FlavScents AInsights Entry: Artemisia vulgaris Herb Extract (CAS: 84775-45-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Artemisia vulgaris herb extract, commonly known as mugwort extract, is a complex natural material derived from the Artemisia vulgaris plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this extract is 84775-45-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers such as FL number or CoE number are not typically assigned to complex extracts like this. The composition of Artemisia vulgaris herb extract can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is characterized by a distinctive herbal, camphoraceous, and slightly bitter aroma. It is often described as having a green, earthy scent with a hint of spice. The intensity of the odor can vary, but it is generally considered moderate to strong. The extract is used primarily as a background realism note in both flavor and fragrance applications, providing a natural, herbal complexity. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory impact is notable even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Artemisia vulgaris is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. The extract is obtained from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct derivation from plant sources. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds involves enzymatic processes within the plant, which can be influenced by environmental factors and cultivation practices.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is used to impart herbal and bitter notes, often in alcoholic beverages, herbal teas, and certain culinary dishes. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the complexity and authenticity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The extract is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is utilized in various fragrance families, including fougère, chypre, and herbal compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the green, earthy, and slightly spicy character of perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired effect and product type. The extract is primarily a middle note, offering moderate volatility and persistence.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of Artemisia vulgaris herb extract include camphor, 1,8-cineole, thujone, and various terpenes. The exact composition can vary significantly based on factors such as plant origin and extraction method. These constituents contribute to the extract's characteristic aroma and flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific restrictions on thujone content. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for herbal extracts. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards but with regional variations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, but caution is advised due to the presence of thujone, which can be neurotoxic at high doses. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines to mitigate these risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent excessive inhalation during manufacturing.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is valued for its ability to impart a natural, herbal complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other herbal and spicy notes, enhancing the overall depth of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering bitterness or camphoraceous quality. It is often under-utilized in applications where a subtle herbal note could enhance authenticity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Artemisia vulgaris herb extract is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical applications. However, there are gaps in specific quantitative thresholds and regional regulatory nuances. Industry practices often rely on empirical knowledge and historical usage patterns.
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 2026-01-30 07:30:38 GMT (p2)