FlavScents AInsights Entry for Artemisia Abrotanum Extract (CAS: 89957-58-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Southernwood extract, Lad's Love extract
- CAS Number: 89957-58-4
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material (extract)
- Source: Derived from the leaves and stems of Artemisia abrotanum, a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family.
- Key Constituents: Typically includes compounds such as camphor, 1,8-cineole, and borneol. Composition may vary based on origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Artemisia abrotanum extract is characterized by a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly camphoraceous odor profile. It is often described as having a green, woody, and slightly bitter aroma with a hint of citrus. The intensity is moderate, providing a distinctive note that can be used as an impact or modifier in formulations. The extract's sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer or a character note in complex blends.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Artemisia abrotanum is naturally found in Europe and Western Asia. The extract is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction of the plant's aerial parts. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with "natural flavor" designations due to its direct derivation from plant sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Artemisia abrotanum extract is used in flavor applications such as herbal liqueurs, bitters, and certain confectioneries. It serves as a functional component for imparting a fresh, herbal note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The extract is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, Artemisia abrotanum extract is utilized in fragrance families such as fougère, chypre, and herbal compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the formulation. The extract's volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of freshness, followed by a lingering herbal character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Camphor: Provides a cooling, medicinal aroma.
- 1,8-Cineole: Contributes a fresh, eucalyptus-like scent.
- Borneol: Adds a woody, camphoraceous note.
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; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; considered under general flavoring principles.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally aligns with international safety standards.
- Latin America: Usage is subject to national regulations; typically follows international guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; use should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in typical fragrance concentrations; IFRA standards should be consulted for specific restrictions.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure should follow standard safety protocols.
Risk profiles may vary slightly between food and fragrance applications due to differing exposure routes.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Artemisia abrotanum extract is valued for its unique herbal and camphoraceous profile, which can enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other herbal and citrus notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions and should consider its stability under various conditions. It is often under-utilized in modern formulations, offering opportunities for innovation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on Artemisia abrotanum extract is well-established in traditional uses but may lack comprehensive modern analytical studies. Industry practices are typically based on historical usage and empirical evidence. Known data gaps include specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological profiles.
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 2026-04-27 12:31:26 GMT (p2)