# Horsemint Leaves, Extract (monarda Spp.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 8006-85-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Horsemint leaves extract (Monarda spp.) is a natural flavoring agent derived from horsemint plants, commonly used to impart mint-like flavor characteristics to food and beverage products. The extract contains volatile compounds that contribute aromatic and taste properties to various food applications.

## 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 Horsemint Leaves, Extract?

Horsemint leaves extract is a concentrated flavoring substance obtained from plants of the Monarda genus, which includes species such as Monarda punctata and Monarda fistulosa. The extract is designated by CAS Number 8006-85-7 and is produced through extraction processes that concentrate the volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds present in horsemint leaves. The extract typically contains essential oils and other flavor components that impart a distinctive mint-like taste profile.

## Common Uses

Horsemint leaves extract is utilized as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Its primary applications include:

- Beverage flavoring, including herbal teas and infusions
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory food preparations
- Flavoring for condiments and sauces

The extract allows manufacturers to achieve consistent mint flavoring without using whole dried herbs, providing standardized flavor profiles and improved shelf stability. Its use is particularly common in natural and botanical-flavored product formulations.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with horsemint leaves extract, and no recalls have been issued. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls indicates a favorable safety history in food applications.

Horsemint is botanically related to common culinary herbs and has been used traditionally in herbal preparations. The volatile oil composition of horsemint includes compounds common to other approved mint flavoring agents. Toxicological data on horsemint extracts is limited in published scientific literature, though the ingredient appears in botanical databases as a traditionally used plant.

As with all concentrated plant extracts, appropriate usage levels are important for quality and safety assurance. Manufacturers typically follow good manufacturing practices and ensure extracts meet relevant purity and contamination standards.

## Regulatory Status

Horsemint leaves extract does not hold GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status with the FDA. However, the absence of GRAS determination does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification or determination has not been pursued or completed with the FDA. The ingredient may be used in foods under FDA regulations governing color additives and flavoring agents when compliant with current food laws and regulations.

Regulatory status varies internationally. Some regulatory bodies classify horsemint and related Monarda species as acceptable for food flavoring applications, while comprehensive regulatory data sheets may be limited in public databases.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on horsemint extract is modest compared to more extensively studied flavoring agents. Available research focuses on the essential oil composition of Monarda species, documenting presence of compounds such as thymol, carvacrol, and other terpenes typical of mint-family plants. These components are also found in other approved mint flavoring sources.

Most published studies examine horsemint's traditional medicinal uses and antimicrobial properties of its essential oils, rather than safety assessment for food applications. The flavoring industry generally applies knowledge from closely related mint species (Mentha spp.) when assessing horsemint safety, as botanical families share similar chemical profiles.

Additional controlled studies examining safety margins and appropriate use levels would strengthen the evidence base, though current usage levels in commercial applications appear to reflect conservative application rates.

## 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. "Horsemint Leaves, Extract (monarda Spp.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/horsemint-leaves-extract-monarda-spp. Accessed 2026-05-19.