FlavScents AInsights Entry for Levisticum Officinale Root (CAS: 84837-06-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Lovage root
- CAS Number: 84837-06-9
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material (root extract)
- Source: Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a perennial plant in the Apiaceae family.
- Key Constituents: Typically includes phthalides, terpenes, and coumarins. Composition may vary by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Levisticum officinale root is characterized by its strong, celery-like aroma with nuances of anise and parsley. The flavor is similarly intense, with a warm, spicy undertone that can be described as a combination of celery and fennel. The material is often used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a distinctive herbal character. Odor and taste thresholds are not clearly reported, but the material is known for its potent sensory impact even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Levisticum officinale is native to Southern Europe but is now cultivated in various parts of the world. The root is the primary source of the extract used in flavors and fragrances. The characteristic aroma compounds are formed through the plant's natural biosynthetic pathways, involving the production of phthalides and terpenes. This material qualifies for "natural flavor" designation when derived from the plant without synthetic modification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Lovage root extract is used in a variety of flavor applications, including soups, sauces, and savory snacks, where it imparts a rich, herbal note. It is particularly valued in European cuisine. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. The extract is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, levisticum officinale root is used to add a green, herbal note to fragrance compositions. It is commonly found in fougère and chypre fragrance families. The extract serves as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, as the material is often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Phthalides: Including butylidenephthalide and sedanolide, which contribute to the characteristic aroma.
- Terpenes: Such as limonene and β-phellandrene, adding to the herbal and citrusy notes.
- Coumarins: Including umbelliferone, which may influence the overall scent profile.
Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
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 Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; specific FL number not assigned.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with food safety standards is advised.
- Latin America: Usage should align with local regulations; specific approvals not documented.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; use should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrance applications; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific restrictions.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate; occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal sensitization being a primary concern in perfumery.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Levisticum officinale root is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive herbal character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and spicy notes, such as celery seed and black pepper. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in complex flavor systems where its unique profile can add depth and authenticity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on levisticum officinale root is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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 2026-05-14 19:24:48 GMT (p2)