Fenugreek absolute (CAS 68990-15-8) — Sweet Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Fenugreek absolute
CAS 68990-15-8
What Is Fenugreek absolute?
Fenugreek absolute is a rich, aromatic extract derived from the seeds of the fenugreek plant, commonly encountered in perfumery and gourmet cooking. Its warm, maple-like aroma adds depth to fragrances and culinary creations alike. This ingredient matters because it bridges the gap between food and fragrance, offering a unique olfactory experience that evokes comfort and familiarity while providing complexity to scent compositions.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Fenugreek absolute Smell Like?
Fenugreek absolute unfolds with an intensely sweet, caramelized top note reminiscent of maple syrup and burnt sugar, layered with a savory undertone that hints at celery and curry. As it evolves, the heart reveals a complex interplay of nutty, roasted tones with a subtle bitterness akin to roasted coffee beans. The dry-down is warm and woody, with lingering gourmand qualities that blend seamlessly into skin, creating an edible yet sophisticated aura. Its transformative journey from sugary sweetness to earthy depth makes it a favorite for adding dimension to oriental and gourmand fragrances.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Fenugreek absolute enhances the gourmand heart with its maple-like sweetness, blending with tonka bean and vanilla to create a delectable, dessert-like fragrance that remains sophisticated.
Used sparingly to add a warm, slightly medicinal depth that complements the benzoin and vanilla, giving the fragrance a comforting, almost edible quality.
Fenugreek’s caramelized nuances enrich the amber accord, adding a subtle gourmand twist to the otherwise resinous and floral composition.
Contributes to the spicy-sweet explosion, pairing with cinnamon and saffron to create a bold, addictive scent with a gourmand edge.
Fenugreek adds a warm, slightly bitter counterpoint to the dry, spicy amber, evoking the scent of exotic markets and sun-baked earth.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Fenugreek absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, yielding a complex mixture of volatile and non-volatile compounds. Key odorants include sotolon (3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone), responsible for its characteristic maple syrup aroma, alongside fatty acids, alkaloids, and steroidal saponins. The absolute typically contains trace amounts of coumarin and vanillin, contributing to its sweet, balsamic facets. Chirality plays a role in its scent profile, with (R)-sotolon being significantly more potent than its (S)-enantiomer. Industrial production often involves CO2 extraction for a cleaner olfactory profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Dark brown viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds gourmand warmth |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Creates comforting ambiance |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for olfactory impact |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance fenugreek’s sweetness with dry spices or woody notes to prevent cloying effects.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Pure synthetic form of fenugreek’s key aroma molecule for precise maple-caramel effects without the absolute’s complexity.
Offers similar sweet-gourmand character with less savory depth, useful when a cleaner maple note is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for use in all categories.
EU Allergen Declaration
None. Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Fenugreek is cultivated as a crop primarily in India and the Mediterranean, with sustainable farming practices increasingly adopted. Absolute production has moderate environmental impact due to solvent use, though some producers employ greener extraction methods. Synthetic alternatives like sotolon offer more controlled sourcing but lack the absolute’s natural complexity.
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References
- Blank et al. (1992). Key Odorants in Fenugreek. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/jf00021a004
- PubChem Compound Summary for Sotolon CID 3426
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68990-15-8Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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