A bit on Linden absolute

[Guest guest]

Some here may find this of interest. Much of this also applies to

other novel floral extracts.

Martin

--

Bernie

02 July 2008 20:39

To:

RE: Linden : Preliminary report

 

 

This is Part 3 of the report which covers the Tiliacea family, the

Biology,Therapeutics, Chemistry and other aspects. to be completed.

 

The Linden is derived using Citronellol from Citronella or Eucalyptus

citriodora. there are also methods of using other essential oils. The

methodology is that of extracting absolutes using solvents. This seems

to occur with all extracts, whether Linden and other absolutes. The

term Absolute is meant by definition to mean the extraction of an

aromatic compound from plant material or plant oils or extracts by

solvents. The current one often chosen is Hexane.

 

An Absolute as defined by Arctander 1960 and is generally accepted by

the Perfume and Flavour industry. He defines an Absolute as 'a

prepared perfume material. Absolutes are highly concentrated ,

entirely alcohol soluble and usually liquid perfume materials. These

can be derived from a pomade, Chassis, an Absolute oil (Anhydrols)

Concretes or other hydrocarbon types of extracts or from fat extracts

of plant materials.' P1 (Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin)

 

The usual method of production is to use Citronella oil as the

starting point and produce Citronellol hydrate. This is

Hydroxycitronellol.and the methodology for this is in Olindo

Secondini's book (1990). but it is dealt with a great length in Paul Z

Bedoukian book where he gives a chapter to its production (Perfumery

and Flavoring Synthetics) Ps.182 -191. The American Oil Association

has produced and adopted standards for Hydroxycitronellal. There are

reports that it does occur in nature but any derivative is purely by

chemical means.

 

The Absolute derived from the bracts and flowers varies from red/brown

to greyish brown. It tends to discolour with time if not kept at a low

temperature due to oxidisation. It then tends to be blacker. It can be

almost clear though usually solid or plastic solid. The odour tends to

be fresh, floral with a Lily of |the Valley like note.

 

Linden Blossom Absolute often contains Lilial ( also produced by

Dragoco)Cyclamen aldehyde ( produced by several companies) and even

Hydroxycitronellal. Though 'natural' Linden Blossoms can be produced

it should be pointed out that to collect sufficient material is

extremely difficult due to collection from trees (30 ft. to 100 feet)

and the resultant material was/is used in France as a healthy Tisane

known as Tilleul. It is this named material which is often offered

from some of the large Grassoise Houses. However it is reported that

it is no longer possible to collect in sufficient commercial

quantities. AFNOR do not mention the material. A recent writer

mentions that to 'make it appear more natural, synthetic farnesol is

added' (TB) The flower oil was reported by Gildermeister and Hoffman

almost nearly a century ago (1922) that the 'only known constituent

is Farnesol'.

 

 

''A personal note at this stage. There will follow more on the

biology, therapeutics and general details about the material and in

retrospect it may be better to always show its composition, on an MSDS

or Data Sheet. However, methods of production are often not disclosed.

Absolutes therefore are not what a great number of people perceive

they are. Another aspect thrown up by the research done so far is that

a lot of the materials used come under the CHIP regulations are are

tending to be phased out as the materials are listed as either Xn or Xi''

 

In retrospect it might have been better to simply call it Linden

extract from Citronella ?