FlavScents AInsights Entry: Mentha Arvensis Herb Oil (CAS: 68917-18-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Mentha arvensis herb oil, commonly known as cornmint oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Mentha arvensis plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this essential oil is 68917-18-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in flavor and fragrance regulatory contexts. The composition of mentha arvensis herb oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Mentha arvensis herb oil is characterized by its strong, fresh, and minty aroma, often described as cooling and invigorating. The intensity of its odor is high, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. It is commonly used to impart a refreshing minty flavor and aroma, often serving as a top note in both flavor and fragrance applications. The taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory role is typically as an impact note or a modifier to enhance freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Mentha arvensis herb oil is naturally sourced from the Mentha arvensis plant, commonly known as wild mint or cornmint. This plant is widely cultivated in regions such as India, China, and Brazil. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the aerial parts of the plant. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its direct derivation from plant sources without synthetic modification.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, mentha arvensis herb oil is used across various categories, including confectionery, oral care, and beverages. It serves as a functional ingredient to provide a minty, cooling sensation. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Mentha arvensis herb oil is utilized in fragrance formulations for its fresh, minty aroma. It is commonly found in fragrance families such as fougère and fresh accords, and is used in products like perfumes, deodorants, and air fresheners. The oil acts as a top note due to its high volatility, providing an immediate fresh impact. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the product and desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

The key constituents of mentha arvensis herb oil include menthol, menthone, isomenthone, and neomenthol. Menthol is the primary component, contributing significantly to the oil's characteristic cooling and minty aroma. The composition of these constituents can vary based on factors such as plant origin and processing methods, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Mentha arvensis herb oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use in the United States 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, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances. In Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, mentha arvensis herb oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, particularly due to menthol content, and should be used in accordance with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally safe at typical fragrance concentrations, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent respiratory irritation. The risk profiles differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, primarily due to exposure routes.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Mentha arvensis herb oil is valued for its strong minty aroma and cooling sensation, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes but can overpower delicate compositions if overused. Common pitfalls include instability under high heat and potential for skin irritation. It is often underused in complex fragrance accords where a subtle minty freshness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on mentha arvensis herb oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regulatory and safety data may vary by region. Known data gaps include specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception and detailed toxicological profiles for all exposure routes.

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 05:22:37 GMT (p2)