# Deertongue Solid Extract

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/deertongue-solid-extract
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/deertongue-solid-extract.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 68602-86-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Deertongue Solid Extract is a plant-derived flavoring agent obtained from deertongue (Liatris spicata), used to impart herbal and slightly sweet flavor notes in food products. It functions as a flavoring adjuvant in the food industry to enhance taste profiles.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Deertongue Solid Extract?

Deertongue Solid Extract (CAS Number: 68602-86-8) is a concentrated flavoring ingredient derived from deertongue plant material, scientifically known as Liatris spicata. The extraction process produces a solid or semi-solid form of the plant's flavor compounds. Deertongue is a native North American plant historically used in traditional herbal preparations and folk medicine, and its flavoring properties have been incorporated into modern food manufacturing.

## Common Uses

Deertongue Solid Extract is employed as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant primarily in specialty food products. It is typically used in small concentrations to impart herbal, slightly anise-like, and subtly sweet flavor characteristics. Common applications may include:

- Alcoholic beverages and spirits
- Herbal tea formulations
- Liqueurs and cordials
- Bitters and flavor compounds
- Specialty confectionery products

The extract serves to enhance complexity and depth of flavor profiles rather than dominate the taste of finished products.

## Safety Assessment

Deertongue Solid Extract has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process commonly used for food additives. However, the ingredient demonstrates a notable safety history:

- Zero reported adverse events associated with this additive in FDA databases
- Zero product recalls linked to deertongue solid extract
- No documented toxicological concerns in available scientific literature
- Historical use in herbal and traditional applications

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests the ingredient has not raised safety flags in the food supply. The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification documentation may not have been submitted to the FDA, or that approval was sought through alternative regulatory pathways.

As with all plant-derived extracts, individual sensitivity or allergic reactions are theoretically possible, though no specific allergen concerns have been documented for this ingredient. The concentration levels used in food applications are typically minimal, which further reduces potential risk exposure.

## Regulatory Status

Deertongue Solid Extract is not GRAS-certified by the FDA, which means it operates under different regulatory oversight than additives with GRAS status. Products containing this ingredient must comply with FDA food additive regulations. The ingredient may be permitted in certain jurisdictions or under specific regulatory frameworks that recognize botanical flavoring agents.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval pathways for flavoring agents. Deertongue may be evaluated differently under EU regulations compared to FDA oversight, as European regulations have specific listings for acceptable botanical flavoring sources.

Manufacturers using deertongue solid extract must ensure compliance with labeling requirements and ingredient disclosure obligations in their respective markets.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses deertongue solid extract safety or efficacy as a food additive. Most available information derives from:

- Historical and traditional use documentation
- Botanical composition analyses of Liatris spicata
- General plant extract safety assessments
- Manufacturing and quality control standards for botanical extracts

The absence of published adverse event studies may reflect both the ingredient's safety profile and the limited commercial prominence compared to more widely-used flavoring agents. Further research characterizing the chemical composition and potential bioactive compounds would enhance the scientific understanding of this ingredient.

Regulatory agencies continue to monitor all food additives for safety signals, and the zero-event history suggests this ingredient has not triggered investigation or concern within food safety surveillance systems.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Deertongue Solid Extract — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/deertongue-solid-extract. Accessed 2026-05-19.