Cistus oil and its chemical composition

                                                                                         

Cistus oil and its chemical composition

By Prashantkumar kudli shrinivas

Cistus oil also known as Rock Rose is obtained by steam distillation or solvent extraction of the crude gum labdanum or directly from the leaves, twigs and flowering tops of the plant Cistus labdaniferus.

It is a small, resinous bush that grows in dry, rocky regions of the Mediterranean, especially the Greek islands. The shrub bears fragrant white blossoms and lance shaped leaves that exude a viscous gum called labdanum. This resin was so highly valued; it was ingredient in a holy ointment mentioned in the bible. The plant's essential oil was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to help freshen the air.

The oil has a dry, woody, balsamic, musky odour. It is used extensively in oriental style perfumes. Its odour effect is generally perceived as warming and restorative.

Cistus oil is quite difficult to blend because it tends to overpower the aromas of other essential oils.

In perfumes, cistus oil helps to round off fragrances that are either too heavy or too floral. The oil also blends well with citrus and rose oils for a subtle, earthy aroma.

Cistus oil is most often used as a fixative for perfumes; it also lends a musky, balsamic fragrance to balance heavily floral scents.

It blends well with Frankincense, Spikenard or Clary Sage oils to enhance the spiritual power of this oil. Pine, Juniper, and Cypress oils make it more “green”.

Lavender, Lavendin, Chamomile, Rose and Sandalwood would be great partners in a skin care blend.

Vetiver oil and Patchouli oil would enhance the oriental character of the aroma.

It is used up to 4 % in the fragrance concentrates.

Cistus is supplied in different forms viz.cistus absolute obtained from gum or resinoid and cistus oil obtained by distillation of leaves and twigs.

The major components [ in %] of leaf oil as follows;

Alpha-Pinene - 4-7


Camphene - 1-5


Beta-Pinene - 0.5-2


Sabinene - 1-2


Limonene - 1-2


Gamma-Terpinene - 1-2


Para-Cymene - 1-2


2,2,6-Trimethyl cyclohexanone - 1-5


Cis-3-Hexenol - 3-7

Fenchone -1-1.5


Trans-2-Hexenol - 1-5


Isomenthone - 1.5-3


Benzaldehyde - 2-3


Bornyl acetate - 3-5


Acetophenone - 1.5-2.5


Eugenol - 1.5-2.5


Geraniol - 1-2


Nerol - 2-3


Citral - 2-8

The minor components of the oil are Aplha and Beta-Phellandrene,Alpha-Terpinene,Cineole,Alpha-Thujone, Linalool,Terpinen-4-ol,etc.

The concrete from the gum is found to have the rare components like Ethyl dihydro cinnamate,Labdan diols,Methyl dihydro abietate,Labdan triols, Acetoxy geranyl acetate, Labdanolic acid, etc, which contribute to the balsamic,sweet note of labdanum resin.

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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