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 referred to as star anise oil. The CAS number for this essential oil is 68952-43-2. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in various flavor and fragrance contexts. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory frameworks. 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 terpenes and phenylpropanoids, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.
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 and slightly peppery undertone. The intensity of its odor is strong, making it a prominent impact note in both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil's diffusion is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other aromatic compounds. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing a characteristic aniseed flavor that enhances the overall profile of a formulation.
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, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients. The formation of its key constituents occurs naturally within the plant, with no significant synthetic pathways involved in its production.
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, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a functional flavoring agent, providing a distinct aniseed note that can be used to enhance or modify existing flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under typical processing conditions, although it 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 across several families, including oriental and spicy compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing a warm, sweet, and spicy aroma. The oil is typically used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired olfactory impact. Its volatility places it primarily in the top to middle notes of a fragrance composition, providing an initial burst of aroma that transitions smoothly into the heart of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Star anise seed oil is composed of several key constituents, including anethole, which is the primary component responsible for its characteristic licorice-like aroma. Other significant constituents include limonene, linalool, and estragole. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods, which can influence the relative concentrations of these constituents.
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 use in food by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have specific guidelines for its use in food and fragrance products. While explicit approvals exist, there are harmonized assumptions and some variability in regulatory treatment across regions.
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 an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is subject to IFRA guidelines, which assess potential irritation and sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to the oil's moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. 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 distinctive aniseed aroma, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other spice and citrus notes, providing depth and complexity. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering licorice note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of character. It is frequently used in moderation to balance its strong impact with other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on star anise seed oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some variability in composition due to natural factors is noted. There are no significant data gaps, but formulators should verify specific regulatory requirements for their target markets.
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 2026-05-21 14:36:09 GMT (p2)
