# Immortelle, Absolute (helichrysum Angustifolium Dc)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977060-66-4
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Immortelle absolute is a concentrated aromatic extract derived from the Helichrysum angustifolium plant, also known as curry plant or immortelle flower. Its specific function in food applications remains poorly documented, and it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA.

## 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 Immortelle Absolute?

Immortelle absolute (helichrysum angustifolium DC) is a concentrated botanical extract obtained from the flowers of the immortelle plant, native to the Mediterranean region. The substance is identified by CAS Number 977060-66-4. Immortelle absolute is typically produced through solvent extraction or other concentration methods that isolate aromatic and flavor compounds from the plant material. The name "immortelle" refers to the flower's characteristic longevity and persistent nature.

## Common Uses

While immortelle absolute is recognized in the fragrance and cosmetic industries as a valued aromatic ingredient, its use in food applications is not well-established in regulatory or scientific literature. The additive is classified under "other" categories in food databases, indicating limited documentation of its specific culinary or food manufacturing purposes. When plant extracts like immortelle are used in food contexts, they are typically intended as flavoring agents or aromatic components, though definitive food applications for this particular substance remain unclear.

The compound's use in perfumery and fragrance applications is well-documented, where it contributes distinctive warm, slightly sweet, and herbaceous notes to compositions.

## Safety Assessment

Immortelle absolute has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance for food use. However, the FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls involving immortelle absolute, according to available data. This absence of reported adverse events does not constitute approval or confirmation of safety, but rather indicates no documented incidents have been reported through FDA monitoring systems.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not published dedicated safety assessments specifically for immortelle absolute as a food additive. Evaluation of botanical extracts typically requires data on composition, intended use levels, toxicological studies, and metabolic fate.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, immortelle absolute is not listed as an approved food additive and is not affirmed as GRAS for food use. This means it cannot be legally added to food products intended for the U.S. market without specific FDA approval or a successful GRAS notification submission.

European regulatory frameworks maintain lists of approved flavoring substances, and immortelle absolute's status in EU food production would depend on whether it appears on approved flavor compound registries. Many plant-derived aromatic substances used in fragrance are not automatically approved for food use, as cosmetic and food safety standards differ significantly.

Importation, sale, or use of this substance in food products in the United States would require either FDA approval through the food additive petition process or demonstration of GRAS status through a qualified expert panel and notification to the FDA.

## Key Studies

Limited peer-reviewed scientific literature specifically addresses immortelle absolute's safety, toxicology, or food applications. Most research on Helichrysum angustifolium focuses on traditional medicinal uses, essential oil composition, and antioxidant properties of the plant material rather than the concentrated absolute form used in commercial applications.

The chemical composition of immortelle extracts has been characterized in analytical studies, identifying compounds such as italicene and other volatile and semi-volatile components. However, these compositional analyses do not constitute food safety evaluations.

Without dedicated toxicological studies, genotoxicity assessments, or safety data specific to food consumption levels, comprehensive risk assessment for this additive cannot be completed. Researchers and manufacturers seeking to use this substance in food would need to generate appropriate safety data to support regulatory submissions.

## 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. "Immortelle, Absolute (helichrysum Angustifolium Dc) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/immortelle-absolute-helichrysum-angustifolium-dc. Accessed 2026-05-19.