# Immortelle, Extract (helichrysum Angustifolium Dc.)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 90045-56-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Immortelle extract is a natural flavoring agent derived from the Helichrysum angustifolium plant, commonly known as curry plant or immortelle flower. It is used in food and beverage products to provide distinctive floral and herbal notes to flavor formulations.

## 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, Extract?

Immortelle extract (CAS Number: 90045-56-0) is a flavoring substance obtained from Helichrysum angustifolium DC., a Mediterranean flowering plant also known as curry plant or immortelle. The extract contains volatile aromatic compounds that contribute distinctive floral, herbal, and slightly spicy characteristics. It is classified as a natural flavoring agent and is used in minute quantities in food and beverage applications to enhance or modify taste profiles.

## Common Uses

Immortelle extract is primarily used as a flavoring adjuvant in the food and beverage industry. Common applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs and bitters
- Non-alcoholic flavored drinks and cordials
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory sauces and condiments
- Flavor compositions and essential oil blends

The extract is valued for its ability to contribute complex floral and herbal notes that complement both sweet and savory formulations. Due to its potency, it is typically used in very small concentrations—typically measured in parts per million in final food products.

## Safety Assessment

Immortelle extract has not been formally reviewed by the FDA under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program, meaning it lacks official GRAS status in the United States. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal FDA petition and review have not been completed for this specific substance.

According to FDA data, there have been zero recorded adverse events linked to immortelle extract consumption and zero product recalls associated with this ingredient. This lack of documented harm suggests a favorable safety profile under typical conditions of use.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed various Helichrysum species and related plant-derived flavoring agents. Natural flavoring substances from plant sources are generally considered to have low toxicity when used at levels consistent with flavoring applications, which involve minimal dietary exposure.

As with all plant-derived extracts, potential concerns typically relate to:

- Allergic sensitivity in individuals with plant allergies
- Proper botanical identification and quality control
- Contaminant presence (pesticides, heavy metals, microbial)
- Interactions with medications (though data specific to immortelle extract is limited)

## Regulatory Status

Regulatory classification of immortelle extract varies by jurisdiction:

**United States:** Not GRAS-listed. However, it may be permitted under FDA regulations for flavoring substances if properly documented as a natural flavor (21 CFR §182.60). Use is contingent on compliance with food safety regulations and ingredient labeling requirements.

**European Union:** Plant-derived flavoring substances are regulated under EU Regulation 1334/2008. Helichrysum-derived flavorings may be permitted in the EU flavor database provided they meet purity and safety standards.

**Other Regions:** Authorization varies; some countries include immortelle extract in permitted flavor registries while others classify it differently.

Importers and manufacturers must verify local regulatory requirements before marketing products containing this ingredient, as status can differ between countries and may change over time.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically focuses on immortelle extract toxicity or safety. The scientific literature on Helichrysum angustifolium primarily addresses:

- Phytochemical composition studies identifying flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and volatile oils as primary constituents
- Traditional ethnobotanical uses in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines
- Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts (laboratory studies)
- General EFSA assessments of natural flavoring substances

The lack of extensive clinical safety data is not unusual for minor flavoring agents used at trace levels. Regulatory decisions typically rely on the GRAS precedent of related plant materials, compositional safety data, and absence of adverse event reports rather than extensive clinical trials.

Additional safety research or formal GRAS petition submission would strengthen the regulatory position of this ingredient in markets where such documentation is preferred.

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