FlavScents AInsights Entry: Mentha Arvensis Herb Oil (CAS: 68917-18-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Mentha arvensis herb oil, commonly known as cornmint oil or Japanese mint oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Mentha arvensis plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this essential oil is 68917-18-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and its presence in various flavor and fragrance databases. The composition of mentha arvensis herb oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Mentha arvensis herb oil is characterized by its strong, fresh, and minty aroma, often described as cooling and invigorating. The intensity of its odor is high, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. It is commonly used to impart a refreshing minty note in both flavors and fragrances. The oil's sensory role can range from being a primary impact note to a background modifier, depending on the concentration used. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its high intensity suggests a low threshold.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Mentha arvensis herb oil is naturally sourced from the Mentha arvensis plant, which is widely cultivated in regions such as India, China, and Brazil. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stems. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under various regulatory frameworks. The formation of its key constituents involves enzymatic processes within the plant, contributing to its characteristic minty aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, mentha arvensis herb oil is used across a variety of categories, including confectionery, oral care, and beverages. Its functional role is primarily as an impact note, providing a strong minty flavor. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations used in products like chewing gum and toothpaste. The oil is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but can degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Mentha arvensis herb oil is utilized in fragrance formulations for its fresh, minty aroma. It is commonly found in fragrance families such as fougère and fresh accords. The oil serves as both a top note and a modifier, enhancing the freshness and vibrancy of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary, but it is often used at low levels due to its potency. Its volatility contributes to its role as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

The primary constituents of mentha arvensis herb oil include menthol, menthone, and isomenthone, which are responsible for its characteristic minty aroma. Other components such as neomenthol and menthyl acetate may also be present. The composition can vary based on factors like geographic origin and processing methods, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, mentha arvensis herb 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, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances. In Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, mentha arvensis herb oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food products, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but the oil can cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with appropriate safety margins.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Mentha arvensis herb oil is valued for its potent minty aroma and versatility in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing freshness. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to overpowering mintiness, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired impact. It is frequently overused in attempts to achieve a strong minty profile, so careful calibration is essential.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on mentha arvensis herb oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in composition due to natural factors remains. Known data gaps include specific odor thresholds and detailed toxicological profiles for all constituents.

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

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 13:14:34 GMT (p2)