is consistent across major regions, though specific approvals may vary.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-06-11 08:28:28 GMT (p2)