FlavScents AInsights Entry: Anise Seed Oil (CAS: 8007-70-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Anise seed oil is a natural complex material derived from the seeds of Pimpinella anisum. It is commonly known as anise oil. The CAS number for anise seed oil is 8007-70-3. It does not have a specific IUPAC name as it is not a single compound. The oil is characterized by its major constituent, trans-anethole, which contributes significantly to its sensory properties. Other identifiers include its FEMA number, which is 2086. Anise seed oil is recognized for its sweet, licorice-like aroma, primarily due to the presence of trans-anethole, a phenylpropene that plays a crucial role in its odor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Anise seed oil is renowned for its sweet, licorice-like aroma and flavor, which is both intense and diffusive. The primary odor descriptor is licorice, with additional notes of sweet, spicy, and slightly woody undertones. The oil serves as an impact note in flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a distinctive character that is both recognizable and versatile. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, the oil is known for its potent sensory impact even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Anise seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant, commonly cultivated in regions such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of Asia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried seeds. Anise seed oil is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its plant-based origin. The formation of its key constituent, trans-anethole, occurs naturally within the seeds and is responsible for the characteristic licorice aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Anise seed oil is extensively used in flavor applications, particularly in confectionery, bakery, and beverage products. It functions as a primary flavoring agent, imparting a sweet, licorice-like taste. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, anise seed oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including oriental and gourmand. It serves as a modifier or impact note, adding a sweet, spicy character to perfumes and personal care products. The oil is typically used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 1% in fragrance formulations. Due to its volatility, anise seed oil contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Anise seed oil is composed of several constituents, with trans-anethole being the most prominent, typically comprising 80-90% of the oil. Other notable constituents include estragole, anisaldehyde, and anise ketone. The composition of anise seed oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, anise seed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food 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 food and cosmetics. 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 regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Anise seed oil is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, although it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for its use in fragrances to minimize such risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with safety measures in place for both.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Anise seed oil is valued for its potent and distinctive licorice aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as cinnamon and clove. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as it can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add a unique twist.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on anise seed oil is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, although some undocumented variations in use levels and applications exist. Known data gaps include specific sensory thresholds and detailed regional regulatory nuances, which formulators should verify independently.
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 2026-09-07 15:01:45 GMT (p2)
