AInsights Entry for Laurus Nobilis Leaf Oil (CAS: 8007-48-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Laurus nobilis leaf oil, commonly known as bay leaf oil, is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of the Laurus nobilis plant. It is classified under CAS number 8007-48-5. This essential oil does not have a specific IUPAC name as it is a mixture rather than a single compound. It is recognized by FEMA with the number 2124. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.042 and its CoE number 182. The composition of laurus nobilis leaf oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Laurus nobilis leaf oil is characterized by a complex aroma profile that includes spicy, herbal, and slightly floral notes. It is often described as having a warm, sweet, and balsamic scent with a hint of camphor. The intensity of its aroma is moderate to strong, making it suitable as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The oil's sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, providing depth and complexity to formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Laurus nobilis leaf oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the Laurus nobilis tree, commonly known as the bay laurel. This tree is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves. As a natural product, it qualifies for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, provided it meets regulatory standards for such claims.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, laurus nobilis leaf oil is used to impart a warm, spicy, and herbal note to culinary creations. It is commonly used in savory dishes, soups, and sauces. The typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the type of product. The oil is relatively stable under heat but can be sensitive to oxidation, necessitating careful storage and handling.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Laurus nobilis leaf oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and spicy compositions. It serves as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. The typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the formulation. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other essential oils and synthetic compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of laurus nobilis leaf oil include 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, and methyl eugenol. These compounds contribute to the oil's characteristic aroma and flavor profile. The composition can vary based on factors such as the plant's origin and the distillation process used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, laurus nobilis leaf oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for essential oils. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, laurus nobilis leaf oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is used within industry-typical levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, particularly due to constituents like eugenol. The oil's volatility requires consideration of inhalation exposure, especially in occupational settings. Risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls often applied in fragrance use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Laurus nobilis leaf oil is valued for its ability to impart a complex, spicy-herbal note to formulations. It synergizes well with other spice and herb oils, enhancing the overall aroma profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower other notes if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in sweet applications, where it can add an unexpected depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on laurus nobilis leaf oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data, particularly regarding long-term exposure effects. Industry practices often rely on historical usage patterns and expert judgment.
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 2026-07-10 06:37:39 GMT (p2)