What is Chamomile Flower, Hungarian, Oil?
Chamomile Flower, Hungarian, Oil (CAS Number 8002-66-2) is an essential oil extracted from the dried flowers of Matricaria chamomilla L., commonly known as German chamomile or Hungarian chamomile. The oil is obtained through steam distillation or other extraction methods and contains volatile compounds including alpha-bisabolol, chamazulene, and various terpenes. This natural flavoring agent has been used in food, beverages, and traditional applications for centuries.
Common Uses
This chamomile oil is primarily used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. Common applications include:
- Herbal and specialty teas
- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Baked goods and confectionery
- Dairy products
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs
- Savory condiments and sauces
The typical use level is very low, generally in the range of parts per million (ppm), as the oil is highly concentrated. The Hungarian variety is specifically valued for its distinctive aromatic profile and consistent quality.
Safety Assessment
Chamomile Flower, Hungarian, Oil has a favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with this ingredient and zero recalls linked to its use. The long history of chamomile consumption in food and traditional preparations supports its general safety when used at intended levels.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated various natural flavoring substances, and chamomile oil falls within broadly acceptable categories for food flavoring use. The compound alpha-bisabolol, a major constituent, is recognized as safe by multiple regulatory bodies.
As with all essential oils, chamomile oil is intended for use at very low concentrations in food products. Individual sensitivity to chamomile is rare but possible, particularly in individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums). The oil should not be confused with chamomile used in medicinal or supplemental applications at higher doses.
Regulatory Status
Chamomile Flower, Hungarian, Oil is not listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA through the formal GRAS notification process. However, this does not indicate a safety concern. Rather, it reflects that manufacturers using this ingredient typically do so under FDA regulations for food additives and flavoring substances, or under the provision for naturally derived substances with an established history of safe use in food.
The ingredient is approved for use in food in the European Union as a natural flavoring substance. It is recognized as acceptable in the flavoring industry and included in various international food chemical databases and flavor specifications.
Key Studies
The safety profile of chamomile has been supported by numerous scientific investigations examining its constituents and effects:
- Toxicological reviews of chamomile oil indicate low acute and chronic toxicity at dietary exposure levels
- Studies on alpha-bisabolol and other major components show safety margins well above typical food use concentrations
- No genotoxic or mutagenic effects have been demonstrated in standard safety testing
- Historical use data spanning multiple centuries provides epidemiological support for safety at food flavoring levels
While chamomile has been studied for various biological properties, food-use levels are far below concentrations used in research or traditional medicinal applications. The gap between flavoring use and any reported effects in higher-dose studies provides substantial safety margin.