BAY OIL, SWEET

Description

Laurus Nobilis Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the whole plant of the Laurel, Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae

Chemical Properties

The oil is obtained by steam distillation with yields between 0.5 and 1.0%; higher yields are also possible. The oil has a characteristic odor and taste

Chemical Properties

See Laurel.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae.

Essential oil composition

The main constituents include α-pinene, α-phellandrene, l-linalool, cineol (50 to 70%), geraniol and eugenol. The leaves’ essential oil contains terpenic hydrocarbons (α-pinene 1 to 7.66%, α-thujene 0.06 to 0.45%, α-phellandrene 0.12 to 0.55%, sabinene 4.4 to 6.52%, β-pinene 1.81 to 4.36%, myrcene 0.1 to 1.35%, δ-3-carene 0.15 to 0.29%, p-cymene 0.06 to 0.70%, γ-terpinene 0.21 to 1.51%, terpinolene 0.16 to 2.33%, α-muurolene, 0.22 to 0.89%), oxygenated derivatives (eucalyptol 34 to 53%, linalool 11.57 to 18.73%, terpinene-4-ol 0.92 to 3.78%, geraniol 0.05 to 0.18%, α-terpineol 1.46 to 2.47%, borneol 0.18 to 0.47%, nerol 0.10 to 0.50%, spathulenol 0.10 to 0.28%, α-cadinol 0.38 to 1.12%, β-bisbolol 0.30 to 1.38%), alkanyl benzenes (eugenol 1.44 to 2.03%, methylugenol 1.73 to 11.8%), esters (α-terpenyl acetate 9.54 to 18.02%, geranyl acetate 0.07 to 0.17%, linalyl acetate 0.29 to 094%, citronellyl acetate 0.09 to 0.24%, methyl geranate 0.48 to 0.91%, bornyl acetate 0.14 to 0.08%) (CoE, 2000).

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating vapors.