FlavScents AInsights Entry: Nutmeg Oil (CAS: 8008-45-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Nutmeg oil is a natural complex material derived from the seeds of the nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans. It is classified under CAS number 8008-45-5. As a complex essential oil, it does not have a single IUPAC name or molecular formula. Nutmeg oil is recognized by FEMA with the number 2793. Other identifiers include its FL number 08.005 and CoE number 184. The composition of nutmeg oil can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Nutmeg oil is characterized by its warm, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as woody and nutty. It has a robust and penetrating odor with moderate to high intensity and diffusion. The oil is used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a distinctive spicy character. Odor thresholds for nutmeg oil are not well-documented, but its sensory impact is significant even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Nutmeg oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of Myristica fragrans, primarily grown in Indonesia, Grenada, and India. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried seeds. Nutmeg oil's designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic modification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Nutmeg oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in baked goods, beverages, and spice blends. It serves as a key component in creating warm, spicy profiles. Typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering other flavor notes. Nutmeg oil is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize over time, affecting its flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, nutmeg oil is utilized across various fragrance families, including oriental and spicy compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentrations in perfumes range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Nutmeg oil's volatility allows it to blend well with other middle and base notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Nutmeg oil's composition includes several key constituents, such as sabinene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myristicin, and safrole. The proportions of these constituents can vary based on the oil's origin and processing. Myristicin and safrole are particularly notable for their impact on the oil's characteristic aroma and potential toxicological concerns.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, nutmeg oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, nutmeg oil is accepted in Japan and China, though specific regulatory details may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil recognize its use under MERCOSUR guidelines. However, safrole content is a regulatory concern due to its potential carcinogenicity, necessitating careful formulation to comply with safety limits.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Nutmeg oil's safety profile varies with exposure route. Orally, it has a low acute toxicity but can cause adverse effects at high doses due to myristicin and safrole. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly established, but typical use levels in food are considered safe. Dermally, nutmeg oil may cause irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines to limit its use in fragrances. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent respiratory irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Nutmeg oil is valued for its ability to impart a warm, spicy character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spice oils, such as clove and cinnamon, enhancing complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can dominate blends if overused. Balancing nutmeg oil with complementary notes can prevent it from overshadowing other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on nutmeg oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical applications. However, industry practices often rely on undocumented experiential knowledge, especially concerning optimal use levels and synergies. Regulatory ambiguities exist around safrole content, necessitating careful compliance checks.
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 2026-03-16 18:40:27 GMT (p2)
