FlavScents AInsights Entry: Tagete Oil Egypt (CAS: 8016-84-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Tagete oil, commonly referred to as Tagete oil Egypt, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant, specifically Tagetes minuta. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for Tagete oil is 8016-84-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, it is recognized in various fragrance and flavor compendiums. The oil is characterized by its rich composition, which includes terpenes and other aromatic compounds that contribute to its unique sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Tagete oil is known for its distinctive, strong, and sweet aroma with fruity and citrus-like notes. It is often described as having a marigold-like scent, which can be intense and diffusive. The oil's sensory role is typically as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a unique character that can enhance or modify other components in a formulation. The odor threshold is not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests it is effective even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Tagete oil is naturally sourced from the Tagetes plant, particularly Tagetes minuta, which is native to South America but widely cultivated in Egypt for its essential oil. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering tops. Its formation involves the natural biosynthesis of terpenes and other aromatic compounds within the plant. Tagete oil is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its plant origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, Tagete oil is used to impart a unique, fruity, and citrus-like flavor. It is commonly applied in flavor categories such as citrus blends, herbal teas, and exotic fruit flavors. The typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. It is important to consider its stability, as Tagete oil can be sensitive to heat and oxidation, which may alter its flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Tagete oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and herbal compositions. It serves as a modifier or impact note, adding complexity and depth to perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts up to 1%, depending on the desired effect. The oil contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of Tagete oil include limonene, ocimene, and tagetone, among others. These compounds are responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor. The composition of Tagete oil can vary significantly based on factors such as the plant's origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, Tagete oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and its use in flavors is subject to specific conditions. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavoring substances. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, Tagete oil is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with primary concerns related to dermal sensitization.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Tagete oil is valued for its unique sensory properties, which can enhance both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity and potential for oxidation. It is often under-used in complex blends where its distinctive character can provide a signature note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Tagete oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regulatory nuances across different regions. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and expert judgment due to these gaps.
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 18:19:59 GMT (p2)
