FlavScents AInsights Entry: Apium Graveolens Seed Oil (CAS: 8015-90-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Celery Seed Oil
• CAS Number: 8015-90-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: 02.042
• Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
• Source: Derived from the seeds of Apium graveolens, commonly known as celery.
• Key Constituents: Limonene, selinene, sedanolide, and phthalides are major components. Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Apium graveolens seed oil is characterized by its warm, spicy, and slightly bitter aroma, reminiscent of fresh celery. It has a strong, herbaceous scent with earthy undertones. The oil is often used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a distinctive celery-like aroma that can enhance the authenticity of savory profiles. The intensity of the aroma is moderate to strong, with good diffusion properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Celery seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Apium graveolens plant. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated worldwide. The oil's constituents, such as limonene and phthalides, are formed through the plant's natural biosynthetic pathways, contributing to its characteristic aroma. This oil is often labeled as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its plant origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Celery seed oil is widely used in savory flavor applications, including soups, sauces, and spice blends. It serves as a functional component to impart a fresh, authentic celery note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. The oil is relatively stable under heat but may oxidize over time, affecting its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, celery seed oil is used in aromatic and spicy fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a unique, fresh, and slightly spicy aroma. The oil is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

• Limonene: Provides a citrusy, fresh aroma.
• Selinene: Contributes to the woody, spicy notes.
• Sedanolide: Offers a distinctive celery-like scent.
• Phthalides: Impart the characteristic earthy, spicy aroma.

Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Recognized under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.042.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Usage varies; generally accepted in Japan and China under natural flavoring guidelines.
• Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries under regional flavoring standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Generally recognized as safe when used in food at typical concentrations. No specific ADI or MSDI established.
• Dermal Exposure: May cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be monitored.

Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Celery seed oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, authentic celery note in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spice and herbaceous notes. Formulators should be cautious of its strong aroma, which can dominate blends if overused. It is often under-utilized in sweet applications where it can add complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on celery seed oil is well-established, with consistent findings across multiple sources. However, industry practices regarding use levels and applications are often undocumented, relying on formulator expertise. Regulatory ambiguities exist in some regions, necessitating careful review of local guidelines.

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 2026-10-28 20:19:11 GMT (p2)