FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lemongrass Herb Oil (Cymbopogon martini motia) (CAS: 91722-54-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Lemongrass herb oil, derived from Cymbopogon martini motia, is a complex natural material commonly used in both flavor and fragrance industries. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this essential oil is 91722-54-2. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized under various identifiers in industry databases. The oil is characterized by its rich composition of terpenes and alcohols, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lemongrass herb oil is renowned for its fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as a blend of lemon and rose notes. It has a strong intensity and high diffusion, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil's flavor profile is similarly citrusy with a hint of spiciness, contributing to its use as a flavor enhancer. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as an impact note or modifier in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lemongrass herb oil is naturally sourced from the Cymbopogon martini plant, commonly found in tropical regions such as India and Southeast Asia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stems. Its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is due to its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic alteration. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, lemongrass herb oil is used across various categories, including beverages, confectionery, and savory products. It serves as a flavor enhancer and impact note, providing a fresh, citrusy character. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is generally stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high temperatures or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Lemongrass herb oil is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, commonly used in citrus, floral, and herbal fragrance families. It acts as a top note due to its high volatility, providing freshness and brightness to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired olfactory impact. Its role can range from a primary impact note to a subtle modifier, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The major constituents of lemongrass herb oil include geraniol, geranyl acetate, and linalool, which contribute significantly to its aroma and flavor characteristics. The composition of these constituents can vary based on factors such as origin and processing. It is important for formulators to verify the specific profile of the oil they are using to ensure consistency in their products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
Lemongrass herb oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA in the United States. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is assigned an FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use, while in Latin America, regulations can vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR providing regional frameworks. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability exists.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, lemongrass herb oil is considered safe within typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lemongrass herb oil is valued for its fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to overpowering formulations, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the optimal sensory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on lemongrass herb oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are documented, though some variability in composition and regulatory interpretations may exist. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which require further research for precise quantification.
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 2026-02-02 13:03:38 GMT (p2)