hop cone oil

Hop cone oil is a volatile oil obtained from the freshly dried membranous cones of the female hop plant, Humulus lupulus L., belonging to the Cannabidaceae family. This oil is characterized by a distinctive herbal odor and flavor reminiscent of hops, commonly used in various flavor and fragrance applications. Also known under synonyms such as humulus lupulus cone oil or volatile oil from female hops cones, it is typically extracted by steam distillation or other distillation methods from the plant cones. The oil appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid and is recognized for its aromatic properties in both food flavorings and perfumery. Its chemical profile and sensory characteristics are documented in authoritative databases such as PubChem. The oil's origin from a natural botanical source defines its use in traditional and modern formulations requiring herbal fragrance notes.

Hop cone oil naturally occurs in the cones of female Humulus lupulus plants, widely cultivated for brewing and flavor production. Its application spans flavor and fragrance industries where it imparts herbal notes especially in beverages, baked products, and confectioneries. According to standards such as FEMA (US), hop cone oil is classified as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) flavoring substance. It also enjoys usage in cosmetic fragrances where its volatile herbal aroma is valued. Its incorporation in formulations demands consideration of concentration limits set by regulatory frameworks and expert panels, ensuring both efficacy and safety in diverse consumer products.

Physico-chemical properties of hop cone oil influence its use in formulation science. The oil is soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water, impacting its blending and stability in various matrices. Its volatility and aromatic profile are retained best at controlled temperatures, essential for maintaining sensory quality in end products. These solubility parameters also guide solvent selection in extraction and formulation processes. The oil’s stability parameters must be considered in product development to prevent loss of aroma or chemical degradation, factors critical to its consistent performance in flavor and fragrance applications.

	humulus lupulus l. cone oil
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	8007-04-3
Pubchem (sid):	135306977

FAO:	BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STEAM DISTILLATION

Safety information

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-mouse LD50 3500 mg/kg BEHAVIORAL: CONVULSIONS OR EFFECT ON SEIZURE THRESHOLD LUNGS, THORAX, OR RESPIRATION: CYANOSIS BEHAVIORAL: ATAXIA Arzneimittel-Forschung. Drug Research. Vol. 17, Pg. 79, 1967. oral-rat LD50 2700 mg/kg AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: OTHER (DIRECT) PARASYMPATHOMIMETIC Arzneimittel-Forschung. Drug Research. Vol. 17, Pg. 79, 1967.
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
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
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	2.90000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	1.70000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	2.20000
condiments / relishes:		20.00000	35.00000
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	1.70000
fruit ices:		-	1.70000
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	2.50000
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

EPI System: View

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8007-04-3

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

humulus lupulus l. cone oil

Chemidplus:0008007043