FlavScents AInsights Entry for (-)-beta-elemene (CAS: 515-13-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (-)-beta-elemene
• IUPAC Name: (1S,2S,4S)-1,2-dimethyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexane
• CAS Number: 515-13-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C15H24
• Molecular Weight: 204.35 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: (-)-beta-elemene is a sesquiterpene, characterized by its cyclohexane ring and isopropenyl group, contributing to its woody and spicy aroma profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: (-)-beta-elemene is noted for its woody, spicy, and slightly citrus-like aroma. It is often described as having a medium intensity with a warm, earthy undertone.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing depth and complexity to woody and spicy accords.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: (-)-beta-elemene is naturally found in various essential oils, including those from ginger, turmeric, and certain types of cannabis.
• Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, a common route for sesquiterpene formation.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in essential oils allows it to be classified as a natural component in both flavor and fragrance applications.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: (-)-beta-elemene is used in spice, herbal, and citrus flavor profiles.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a background realism enhancer, adding depth to complex flavor systems.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not available; however, industry-typical estimates suggest usage in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: (-)-beta-elemene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air, leading to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in woody, spicy, and oriental fragrance families.
• Functional Role: It serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the complexity of fragrance compositions.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1-1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: (-)-beta-elemene is considered a middle note, providing a lasting woody and spicy character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed under EU flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific regulatory information available; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
• Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe for both food and fragrance applications at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: (-)-beta-elemene provides a unique woody and spicy character that enhances the complexity of both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other sesquiterpenes and citrus notes to create balanced compositions.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering woody note; careful balancing is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized in citrus blends where its spicy undertone can add depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and natural occurrence are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status often rely on industry norms rather than explicit documentation.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-02-13 05:00:57 GMT (p2)