I'm here to help you generate a comprehensive entry for cornmint oil India (CAS: 68917-18-0) for FlavScents.com. Let's proceed with the detailed sections as outlined in the prompt.
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Cornmint oil, also known as Mentha arvensis oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Mentha arvensis plant, commonly referred to as Japanese mint or field mint. It is a complex mixture of various compounds, primarily composed of menthol, menthone, and isomenthone. The CAS number for cornmint oil is 68917-18-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a mixture rather than a single compound. The oil is widely used in flavor and fragrance applications due to its characteristic minty aroma and cooling sensation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Cornmint oil is characterized by its strong, fresh, and minty aroma with a cooling effect. The intensity of the odor is high, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. It is often described as having a sharp, mentholic scent with a slightly sweet undertone. The oil is used to impart a refreshing and invigorating quality to both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold for menthol, a key constituent, is relatively low, contributing to its effectiveness in small concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Cornmint oil is naturally sourced from the Mentha arvensis plant, which is cultivated extensively in India, China, and Brazil. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and flowering tops. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products. The formation of its key constituents, such as menthol, occurs through biosynthetic pathways within the plant, involving enzymatic transformations of precursor compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Cornmint oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in confectionery, oral care products, and beverages. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a refreshing minty taste. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light, necessitating careful formulation and storage.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, cornmint oil is utilized in a variety of product types, including personal care items, household products, and perfumes. It contributes to the top notes of a fragrance, providing a fresh and invigorating scent. The oil is often used as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the overall freshness of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the product and desired effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Cornmint oil typically contains menthol (50-80%), menthone (10-30%), and isomenthone (2-10%) as its major constituents. Other components may include neomenthol, limonene, and pulegone. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, cornmint oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is permitted for use in flavorings. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in food and cosmetics. In Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards for natural flavoring substances.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Cornmint oil is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is generally safe, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established for menthol. Dermal exposure in fragrances is also considered safe, although it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent respiratory irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Cornmint oil is valued for its strong minty aroma and cooling properties, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other mint oils and citrus notes, enhancing freshness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its high intensity, which can easily overpower other components if not balanced properly. It is often under-used in complex fragrance compositions where subtle minty nuances are desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on cornmint oil is well-established, with extensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, although variations in composition due to natural factors are acknowledged. Some data gaps may exist in specific regional regulations or emerging safety concerns, which require ongoing monitoring.
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
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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 2026-07-01 13:15:12 GMT (p2)
