FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Caryophyllene (CAS: 87-44-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Beta-caryophyllene is a bicyclic sesquiterpene that is commonly found in various essential oils. Its IUPAC name is (1R,9S)-8-methylene-4,11,11-trimethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene. The CAS number for beta-caryophyllene is 87-44-5, and it is also recognized by FEMA with the number 2125. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.062 and CoE number 142. The molecular formula of beta-caryophyllene is C15H24, with a molecular weight of 204.35 g/mol. Structurally, beta-caryophyllene contains a cyclobutane ring, which is relatively rare in nature, contributing to its unique odor profile. The presence of a double bond in the cyclobutane ring is significant for its odor characteristics, providing a spicy and woody aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Beta-caryophyllene is characterized by its spicy, woody, and dry aroma, often described as having a clove-like scent. It is a moderate to high-intensity odorant with a significant diffusion capacity, making it a prominent impact note in fragrance compositions. The taste threshold of beta-caryophyllene is not well-documented, but it is known to contribute a warm, spicy flavor when used in flavor applications. Its typical sensory role includes acting as an impact note and providing background realism in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Beta-caryophyllene is naturally occurring in a variety of plants, including black pepper (Piper nigrum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and cannabis (Cannabis sativa). It is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where farnesyl pyrophosphate is converted into beta-caryophyllene through the action of specific sesquiterpene synthases. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its extraction from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Beta-caryophyllene is utilized in various flavor categories, including spice, herbal, and woody profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing warmth and depth. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and oxidation, although it may degrade under extreme conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, beta-caryophyllene is used across multiple fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and spicy compositions. It functions as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the overall complexity and depth of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Beta-caryophyllene is considered a middle to base note due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, beta-caryophyllene is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, beta-caryophyllene is regulated under MERCOSUR agreements, with specific approvals varying by country.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Beta-caryophyllene is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed to minimize inhalation of concentrated vapors.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Beta-caryophyllene is valued for its ability to enhance the warmth and depth of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spicy and woody notes, such as clove and cedarwood. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can dominate a composition. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural and complex profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on beta-caryophyllene is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific use levels may vary. Known data gaps include precise taste thresholds and detailed toxicological profiles, which are areas for further research.
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
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
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 2026-09-02 09:10:07 GMT (p2)