FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lactuca Virosa Leaf Extract (CAS: 85117-07-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Wild Lettuce Leaf Extract
- CAS Number: 85117-07-3
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the leaves of Lactuca virosa, commonly known as wild lettuce.
- Description: Lactuca virosa leaf extract is a natural complex material, not a single chemical compound. It is derived from the leaves of the wild lettuce plant, which is known for its milky latex and historical use in traditional medicine.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: The extract is known for its mild, slightly bitter taste and a faint, earthy aroma. It is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavor and fragrance applications.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
- Typical Sensory Role: Primarily used for its purported therapeutic properties rather than as a flavor or fragrance component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Lactuca virosa is native to Europe and parts of Asia. The plant is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides.
- Formation Pathways: The extract is obtained through the processing of wild lettuce leaves, which involves drying and solvent extraction to concentrate the active compounds.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: The extract can be labeled as a natural ingredient due to its direct derivation from plant material.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Rarely used in mainstream flavor applications due to its bitter profile.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Occasionally used in herbal and medicinal formulations for its historical use rather than flavor enhancement.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Use levels are typically low due to its strong bitterness.
- Stability Considerations: The extract is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or light exposure.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not commonly used in fragrance formulations.
- Functional Role: If used, it serves as a trace realism note in herbal or medicinal-themed fragrances.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Data not found. Usage is typically minimal due to its subtle aroma.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Likely contributes to the base note due to its low volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Major Constituents: Lactucin, lactucopicrin, and other sesquiterpene lactones.
- Note: Composition varies significantly based on the plant's origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not specifically listed as GRAS.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Limited data available; typically not used in mainstream applications.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Limited data available; typically not used in mainstream applications.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Limited data available; traditionally used in herbal medicine, suggesting low acute toxicity.
- Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization reported; however, usage is minimal.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not typically relevant due to low volatility and minimal use in fragrances.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued for its historical and traditional use in herbal medicine.
- Typical Synergies: May be combined with other herbal extracts in medicinal formulations.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to excessive bitterness.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in modern formulations due to limited sensory appeal.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Historical use in traditional medicine is well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Limited use in modern flavor and fragrance applications.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data.
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 where applicable.
- 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 2026-04-28 17:18:55 GMT (p2)