FlavScents AInsights Entry: Abies Alba Cone Extract (CAS: 90028-76-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Silver Fir Cone Extract
- CAS Number: 90028-76-5
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the cones of the Abies alba tree.
- Source: The extract is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction of the cones of the Abies alba, commonly known as the silver fir.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Abies alba cone extract is characterized by its fresh, woody, and balsamic aroma, often described as reminiscent of pine forests. The scent is moderately intense with a clean, uplifting quality that can add a natural, forest-like note to both flavors and fragrances. It is typically used as a background realism note or a modifier in formulations, providing a sense of freshness and naturalness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Abies alba, or silver fir, is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, particularly the Alps and the Carpathians. The cones of this tree are harvested and processed to extract the essential oil. The extract is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with the "natural flavor" designation due to its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic modification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Abies alba cone extract is used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, pine-like note. It is commonly found in mint and herbal flavor categories, enhancing the perception of freshness and naturalness. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering the desired flavor profile. The extract is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, Abies alba cone extract is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, woody, and resinous character. It is commonly used in fougère, chypre, and woody fragrance families. The extract serves as a middle to base note, providing depth and longevity to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Major Constituents: Monoterpenes such as α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene.
- Character-Impact Constituents: Bornyl acetate and camphene.
- Note: The composition of Abies alba cone extract can vary significantly based on geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
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: Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; no specific FL number assigned.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific regulations; generally follows international safety guidelines.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; typically aligns with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances; however, potential for skin sensitization exists, particularly in sensitive individuals.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure should follow standard safety protocols.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Abies alba cone extract is prized for its ability to impart a natural, fresh, and woody character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other coniferous and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness and complexity of the formulation. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its intense aroma can dominate the blend. It is often underutilized in non-traditional applications, where it can provide a unique twist.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Abies alba cone extract is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on general safety guidelines and industry practices.
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 2026-04-04 12:30:01 GMT (p2)