FlavScents AInsights Entry for Althaea Officinalis Leaf Tincture (CAS: 73049-65-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Marshmallow Leaf Tincture
- CAS Number: 73049-65-7
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the leaves of Althaea officinalis
- Source: The tincture is typically prepared by macerating the leaves of the marshmallow plant in alcohol.
- Key Constituents: Includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, and mucilage, which contribute to its sensory and functional properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Althaea officinalis leaf tincture is characterized by a mild, herbaceous aroma with subtle sweet undertones. The flavor profile is gentle, often described as slightly earthy with a hint of sweetness, making it suitable for use as a background note in flavor formulations. The intensity is generally low, providing a soft, natural character to blends.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
The marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The leaves are harvested and processed to create the tincture, which is used in both flavor and fragrance applications. The natural occurrence of its key constituents, such as flavonoids and mucilage, contributes to its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Althaea officinalis leaf tincture is used in flavor systems primarily for its mild, sweet, and herbaceous notes. It is commonly applied in herbal teas, confectionery, and certain beverages. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The tincture is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may degrade under highly acidic or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, the tincture is valued for its soft, green, and slightly sweet aroma, fitting well within herbal and natural fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or background note, enhancing the naturalness of the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The tincture's composition includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, and mucilage. These constituents can vary significantly based on the plant's origin, harvest time, and processing methods. The presence of these compounds is crucial for the tincture's sensory and functional properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; considered under general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety and usage guidelines.
- Latin America: Usage is subject to national regulations, with no specific harmonized standards identified.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; generally recognized as safe when used in typical flavor concentrations.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; considered low risk in fragrance applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure is minimal.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally low, with no significant differences noted between the two.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Althaea officinalis leaf tincture is valued for its ability to impart a natural, herbal character to formulations. It synergizes well with other herbal and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the blend. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its subtlety can be easily overshadowed by more dominant ingredients. It is often underutilized in formulations seeking a natural profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Althaea officinalis leaf tincture is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on general industry practices and safety guidelines.
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 2026-03-23 11:11:01 GMT (p2)