Lovage oils are obtained by steam distillation of either the leaves (leaf oil) or the
fresh roots (root oil) of the perennial plant LevisticumofficinaleW.D.J. Koch (Apiaceae).
Both oils are yellow-greenish-brown to dark brown liquids with strong,
characteristic, aromatic odor and taste.
d2020 1.010–1.090; n20D 1.5350–1.5580; α20D ?1 ° to +5 °; solubility: 1 vol in max.
1.5 vol of 85% ethanol; acid value: max. 2–16; ester value 170–260.
The main constituent of the leaf oil is α-terpinyl acetate, while the main constituent
and odor-determining component of the root oil is ligustilide
(3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide).
The oils are produced on a relatively small scale, for example, in Hungary, and
are mainly used in the alcoholic beverage industry and for flavoring of tobacco;
small amounts are also used in perfumery.
The oil from the green parts is normally not manufactured and exhibits less interesting characteristics than the rhizome
oil. Essential oil from rhizomes can be obtained by steam distillation of fresh or dried rhizomes with yields of 0.1 to 0.2%, or 0.6 to
1.0%, respectively. It exhibits a strong odor reminiscent of celery and angelica with a sharp, analogous flavor.
Lovage is an aromatic perennial herbaceous plant that grows wild in several areas of Europe. It is cultivated for extrac tive purposes in France, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands and the former Yugoslavia. It has large leaves with a cylindrical stem, branched upper stalks, rhizome-type roots and yellow-greenish flowers arranged in dense clusters
(July to August). It grows to 2 m (7 ft) in height. The rhizomes and other parts of the plant are used. Lovage has an intensely persistent,
warm, celery-like flavor and aroma.
Perennial herbaceous plant that grows wild in several areas of
Europe; it is cultivated for extractive purposes in France, Germany,
Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Yugo slavia. It has large leaves with a cylindrical stem, branched upper
stalks, rhizome-type roots, and yellow-greenish flowers. It grows
to 2 m (7 ft.) in height. The rhizomes and other parts of the plant
are used. Lovage has an intensely persistent, warm, celery-like
flavor and aroma.
The essential oil from the green parts normally is not manufactured
and exhibits less interesting characteristics than the rhizome oil.
Essential oil from rhizomes can be obtained by steam distillation
of fresh or dried rhizomes with yields of 0.1 to 0.2 % or 0.6 to
1.0%, respectively. It is a yellow-amber to greenish liquid exhib iting a strong odor reminiscent of celery and angelica with a sharp,
analogous flavor. The main constituents include d-oc-terpineol
aldehydes, and acids (acetic and isovaleric) .
The derivatives are extract and oleoresin.
It is a greenish-brown to deep-brown liquid. It is soluble in most fixed oils and slightly soluble
with opalescence, in mineral oil, but it is relatively insoluble in propylene glycol and glycerin.
Lovage is a perennial found in Europe, the United States, and Canada
lovage oil (Levisticum officinale) is ascribed properties include cleansing, depurative, and draining. In addition, the roots and fruit have aromatic and stimulant activity. Lovage oil is appropriate for use on oily skin. This oil is produced by distillation of the roots, though the leaves and seeds are also used for therapeutic purposes.
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Levisticum officinale, Umbelliferae.
Lovage contains approximately 2% of a volatile oil responsible for its characteristic odor and flavor. The oil contains
primarily phthalide lactones, including 3-butylphthalide, cis- and trans-butyldenephthalide, cis- and trans-ligustilide, sen-kyunolide
and angeolide. Several of the compounds found in lovage have also been detected in celery.
Moderately toxic by
ingestion. A skin irritant. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes. See also constituents as
listed.
