FlavScents AInsights Entry: Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract (CAS: 223748-85-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Pau d'Arco, Lapacho
- CAS Number: 223748-85-4
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material (extract)
- Source: Derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree, native to South America.
- Key Constituents: Lapachol, quercetin, and other flavonoids and naphthoquinones.
- Composition Variability: Composition may vary based on geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor Descriptors: Woody, earthy, slightly sweet
- Flavor Descriptors: Bitter, astringent, with a hint of vanilla-like sweetness
- Typical Sensory Role: Used as a background note to add complexity and depth to flavor profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Natural Sources: Found in the inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree.
- Formation Pathways: The extract is obtained through aqueous or alcoholic extraction processes.
- Relevance to "Natural Flavor" Designation: Often used in natural flavor formulations due to its plant origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in herbal teas, dietary supplements, and as a flavoring agent in health products.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a bittering agent and provides a complex, earthy background note.
- Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 10 to 100 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity.
- Stability Considerations: Generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Used in woody and oriental fragrance compositions.
- Functional Role: Provides a grounding base note with earthy and woody characteristics.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Contribution: Acts as a base note due to its low volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Major Constituents: Lapachol, quercetin, and other flavonoids and naphthoquinones.
- Composition Variability: The concentration of these constituents can vary significantly based on the source and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; used under general flavoring principles.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Limited specific regulations; generally used under natural flavoring guidelines.
- Latin America: Usage varies; generally accepted in traditional medicine contexts.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No established ADI; typically used in low concentrations in food.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrance applications; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; no occupational hazards reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Value: Provides a unique, complex flavor and fragrance profile.
- Synergies: Pairs well with vanilla, cinnamon, and other woody notes.
- Common Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to excessive bitterness.
- Usage Tips: Best used in combination with sweeter or spicier notes to balance its bitterness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory and compositional data are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical Practices: Usage levels and applications are based on industry norms.
- Data Gaps: Limited specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data.
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 2026-01-29 22:38:17 GMT (p2)