Cumin oil and its chemical composition

                                                                                         

Cumin oil and its chemical composition

Cumin oil is extracted from Cuminum cyminum ,also known as C. odorum of the Apiaceae family .It is also known as Roman caraway.

Cumin oil is extracted by steam distillation from the ripe seed.

It has spicy, cumin, fatty, sweaty, pepper and penetrating smell.

It is a small annual herb about 50cm high, with deep green, narrow feathery leaves and tiny white or pink flowers, followed by small oblong seeds.

It is cultivated in Cypress, Lebanon, Morocco, Malta, Turkey, Spain, USSR, India,China and USA.

It is known since Biblical times and mainly used for its digestive properties. The Egyptians used it for headaches.

Cumin is an important ingredient in Indian curries and in Mexican national dishes.

Cumin has an overpowering smell and should be used very in small doses, though it is considered non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
It has photo toxic effects, hence should not be used for skin exposed to sunlight.

The therapeutic properties of cumin oil are antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antitoxic, bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic, stimulant and tonic.

Cumin is useful as warming oil and helps relieve muscular pains and osteoarthritis.

In the digestive system, it is a stimulant that helps with colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, bloating and indigestion.

For the nervous system, it is has a beneficial effect on headaches, migraine and nervous exhaustion.

It blends well with angelica, caraway ,chamomile, lavender, lavandin, rosemary, galbanum, cardamom and oriental-type fragrances.

It is used up to 2% in fragrance formulations and up to 3000 ppm in flavors.

It is especially used for flavoring seasonings, pickles,meat sauces, etc in Asian countries.

The chemical composition [ in %] of the oil is as follows;

Cuminic aldehyde- 15-20

Para-Cymene- 20-30

Myrcene-1-3

Perillaldehyde-2-3

Alpha-Pinene- 1-3

Beta-Pinene- 18-22

Gamma-Terpinene- 25-35

The trace components in the oil are Benzyl cinnamate, Bornyl acetate, Cineole, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Phellandrene, etc.

About the author:
Prashantkumar Kudli Shrinivas has a vast industrial experience of Aroma chemicals,Essential oils,Perfumery and Flavour formulations.

E-mail: prashantkudli@yahoo.co.in


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