(-)-homoeriodictyol, Sodium Salt

(-)-Homoeriodictyol sodium salt (CAS Number: 462631-45-4) is a synthetic flavoring agent belonging to the flavonoid chemical family. Homoeriodictyol itself is a naturally occurring compound found in certain plants, but the sodium salt form is synthetically produced for use in food applications. The compound functions primarily as a flavor enhancer, designed to modify or intensify taste characteristics in food and beverage products.

As a flavor enhancer, (-)-homoeriodictyol sodium salt is intended for use in food and beverage formulations where taste modification is desired. Like other flavoring compounds in this category, it would typically be used in very small quantities to achieve the desired sensory effect. However, due to its lack of FDA GRAS approval in the United States, its actual commercial use in food products is limited or non-existent in markets with strict regulatory oversight.

The safety profile of (-)-homoeriodictyol sodium salt remains largely undocumented in publicly available regulatory records. The FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with this additive, and no recalls have been issued. However, the absence of reported adverse events does not necessarily indicate extensive safety testing or approval. The compound has not achieved GRAS status with the FDA, which means it has not undergone the comprehensive safety review typically required for food additives intended for direct addition to food.

The natural flavonoid structure from which this compound is derived suggests potential biological activity, as flavonoids are known to have various effects in biological systems. However, the specific toxicological profile of the sodium salt form requires formal safety assessment through standard testing protocols including acute and chronic toxicity studies.

In the United States, (-)-homoeriodictyol sodium salt is not approved as a GRAS substance by the FDA. This means it cannot be legally used as a direct food additive without specific FDA approval or a successful GRAS petition. The additive would require a Food Additive Petition (FAP) demonstrating safety through adequate scientific evidence before it could be used in food products marketed in the United States.

The regulatory status in other regions such as the European Union or other countries is not clearly defined in standard regulatory databases. The lack of widespread approval suggests limited commercial development or interest in this particular compound.

Publicly available peer-reviewed literature specifically examining the safety and efficacy of (-)-homoeriodictyol sodium salt appears to be limited. While homoeriodictyol as a naturally occurring compound has been studied for various biological properties, specific toxicological and safety data for the sodium salt form used as a food additive are not readily available in public sources.

Any company seeking to use this additive would need to compile safety data including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, as well as toxicological assessments conducted according to FDA guidelines or equivalent international standards. Such studies typically include acute toxicity, repeated-dose toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity evaluations.