FlavScents AInsights Entry: Yerba Mate Leaf Oil (CAS: 68916-96-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Yerba mate leaf oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of the yerba mate plant, Ilex paraguariensis. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for yerba mate leaf oil is 68916-96-1. As a complex natural material, it does not have a single IUPAC name or molecular formula. It is important to note that the composition of yerba mate leaf oil can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Yerba mate leaf oil is characterized by its unique sensory profile, which includes a combination of green, herbal, and slightly smoky notes. The intensity of these notes can vary, but they generally provide a fresh and invigorating aroma. The oil is often used as a modifier in fragrance compositions to impart a natural and earthy character. The taste and odor thresholds for yerba mate leaf oil are not well-documented, but it is typically used in small amounts due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Yerba mate leaf oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves. Yerba mate is traditionally consumed as a beverage, and its leaves are known for their stimulating properties due to the presence of caffeine and other bioactive compounds. The oil's designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct extraction from plant material.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, yerba mate leaf oil is used to impart a distinctive herbal and slightly bitter note, which can enhance the authenticity of tea and herbal beverage flavors. It is typically used in low concentrations, often ranging from 1 to 10 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. The oil is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and prolonged exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and loss of aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Yerba mate leaf oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including green, herbal, and fougère compositions. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing a fresh and natural character to perfumes and personal care products. The oil is typically used in trace amounts, often less than 1% of the total fragrance composition, due to its potent aroma. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Yerba mate leaf oil contains several key constituents that contribute to its sensory profile. These include terpenes such as limonene and β-caryophyllene, as well as other compounds like methyl salicylate and caffeine. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as geographic origin and processing methods. It is important for formulators to consider these variations when using yerba mate leaf oil in their products.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, yerba mate leaf oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations outlined in Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and its use in flavors is permitted under specific conditions. The regulatory status in the United Kingdom aligns with the EU post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, yerba mate leaf oil is used in flavors, but specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, where yerba mate is traditionally consumed, the oil is widely accepted in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, yerba mate leaf oil is considered safe when used within the typical flavor concentrations. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) and threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) are not specifically established, but the oil's traditional use in beverages suggests a favorable safety profile. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization. However, formulators should adhere to IFRA guidelines to ensure safety. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to the low volatility of the oil in typical use concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Yerba mate leaf oil is valued for its ability to impart a natural and authentic herbal note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and herbal materials, enhancing their complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-used in fragrance compositions, where its unique profile can add depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on yerba mate leaf oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and traditional uses. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regulatory details for certain regions. Industry practices often rely on traditional knowledge and empirical evidence, which may not always be documented in scientific literature.

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 2026-06-26 13:54:34 GMT (p2)