AInsights Entry for Common Tansy Oil Canada (CAS: 8016-87-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Common tansy oil, derived from the plant Tanacetum vulgare, is a complex natural material. It is commonly referred to as tansy oil or Canadian tansy oil. The CAS number for this essential oil is 8016-87-3. As a natural complex material, it does not have a single IUPAC name or molecular formula. Instead, it is composed of various constituents, which can vary based on the source and processing methods. There is no specific FEMA number assigned to this oil.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Common tansy oil is characterized by a strong, herbaceous, and camphoraceous odor with a hint of sweetness. The intensity of its aroma is quite pronounced, making it a potent impact note in formulations. The oil is often used to impart a fresh, green, and slightly medicinal scent. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its strong aroma suggests a low threshold for sensory detection. In formulations, it typically serves as a modifier or impact note, adding complexity and depth to the overall sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Common tansy oil is naturally sourced from the flowering tops of the Tanacetum vulgare plant, commonly found in Canada and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant material. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural fragrance" designation under various regulatory frameworks. The composition of the oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and distillation process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, common tansy oil is used sparingly due to its potent aroma. It is primarily utilized in herbal and medicinal flavor profiles, contributing a green and slightly bitter note. Typical use levels in food and beverages are low, often ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Common tansy oil is used in various fragrance families, including herbal, green, and medicinal scents. It serves as a trace realism note or modifier, enhancing the complexity of the fragrance composition. The oil is typically used in low concentrations, often less than 1% in the final product, due to its strong aroma. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance, offering a fresh and slightly camphoraceous quality.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Common tansy oil is composed of several key constituents, including thujone, camphor, borneol, and myrtenol. The concentration of these constituents can vary based on the source and processing methods. Thujone, in particular, is a significant component that contributes to the oil's characteristic aroma and potential toxicity. It is important to note that the composition may vary significantly by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, common tansy oil is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, and its use in flavors and fragrances is subject to safety evaluations. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific restrictions due to the presence of thujone. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with some countries imposing restrictions on thujone-containing products. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks are less harmonized, and specific approvals may be required.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
The safety of common tansy oil is a concern due to the presence of thujone, which is known for its neurotoxic effects. Oral exposure should be minimized, and the oil is typically used at low levels in flavor applications to ensure safety. Dermal exposure in fragrances may cause irritation or sensitization, and IFRA provides guidelines on safe use levels. Inhalation exposure should be controlled, especially in occupational settings, due to the oil's volatility and potential respiratory effects.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Common tansy oil is valued for its unique and potent aroma, which can add depth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor and potential toxicity, ensuring it is used at appropriate levels. It blends well with other herbal and green notes but can easily overpower a formulation if not balanced correctly. It is often under-used due to safety concerns, but when used judiciously, it can enhance the sensory profile significantly.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on common tansy oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and key constituents. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and safety data, particularly concerning its use in food. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and expert judgment due to these gaps. Regulatory ambiguities exist, especially in regions with less harmonized frameworks.
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 2026-09-08 18:41:14 GMT (p2)
