mentha pulegium extract

Full Material List

N/A

Ingredient	Name Detail	CAS
mentha pulegium herb	mentha pulegium l.	90064-00-9
mentha pulegium herb extract	N/A	90064-00-9
mentha pulegium herb tincture	N/A	90064-00-9

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	90064-00-9
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	N/A
Synonyms	extract of the flowering herb of the pennyroyal, mentha pulegium l., labiatae penny royal extract pennyroyal extract actiphyte of pennyroyal extract
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	N/A
Molecular Formula	N/A

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	N/A
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	N/A
Occurrence	pennyroyal

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	1. Odor Type: minty pennyroyal Odor Description:at 100.00 %. pennyroyal Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	minty pennyroyal,
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry: Mentha Pulegium Extract (CAS: 90064-00-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Mentha pulegium extract, commonly known as pennyroyal oil, is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and flowering tops of the Mentha pulegium plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for mentha pulegium extract is 90064-00-9. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in traditional herbal medicine and its historical significance in flavor and fragrance applications. The composition of mentha pulegium extract can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Mentha pulegium extract is characterized by a strong, minty aroma with herbal and camphoraceous undertones. The intensity of its odor is quite high, making it a potent impact note in formulations. It is often described as having a cooling sensation, similar to other mint oils, but with a more pronounced herbal aspect. The extract is typically used as a modifier or an impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and invigorating quality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Mentha pulegium, or pennyroyal, is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's aerial parts. The plant is known for its high pulegone content, which is a key constituent contributing to its characteristic aroma. The extract is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its plant-derived origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Mentha pulegium extract is used in flavor applications primarily for its minty and herbal notes. It is found in categories such as confectionery, beverages, and oral care products. The functional role of the extract in flavor systems is to provide a fresh, minty character that can enhance the overall profile of the product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The extract is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, mentha pulegium extract is used in various product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It belongs to the mint fragrance family and serves as a top note due to its high volatility. The extract is used to impart freshness and a cooling sensation, often in combination with other mint or herbal notes. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the product and desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Mentha pulegium extract is primarily composed of pulegone, which can constitute up to 80% of the oil. Other significant constituents include menthone, isomenthone, and limonene. The composition of the extract can vary based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the extraction method used. It is important for formulators to verify the specific composition of the extract they are using to ensure consistency and safety.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, mentha pulegium extract is not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA, and its use is subject to FDA regulations. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific restrictions due to its pulegone content. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with some countries imposing strict limits on pulegone-containing products. In Latin America, countries like Brazil have specific guidelines for natural extracts in food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Mentha pulegium extract poses safety concerns primarily due to its high pulegone content, which is hepatotoxic and can cause adverse effects if ingested in large quantities. Oral exposure should be carefully controlled, with adherence to established ADI and MSDI values. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications can lead to irritation or sensitization, necessitating compliance with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is generally considered low risk in typical use scenarios but should be monitored in occupational settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Mentha pulegium extract is valued for its potent minty aroma and versatility in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other mint and herbal notes, enhancing freshness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its high pulegone content, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. Overuse can lead to overpowering mint notes, while underuse may result in a lack of desired freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on mentha pulegium extract is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and safety considerations are often based on typical formulations rather than documented studies. There are known data gaps in regional regulatory specifics and long-term safety assessments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

[x] All required sections 1–9 are present
[x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
[x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
[x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
[x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
[x] If complex natural material: includes section 5a

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 2026-11-04 07:22:41 GMT (p2)

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