cassia leaf oil

Cassia leaf oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Chinese cinnamon plant, Cinnamomum cassia (L.), belonging to the Lauraceae family. It appears as a pale yellow to reddish-brown liquid with a potent spicy cinnamon scent characterized by woody, sweet, and cinnamon spicy notes. This oil is known under various synonyms including camphorina cassia leaf oil, cinnamon leaf oil (cinnamomum cassia), and oil of Chinese cinnamon. The scent profile makes it valuable in both flavor and fragrance industries. Detailed compositional data for cassia leaf oil is catalogued in controlled-vocabulary databases such as PubChem. Due to its natural extraction through steam distillation, it reflects the aromatic quality inherent to the plant source and is widely used as a natural flavoring and fragrance ingredient.

Cassia leaf oil originates from the leaves and twigs of the cassia tree, primarily Cinnamomum cassia, found in subtropical regions such as China. Its biological occurrence is linked to the aromatic components present in this tree species. Due to its intense spicy cinnamon aroma, the oil is applied extensively as a flavoring agent in food products and as a fragrance component in perfumery and cosmetics. It serves various odor purposes including as a replacement for benzoin absolute and for notes resembling almond, carnation, sandalwood, and musk. Its use also extends into creating complex bouquets and enhancing woody or herbal scent accords. Under the IFRA (Global) standards, usage levels are regulated to mitigate sensitization risks, particularly due to constituents like cinnamaldehyde. These regulations inform safe formulation limits both in fragrance concentrates and flavor applications.

Cassia leaf oil exhibits physical properties that influence its handling and formulation. At 25 °C, its specific gravity ranges between 1.045 and 1.063, indicating a density slightly greater than water, while its refractive index at 20 °C varies from 1.602 to 1.614. The oil is soluble in alcohol and fixed oils but shows limited solubility in water, approximately 2150 mg/L at 25 °C. Its flash point, determined by the tag closed cup method, is 194 °F (about 90 °C), signalling moderate volatility. These properties necessitate careful consideration in blending and storage. Its strong odor intensity, with a substantivity around 160 hours at 100%, lends durability in fragrance compositions. The oil's chemical profile includes components responsible for its spicy cinnamon character, which must be considered for both sensory impact and safety in product development.

	cinnamomum cassia blume leaf oil
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	8007-80-5
Pubchem (sid):	135352886

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
Export Tariff Code:	3301.29.6000
Typical G.C.
Wikipedia:	View
FAO:	BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STEAM DISTILLATION
FAO:	CINNAMOMUM OILS (INCLUDING CINNAMON AND CASSIA)

Safety information

European information :
Most important hazard(s):
T - Toxic.
R 21 - Harmful in contact with skin. R 24 - Toxic in contact with skin. R 36/37 - Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. R 43 - May cause sensitisation by skin contact. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 2800 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 109, 1975. intraperitoneal-mouse LD50 500 mg/kg VASCULAR: BP LOWERING NOT CHARACTERIZED IN AUTONOMIC SECTION LUNGS, THORAX, OR RESPIRATION: RESPIRATORY STIMULATION LUNGS, THORAX, OR RESPIRATION: ACUTE PULMONARY EDEMA Pharmacologist. Vol. 3, Pg. 62, 1961. oral-mouse LD50 2670 mg/kg Tokishikoroji Foramu. Toxicology Forum. Vol. 8, Pg. 91, 1985.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 320 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 13, Pg. 109, 1975.
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
contains the following IFRA (Annex) restricted components: (non-analysis max. level reference only)
benzyl benzoate	Max. Found:
cinnamaldehyde	Max. Found: 1.5 % and Reason: Sensitization
cinnamyl alcohol	Max. Found:
eugenol	Max. Found:
methyl eugenol	Max. Found:
benzaldehyde	Max. Found:
Recommendation for cassia leaf oil usage levels up to:
	5.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for cassia leaf oil flavor usage levels up to:
	25.0000 ppm in the finished product.

Safety references

EPI System: View

ClinicalTrials.gov:search

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8007-80-5

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:3

cinnamomum cassia blume leaf oil

Chemidplus:0008007805

RTECS:FI4050000 for cas# 8007-80-5