FlavScents AInsights Entry for Nutmeg Oil (CAS: 8008-45-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Nutmeg oil is a natural complex material derived from the seeds of Myristica fragrans. It is commonly referred to as nutmeg essential oil. The CAS number for nutmeg oil is 8008-45-5. While it does not have a single molecular structure due to its complex nature, it is recognized by various identifiers such as the FEMA number 2793. Nutmeg oil is characterized by its rich composition of terpenes and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Nutmeg oil is renowned for its warm, spicy, and sweet aroma, often described as woody and slightly peppery. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil's flavor profile mirrors its aroma, providing a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet taste. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, nutmeg oil is typically used to impart a background realism and complexity to formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Nutmeg oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree, native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried seeds. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under various regulatory frameworks. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds involves enzymatic processes during seed maturation and post-harvest drying.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, nutmeg oil is used across a variety of categories, including baked goods, beverages, and savory dishes. It serves as a functional flavoring agent, providing warmth and complexity. Typical use levels in food range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. Nutmeg oil is relatively stable under heat but can be susceptible to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation to preserve its sensory qualities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Nutmeg oil is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, contributing to oriental, spicy, and woody fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the depth and warmth of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Nutmeg oil's volatility places it primarily in the middle note category, providing a lasting presence in the fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Nutmeg oil's composition includes major constituents such as sabinene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myristicin, and safrole. The proportions of these compounds can vary significantly based on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods. Myristicin and safrole are particularly notable for their contribution to the oil's characteristic aroma and potential toxicological considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, nutmeg oil is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, nutmeg oil is generally accepted in Japan and China, though specific use levels may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR follow similar guidelines, with some regional variations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Nutmeg oil's safety profile varies with exposure route. Orally, it is generally safe at low concentrations typical in food, but high doses can be toxic due to compounds like myristicin. Dermal exposure in fragrances may cause irritation or sensitization, with IFRA providing guidelines to mitigate risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk in typical fragrance applications but should be monitored in occupational settings. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance uses, with more stringent controls in place for dermal applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Nutmeg oil is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spices and woody notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower blends and the risk of oxidation. It is often under-used in subtle applications where its full potential can be realized in enhancing background complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on nutmeg oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. However, industry practices often rely on undocumented traditional knowledge, especially concerning optimal use levels and synergies. Some data gaps exist in specific toxicological thresholds, necessitating cautious formulation practices.
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 2026-11-02 22:16:08 GMT (p2)
