# Geranium, East Indian, Oil (cymbopogon Martini Stapf.)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 8014-19-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

East Indian geranium oil (Cymbopogon martini Stapf.) is an essential oil derived from a tropical grass species, used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts rosy, herbaceous notes and is utilized in beverages, confections, and other flavored foods.

## 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 Geranium, East Indian, Oil?

Geranium, East Indian, Oil is an essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon martini Stapf., commonly known as palmarosa or East Indian geranium grass. This aromatic oil is derived through steam distillation of the dried plant material. The oil contains volatile compounds including geraniol, linalool, and other terpene alcohols that contribute to its characteristic rosy, floral aroma with herbaceous undertones. Despite its common name referencing geranium, it is botanically distinct from true geranium species, originating instead from grasses native to India and other tropical regions.

## Common Uses

In the food industry, East Indian geranium oil functions primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. It is employed in beverages including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and flavored waters to contribute rosy, floral notes. The oil also appears in confectionery products, baked goods, and dairy products seeking sophisticated floral flavor profiles. Due to its potency, it is typically used in very small quantities—often parts per million—to achieve desired sensory characteristics. The oil's stability and solubility properties make it suitable for various food applications.

## Safety Assessment

The FDA has not classified East Indian geranium oil as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate unsafe use; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS determination procedures have not been completed for this specific substance. According to FDA records, there are zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, suggesting no documented safety incidents in consumer use.

Essential oils containing geraniol and linalool have been evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Food Additive and Nutrient Sources. These components are recognized as flavoring substances in the EU when used at appropriate concentrations. The LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of test subjects) in animal studies for geraniol is relatively high, indicating low acute toxicity when ingested in food-relevant amounts.

As with all essential oils, concentration levels are critical to safety. The flavoring compounds in East Indian geranium oil are metabolized through standard hepatic pathways and are not bioaccumulative. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Poaceae family or sensitivities to essential oils may experience reactions; however, such cases are rare in food applications due to the minute quantities used.

## Regulatory Status

East Indian geranium oil is not currently listed as a regulated food additive by the FDA but may be permitted as a flavoring substance under FDA regulations allowing certain natural flavor ingredients. In the European Union, geraniol and related compounds derived from this oil are listed in the European Commission's Register of Flavouring Substances. The regulatory pathway for this ingredient varies by jurisdiction, reflecting different approaches to essential oil regulation.

Manufacturers using this oil should verify compliance with local regulatory requirements and ensure proper labeling and documentation. The ingredient's classification as a natural flavoring in many regions may provide regulatory advantages compared to synthetic alternatives.

## Key Studies

Limited published safety data exists specifically for Cymbopogon martini oil in food applications. However, extensive research on its primary volatile constituents—geraniol and linalool—provides indirect safety information. These compounds have been evaluated in multiple EFSA assessments and consistently demonstrate safety margins appropriate for food use at flavoring levels.

Phytochemical analyses confirm the oil's composition and stability under typical storage conditions. Microbiological studies indicate the oil possesses natural antimicrobial properties, potentially beneficial for product preservation, though this is secondary to its primary flavoring function.

## 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. "Geranium, East Indian, Oil (cymbopogon Martini Stapf.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/geranium-east-indian-oil-cymbopogon-martini-stapf. Accessed 2026-05-19.