# Snakeroot, Canadian, Oil (asarum Canadense L.)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 8016-69-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Canadian snakeroot oil (Asarum canadense L.) is a natural flavoring agent derived from the essential oil of the Canadian wild ginger plant. It is used sparingly in food formulations to impart distinctive herbal and spicy flavor notes, though it has not been approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Snakeroot, Canadian, Oil?

Canadian snakeroot oil is an essential oil extracted from Asarum canadense L., commonly known as Canadian wild ginger or hazelwort. The plant is native to North America and has been used traditionally in folk medicine and culinary applications for centuries. The oil is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction of the plant material and is classified as a natural flavoring agent. CAS Number 8016-69-1 identifies this specific botanical oil in chemical databases.

The oil contains volatile compounds characteristic of the Aristolochiaceae family, including methyleugenol, safrole, and other aromatic constituents that contribute to its distinctive peppery, slightly bitter flavor profile.

## Common Uses

Canadian snakeroot oil is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in very small quantities. Common applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs and bitters
- Spice blends and seasoning compounds
- Flavoring for confectionery products
- Herbal tea formulations
- Savory food preparations requiring complex herbal notes

Due to its potent flavor profile, only minute quantities are required in food formulations, typically in the range of parts per million (ppm).

## Safety Assessment

Canadian snakeroot oil has not received GRAS status from the FDA, meaning it has not been formally determined to be Generally Recognized as Safe by qualified experts. However, this designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects the absence of a formal GRAS notification submission or determination.

The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with Canadian snakeroot oil and zero product recalls involving this ingredient. This suggests a history of safe use in food applications at typical usage levels, though formal toxicological studies specific to food use may be limited in public databases.

The plant itself contains aristolochic acid in some Aristolochia species, a known nephrotoxin. However, Asarum canadense (snakeroot) contains different alkaloid profiles than Aristolochia species and has not been associated with the same toxicological concerns. The essential oil, which is the food-grade product, would have different chemical composition than whole plant material.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, Canadian snakeroot oil does not have FDA GRAS status. Manufacturers using this ingredient in food products would typically need to either:

1. Submit a GRAS notification to the FDA
2. Rely on grandfather status or prior approval under different regulatory frameworks
3. Use it under food additive petition provisions

The ingredient may be regulated differently in other jurisdictions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate assessments of botanical flavoring agents, and regulatory status may vary by country.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on Canadian snakeroot oil specifically for food safety is limited in mainstream databases. Research on Asarum canadense has primarily focused on:

- Traditional ethnobotanical uses and historical applications
- Phytochemical composition of essential oils from Asarum species
- Comparative studies of Asarum versus Aristolochia botanical compounds

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls in FDA databases suggests adequate safety margins when used as a flavoring at typical concentrations. However, comprehensive toxicological studies and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) data specific to food use appear limited in accessible scientific literature.

Conumers or manufacturers seeking detailed safety information are advised to request specifications and safety data sheets from suppliers and consider consulting with food safety professionals regarding compliance with local regulations.

## 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. "Snakeroot, Canadian, Oil (asarum Canadense L.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/snakeroot-canadian-oil-asarum-canadense-l. Accessed 2026-05-20.