FlavScents AInsights Entry for 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 available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
- Source: Derived from the seeds of Apium graveolens, commonly known as celery.
Apium graveolens seed oil is a natural complex material, primarily obtained through steam distillation of celery seeds. As an essential oil, it is characterized by a mixture of volatile compounds, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor profile. The composition of this oil can vary significantly depending on factors such as the geographical origin of the seeds, the time of harvest, and the specific distillation process used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Apium graveolens seed oil is renowned for its strong, spicy, and warm aroma, reminiscent of fresh celery. The oil exhibits a complex sensory profile with notes of earthiness and a slightly bitter undertone. It is often described as having a green, herbaceous character with a hint of peppery spice. The intensity of the aroma is moderate to strong, making it a potent impact note in formulations.
The oil's sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, adding depth and authenticity to flavor and fragrance compositions. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its potent nature suggests that even small amounts can significantly influence the overall sensory profile of a product.
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, which is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. The oil is primarily obtained through steam distillation, a process that captures the volatile aromatic compounds present in the seeds.
In terms of natural flavor designation, celery seed oil is considered a natural flavoring agent due to its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic modification. The oil's formation does not involve complex biochemical pathways like the Maillard reaction or fermentation, but rather the extraction of naturally occurring compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Celery seed oil is utilized in a variety of flavor applications, particularly in savory products such as soups, sauces, and salad dressings. It is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, authentic celery flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of food products.
Typical use levels in finished food products are generally low, often ranging from 1 to 10 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under normal 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, celery seed oil is used to add a fresh, green note to perfumes and personal care products. It is commonly found in fragrance families such as fougère and chypre, where it serves as a modifier or impact note.
The oil's volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are qualitative, with the oil often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Limonene
- Sedanolide
- β-Selinene
- 3-n-Butylphthalide
The composition of celery seed oil can vary significantly based on factors such as origin and processing. These constituents are typically present in varying proportions, contributing to the oil's characteristic aroma and flavor.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Celery seed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA. Specific FEMA GRAS status is not available.
- European Union: Approved for use as a flavoring substance under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Regulatory status varies; generally accepted in Japan and China with specific use conditions.
- Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Regulatory treatment of celery seed oil is generally harmonized across major regions, although specific approvals and conditions may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Celery seed oil is considered safe for consumption at typical use levels in food. No specific ADI or MSDI values are available, but its GRAS status implies a favorable safety profile.
- Dermal Exposure: The oil may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrance applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile oil, inhalation exposure is possible, particularly in occupational settings. Adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally similar, with dermal exposure requiring additional caution.
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 to both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other herbaceous and spicy notes, enhancing the complexity of the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potent nature, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma or flavor. It is often under-utilized in fragrance applications, where its unique green note can add a distinctive character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on celery seed oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific quantitative data on use levels and safety thresholds are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices. Regulatory information is generally consistent across regions, though some variability exists in specific approvals.
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 16:44:26 GMT (p2)
