FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lemongrass Oil (CAS: 2/1/07)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Lemongrass oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, primarily Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for lemongrass oil is 2/1/07. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, it is recognized in various regulatory frameworks. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in flavor and fragrance regulations. The composition of lemongrass oil can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lemongrass oil is characterized by its fresh, lemony, and slightly grassy aroma, with a hint of earthiness. It is often described as having a strong, sharp, and penetrating scent that can be both invigorating and calming. The oil is used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a bright, citrusy top note. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its intense aroma suggests a low threshold for sensory detection.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lemongrass oil is naturally sourced from the lemongrass plant, which is native to tropical regions of Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stalks. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct derivation from plant sources. The formation of its characteristic aroma is primarily due to the presence of citral, a key constituent formed through the plant's natural biosynthetic pathways.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, lemongrass oil is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note to a variety of products, including beverages, confectionery, and savory dishes. It serves as both an impact note and a background modifier, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Lemongrass oil is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and light, which can degrade its aromatic compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Lemongrass oil is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in the creation of fresh, citrusy, and herbal scents. It is commonly found in fragrance families such as citrus, herbal, and green. The oil acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and clarity. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.1% to 2% depending on the product type and desired effect. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in perfumes, soaps, and household cleaning products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Lemongrass oil's composition includes several key constituents, with citral (a mixture of geranial and neral) being the most prominent, typically comprising 65-85% of the oil. Other significant components include myrcene, citronellal, and geraniol. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as plant variety, growing conditions, and extraction methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, lemongrass oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA and FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in food and cosmetics, while ASEAN countries have harmonized standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries recognize its use under regional regulations. Variability in regulatory status may exist due to differences in national policies.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Lemongrass oil is generally considered safe for oral exposure when used within recommended levels in food products. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) and threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) are not explicitly defined, but industry practices ensure safe use. For dermal exposure, lemongrass oil can cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and its use in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent respiratory irritation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally similar, with appropriate safety measures in place.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lemongrass oil is valued for its vibrant, citrusy aroma and versatility in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing freshness and complexity. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should balance its intensity with complementary ingredients to achieve the desired effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on lemongrass oil is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance applications. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Known data gaps include specific toxicological thresholds and detailed regulatory nuances in certain regions.
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 2026-02-13 15:03:08 GMT (p2)
