FlavScents AInsights Entry: Star Anise Seed Oil Spain (CAS: 68952-43-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Star anise seed oil, derived from the seeds of the Illicium verum plant, is a complex natural material. It is commonly known as star anise oil. The CAS number for this material is 68952-43-2. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in various flavor and fragrance compendiums. As a natural complex material, it does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight. The oil is characterized by its rich composition of aromatic compounds, primarily trans-anethole, which contributes significantly to its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Star anise seed oil is renowned for its sweet, spicy, and licorice-like aroma, with a warm, balsamic undertone. The intensity of its odor is strong, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil's flavor profile mirrors its aroma, offering a sweet and slightly peppery taste. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its potent nature suggests low threshold values. Typically, it serves as an impact note or a characterizing component in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Star anise seed oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the Illicium verum tree, native to regions in China and Vietnam. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried seeds. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct derivation from plant sources. The primary constituent, trans-anethole, is formed naturally within the seeds and is responsible for the characteristic licorice-like aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, star anise seed oil is used across various categories, including confectionery, baked goods, and beverages. It functions as a characterizing flavor, providing a sweet and spicy note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Star anise seed oil is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within the oriental and spicy fragrance families. It acts as an impact note, providing warmth and sweetness. Concentration levels in fragrance products vary, typically ranging from trace amounts to 5% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired effect. The oil contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The primary constituent of star anise seed oil is trans-anethole, which can comprise up to 80-90% of the oil. Other notable constituents include estragole, linalool, and limonene. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, star anise seed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. 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, particularly Japan and China, it is accepted for use in food and fragrance products, although specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil recognize its use under MERCOSUR guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, star anise seed oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices. 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
Star anise seed oil is valued for its potent and distinctive aroma, making it a key ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other spicy and sweet notes, such as cinnamon and vanilla. Formulators should be cautious of its strong impact, as it can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add depth and complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on star anise seed oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific regulatory details may vary by region. Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which are not extensively reported.
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 2026-03-16 18:57:40 GMT (p2)
