# Germander, Chamaedrys, Extract Solid (teucrium Chamaedrys L.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977091-52-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.) extract solid is a plant-derived flavoring agent derived from the germander plant. It is used in food and beverage applications to impart herbal and slightly bitter flavor characteristics.

## 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 Germander, Chamaedrys, Extract Solid?

Germander, scientifically known as Teucrium chamaedrys L., is a small herbaceous plant native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The extract solid (CAS Number 977091-52-3) is a concentrated form of this plant material processed into solid form for use as a flavoring agent in food and beverage products. The extract contains the plant's volatile compounds and flavor constituents that contribute a distinctive herbal, slightly bitter taste profile to finished foods.

## Common Uses

Germander extract solid is used primarily in the flavoring industry as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. Its applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly herbal liqueurs and bitter aperitifs
- Non-alcoholic beverages and herbal infusions
- Flavoring compounds for culinary applications
- Traditional herbal and botanical product formulations

The herbal and slightly astringent character of germander makes it useful in products seeking authentic Mediterranean or traditional herbal flavor profiles. Its use remains relatively specialized within the flavoring industry, primarily in European markets where the plant has historical culinary significance.

## Safety Assessment

Germander extract solid has not been approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance, meaning it has not undergone the formal FDA GRAS notification process. However, it is important to note that the absence of FDA GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns.

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, suggesting a limited history of reported safety issues in the U.S. food supply.

Historically, some concern has been raised about certain Teucrium species and hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) based on European studies involving concentrated herbal preparations used as dietary supplements or medicinal products in much higher quantities than would be present in food flavorings. These concerns led the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and various European regulatory bodies to restrict the use of certain Teucrium species in food and herbal products. However, germander as a flavoring extract in typical food applications involves very small quantities used for flavor only, which differs substantially from medicinal or supplement use.

The safety profile of flavoring-grade extracts versus concentrated herbal products or medicinal preparations represents an important distinction in risk assessment. The quantities of germander extract used in flavoring applications are typically measured in parts per million, substantially lower than amounts that would be used therapeutically.

## Regulatory Status

Germander extract solid is not on the FDA's GRAS list. In the European Union, Teucrium chamaedrys has faced regulatory restrictions, particularly for herbal medicines and food supplements, though some regulatory pathways may exist for use as a flavoring agent at specified levels.

The regulatory approach varies by jurisdiction:

- **United States**: Not GRAS; would require FDA authorization for use
- **European Union**: Subject to restrictions as a botanical ingredient; status may differ for flavoring applications versus herbal products
- **Other markets**: Regulatory status varies; more commonly permitted in traditional food applications in Mediterranean countries

Any food product containing this additive should comply with local regulatory requirements and labeling obligations.

## Key Studies

The primary safety literature on Teucrium species derives from European research on hepatotoxicity concerns identified in medicinal preparations. The distinction between concentrated medicinal use and trace-level flavoring use is critical when interpreting available safety data. Limited peer-reviewed literature specifically addresses the safety of germander extract solid as used in food flavoring applications at typical use levels.

## 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. "Germander, Chamaedrys, Extract Solid (teucrium Chamaedrys L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/germander-chamaedrys-extract-solid-teucrium-chamaedrys-l. Accessed 2026-05-19.