FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ambrette Seed Oil (CAS: 8015-62-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Ambrette seed oil is a natural complex material derived from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for ambrette seed oil is 8015-62-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in fragrance and flavor industries, often referenced in IFRA guidelines. The oil is characterized by its unique musky aroma, attributed to its key constituents, which include ambrettolide and other macrocyclic lactones. The composition of ambrette seed oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ambrette seed oil is renowned for its musky, sweet, and floral aroma with a hint of woody undertones. It is often described as having a rich, warm, and slightly nutty scent. The intensity of the odor is moderate to strong, with good diffusion properties, making it a popular choice in perfumery as a base note. The oil's sensory role is primarily as an impact note, providing depth and warmth to fragrance compositions. While specific taste thresholds are not well-documented, its use in flavor applications is typically limited to imparting a subtle musky note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ambrette seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant, commonly found in tropical regions such as India and Southeast Asia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation or solvent extraction. Its formation involves the natural biosynthesis of macrocyclic lactones within the seeds, which are responsible for its characteristic musky aroma. Ambrette seed oil is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its plant-derived origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, ambrette seed oil is used sparingly due to its potent aroma. It is primarily utilized in luxury and gourmet food products to impart a subtle musky note. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is stable under normal food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions. Its role in flavor systems is often as a background realism enhancer, adding complexity and depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Ambrette seed oil is highly valued in the fragrance industry, particularly in the creation of high-end perfumes. It is commonly used in oriental, floral, and woody fragrance families. The oil serves as a base note, providing longevity and warmth to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are between 0.5% and 5%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility is low, contributing to its role as a base note with a long-lasting presence.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of ambrette seed oil include ambrettolide, a macrocyclic lactone, which is primarily responsible for its musky aroma. Other significant components may include farnesol, geraniol, and various terpenes. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as the geographical origin of the seeds, the time of harvest, and the extraction method used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, ambrette seed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, which generally align with international standards. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but there may be country-specific variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Ambrette seed oil is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly reported, but it is generally used at low levels in food products. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines, which recommend usage levels to minimize irritation and sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low due to its use as a base note with low volatility. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ambrette seed oil is prized for its unique musky aroma, which adds depth and warmth to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with floral and woody notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the composition. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can overwhelm other components. It is often under-used in flavor applications due to its strong scent, but when balanced correctly, it can provide a luxurious touch.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ambrette seed oil is well-established, particularly in the fragrance industry. However, there are some gaps in specific toxicological data and regulatory nuances across different regions. Industry practices are generally well-documented, but some undocumented practices may exist due to the variability in natural product composition.
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 2026-07-13 06:36:56 GMT (p2)
