Aroma Compounds and their Descriptors

Allspice/ Jamican Pepper (Pimenta dioica)

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Image from AdobeStock/Narsil
Studies
Padmakumari, K. P., Sasidharan, I., & Sreekumar, M. M. (2011). Composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil of pimento (Pimenta dioica (L) Merr.) from Jamaica. Natural product research, 25(2), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2010.526606

García-Fajardo J, Martínez-Sosa M, Estarrón-Espinosa M, Vilarem G, Gaset A, de Santos JM. Comparative study of the oil and supercritical CO2 extract of Mexican pimento (Pimenta dioica Merrill). Journal of Essential Oil Research. 1997;9:181-185. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241714084_Comparative_Study_of_the_Oil_and_Supercritical_CO2_Extract_of_Mexican_Pimento_Pimenta_dioica_Merrill

Martinez-Velazquez, M., Castillo-Herrera, G. A., Rosario-Cruz, R., Flores-Fernandez, J. M., Lopez-Ramirez, J., Hernandez-Gutierrez, R., & del Carmen Lugo-Cervantes, E. (2011). Acaricidal effect and chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Cuminum cyminum, Pimenta dioica and Ocimum basilicum against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitology research, 108, 481-487. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo-Rosario-Cruz/publication/46414691_Acaricidal_effect_and_chemical_composition_of_essential_oils_extracted_from_Cuminum_cyminum_Pimenta_dioica_and_Ocimum_basilicum_against_the_cattle_tick_Rhipicephalus_Boophilus_microplus_Acari_Ixodidae/

Mérida-Reyes, M.S.; Muñoz-Wug, M.A.; Oliva-Hernández, B.E.; Gaitán-Fernández, I.C.; Simas, D.L.R.; Ribeiro da Silva, A.J.; Pérez-Sabino, J.F. Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil from Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. from Guatemala. Medicines 2020, 7, 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7100059

Anise and Star Anise

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

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photo by: AdobeStock/ LP2Studio
Aroma compounds
​Anastasopoulou et al. (2020) specifically studied the aroma compounds in Pimpinella anisum seeds from Lisvori, Greece from hydrodistillation because they are used to make ouzo which has European Union Protected Geographic Indication status. While we could not find a publicly available version of the study, the abstract is it noted that Lesvos anise oil showed the most abundant identified metabolites to be trans-anethole, γ-himachalene, estragole and pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate.
Studies
Saibi S, Belhadj M, Benyoussef E-H (2012) Essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum from Algeria. Analytical Chem Lett 2:401–404. Retrieved from: www.researchgate.net/publication/256081635_Essential_Oil_Composition_of_Pimpinella_anisum_from_Algeria

Aćimović, M. G., Tešević, V., Todosijević, M., Djisalov, J., & Oljaca, S. (2015). Compositional characteristics of the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum and Foeniculum vulgare grown in Serbia. Botanica Serbica, 39(1), 9-14. Retrieved from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/299309795.pdf

Özcan, M. M., & Chalchat, J. C. (2006). Chemical composition and antifungal effect of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) fruit oil at ripening stage. Annals of microbiology, 56, 353-358. Retrieved from: https://pages.uoregon.edu/chendon/coffee_literature/2006%20Annals%20Microbio.,%20Chemistry%20and%20antifungal%20of%20anise.pdf

Fitsiou, E.; Mitropoulou, G.; Spyridopoulou, K.; Tiptiri-Kourpeti, A.; Vamvakias, M.; Bardouki, H.; Panayiotidis, M.Ι.; Galanis, A.; Kourkoutas, Y.; Chlichlia, K.; et al. Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Biological Activities of Essential Oils Derived from the Greek Aromatic Plant Species Ocimum basilicum, Mentha spicata, Pimpinella anisum and Fortunella margarita. Molecules 2016, 21, 1069. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21081069

Anastasopoulou, E., Graikou, K., Ganos, C., Calapai, G., & Chinou, I. (2020). Pimpinella anisum seeds essential oil from Lesvos island: Effect of hydrodistillation time, comparison of its aromatic profile with other samples of the Greek market. Safe use. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 135, 110875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.110875
  • Anise
  • Star Anise
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Star Anise (Illicium verum)

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photo by: AdobeStock/ Bigc Studio
Studies

Gholivand, M. B., Rahimi-Nasrabadi, M., & Chalabi, H. (2009). Determination of essential oil components of star anise (Illicium verum) using simultaneous hydrodistillation–static headspace liquid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Analytical Letters, 42(10), 1382-1397. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239738059_Determination_of_Essential_Oil_Components_of_Star_Anise_Illicium_verum_Using_Simultaneous_Hydrodistillation-Static_Headspace_Liquid-Phase_Microextraction-Gas_Chromatography_Mass_Spectrometry

Howes, M. J. R., Kite, G. C., & Simmonds, M. S. (2009). Distinguishing chinese star anise from japanese star anise using thermal desorption− gas chromatography− mass spectrometry. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(13), 5783-5789. Retrieved from: https://www.academia.edu/31298519/Distinguishing_Chinese_Star_Anise_from_Japanese_Star_Anise_Using_Thermal_Desorption_Gas_Chromatography_Mass_Spectrometry

Chai, X.; Huang, X.; Zhang, T.; Wu, K.; Duan, X.; Yu, H.; Liu, X. Comparative Study of E-Nose, GC-MS, and GC-IMS to Distinguish Star Anise Essential Oil Extracted Using Different Extraction Methods. Separations 2023, 10, 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations10040256

Cinnamon

Cinnamon/Cylon cinnamon/ True Cinnamon:
(Cinnamomum verum/Cinnamomum zylanicum) 

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photo by: iva/shutterstock
*It is not usual for cinnamon bark oil to be devoid of eugenol.
For more insight
Lawrence, B. M. (2013, November 26). Progress in Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark Oil and Extract, and Helichrysum Oil. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from https://www.perfumerflavorist.com/fragrance/ingredients/article/21857716/progress-in-essential-oils-cinnamon-bark-oil-and-extract-and-helichrysum-oil

Studies
Al-Zereini, W. A., Al-Trawneh, I. N., Al-Qudah, M. A., TumAllah, H. M., Al Rawashdeh, H. A., & Abudayeh, Z. H. (2022). Essential oils from Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton grains and Cinnamomum verum J. Presl barks: Chemical examination and bioactivity studies. J. Pharm. Pharmacogn. Res, 10, 173-185. : https://doi.org/10.56499/jppres21.1162_10.1.173
Liyanage, T., Madhujith, T., & Wijesinghe, K. G. G. (2017). Comparative study on major chemical constituents in volatile oil of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl. Syn. C. zeylanicum Blum) and five wild cinnamon species grown in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 28(3), 270–280. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/329366895_Comparative_study_on_major_chemical_constituents_in_volatile_oil_of_true_cinnamon_Cinnamomum_verum_Presl_syn_C_zeylanicum_Blum_and_five_wild_cinnamon_species_grown_in_Sri_Lanka

Unlu, M., Ergene, E., Unlu, G. V., Zeytinoglu, H. S., & Vural, N. (2010). Composition, antimicrobial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity of essential oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48, 3274–3280. Retrieved from September 5, 2023 www.academia.edu/14112891/Composition_antimicrobial_activity_and_in_vitro_cytotoxicity_of_essential_oil_from_Cinnamomum_zeylanicum_Blume_Lauraceae_

Lawrence, B. M. (2004, November 26). Progress in Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark Oil and Extract, and Helichrysum Oil. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.perfumerflavorist.com/fragrance/ingredients/article/21857716/progress-in-essential-oils-cinnamon-bark-oil-and-extract-and-helichrysum-oil

Cassia/Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)

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Image by AdobeStock/Valery12183
Studies
Jeyaratnam, N., Nour, A. H., Kanthasamy, R., Nour, A. H., Yuvaraj, A. R., & Akindoyo, J. O. (2016). Essential oil from Cinnamomum cassia bark through hydro distillation and advanced microwave assisted hydrodistillation. Industrial Crops and Products, 92, 57–66. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/27697845/Essential_oil_from_Cinnamomum_cassia_bark_through_hydrodistillation_and_advanced_microwave_assisted_hydrodistillation

Jose, A. J., Leela, N. K., Zachariah, T. J., & Rema, J. (2019). Evaluation of coumarin content and essential oil constituents in Cinnamomum cassia (Nees & T.Nees) J. Presl. Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops, 28(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.25081/josac.2019.v28.i1.5743

Other Cinnamon Types

​Vietnamese/Saigon cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi)
Essential Oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction of bark of young branches of Cinnamomum loureiroi from China was found by Jiang, Li, and Wang (2008) to primarily contain:
  • Cinnamaldehyde: 66.44 %
  • Copaene: 6.25 %
  • β-cadinene: 4.11 %
  • Calamenene: 3.84 %
  • Cadinadiene-4,9: 3.82 %

Studies
Jiang, Z. T., Li, R., & Wang, Y. (2008). Essential oil composition of Cinnamomum loureiroi grown in China extracted by supercritical fluid extraction. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 11(3), 267-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2008.10643629
​Indonesian cinnamon Cinnamomum burmannii
Essential Oil obtained by steam distillation and liquid-liquid extraction methods of stem bark, branch bark, and leaves of Cinnamomum burmannii from South Bandung, Indonesia was found by Fajar et al (2019) to primarily contain:
  •  Cinnamaldehyde: 68.3%-82%
  •  Cinnamyl acetate: 2.5%-16%
  •  Cinnamyl alcohol: 2.25%-4.6%
  •  Cinnamic acid: 3%-8%

Studies
Fajar, A., Ammar, G. A., Hamzah, M., Manurung, R., & Abduh, M. Y. (2019). Effect of tree age on the yield, productivity, and chemical composition of essential oil from Cinnamomum burmannii. Current Research on Bioscences and Biotechnology, 1(1), 17-22. Retrieved from: https://crbb-journal.com/ojs/index.php/crbb/article/download/23/10

Clove

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Image by AdobeStock/Amy LV

For more insight
Haro-González, J.N.; Castillo-Herrera, G.A.; Martínez-Velázquez, M.; Espinosa-Andrews, H. Clove Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum L.Myrtaceae): Extraction, Chemical Composition, FoodApplications, and Essential Bioactivity for Human Health.Molecules 2021, 26, 6387. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216387

Lawrence, B. M. (2016, April 6). Progress in Essential Oils: Clove Oil. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from www.perfumerflavorist.com/fragrance/ingredients/article/21860521/progress-in-essential-oils
Lawrence, B. M. (2013, November 26). Progress in Essential Oils: Cinnamon Bark Oil and Extract, and Helichrysum Oil. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from www.perfumerflavorist.com/fragrance/ingredients/article/21857716/progress-in-essential-oils-cinnamon-bark-oil-and-extract-and-helichrysum-oil

Studies
Arun Waman, A. (2020). Essential oil composition of clove and nutmeg from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB), 57(1), 95-100. Retrieved from: www.researchgate.net/publication/339528777_Essential_oil_composition_of_clove_and_nutmeg_from_Andaman_and_Nicobar_Islands_India
​
Chaieb, K.; Hajlaoui, H.; Zmantar, T.; Kahla-Nakbi, A.B.; Rouabhia, M.; Mahdouani, K.; Bakhrouf, A.The chemical compositionand biological activity ofclove essential oil, Eugeniacaryophyllata (Syzygiumaromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Ashort review. Phytother. Res.2007, 21, 501–506. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/profile/Tarek-Zmantar/publication/6425926_The_Chemical_composition_and_biological_activity_of_clove_essential_oil_Eugenia_caryophyllata_Syzigium_aromaticum_L_Myrtaceae_A_short_review/

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

General aroma compounds
The major constituents of oleoresin in ginger rhizomes provide “spicy aromas” and consist of:

Gingerols (GNs)
A group of volatile phenolic compounds.
  • Taste: The pungent taste of fresh ginger rhizome.
  • Types
    • Gingerol (6-GN) is the major compound of the rhizome responsible for the pungency.
    • Other GNs, such as 4-, 8-, 10- and 12-GN, are present in lesser concentrations.
    • Homologues (groups of molecules that only differ in the number of methylene groups) of [10]-dehydrogingerdione, [6]-gingerdione and [10]-gingerdione

Shogaols (SGs)
Transformed from gingerol, by dehydration reactions (loss of H2O) that can be catalyzed by heat, especially when dried at above 70 °C (158°F) or by acidity.
  • Taste: Impart a pungent and spicy-sweet fragrance (Wohlmuth et al., 2005). During the preparation of dried ginger, GNs are also rapidly converted to the corresponding SGs, of which 6-SG is the most common dehydration product.
  • Type: Correspond to the Gingerol type. For example 6-GN is transformed to 6-SG

Zingerone
Formed during drying by the dehydration of shogaol homologues. These have a lower pungency than gingerol and a spicy-sweet aroma.
 Studies
Kumar Poudel, D., Dangol, S., Rokaya, A., Maharjan, S., Kumar Ojha, P., Rana, J., ... & Setzer, W. N. (2022). Quality assessment of Zingiber officinale Roscoe essential oil from Nepal. Natural Product Communications, 17(3). Retrieved from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221080322 

Singh, G., Kapoor, I. P. S., Singh, P., de Heluani, C. S., de Lampasona, M. P., & Catalan, C. A. (2008). Chemistry, antioxidant and antimicrobial investigations on essential oil and oleoresins of Zingiber officinale. Food and chemical toxicology, 46(10), 3295-3302.Retrieved from: www.academia. edu/17392191/Chemistry_antioxidant_ and_antimicrobial_investigations_ on_essential_oil_and_oleoresins_of_ Zingiber_officinale

Nam, D.-G.; Kim, M.; Choe, J.-S.; Choi, A.-j. Effects of High-Pressure, Hydrothermal, and Enzyme-Assisted Treatment on the Taste and Flavor Profile of Water-Soluble Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract. Foods 2022, 11, 508. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11040508
​
Tarfaoui, K.; Brhadda, N.; Ziri, R.; Oubihi, A.; Imtara, H.; Haida, S.; Al kamaly, O.M.; Saleh, A.; Parvez, M.K.; Fettach, S.; et al. Chemical Profile, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Essential Oils and Extracts. Plants 2022, 11, 1487.  https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111487

​Galangal "Greater Galangal" (Alpinia galanga)

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photo by: Shutterstock/ PHENPHAYOM
Major non-volatile compounds
Phenolic compounds like 1′S-1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA). This provides A. galanga’s characteristic pungent aroma.
Studies
Raina, Archana & Abraham, Z. (2017). Essential oil profiling of Alpinia species from southern India. Indian journal of experimental biology. 55. 776-781. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/320755617_Essential_oil_profiling_of_Alpinia_species_from_southern_India

Raina, V. K., Srivastava, S. K., & Syamasunder, K. V. (2002). The essential oil of ‘greater galangal’[Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.] from the lower Himalayan region of India. Flavour and fragrance journal, 17(5), 358-360. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/5082983/The_essential_oil_of_greater_galangal_Alpinia_galanga_L_Willd_from_the_lower_Himalayan_region_of_India

Archana P. Raina, S.K. Verma & Z. Abraham (2013) Volatile constituents of essential oils isolated from Alpinia galanga Willd. (L.) and A. officinarum Hance rhizomes from North East India, Journal of Essential Oil Research, 26:1, 24-28, Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262894189_Volatile_constituents_of_essential_oils_isolated_from_Alpinia_galanga_Willd_L_and_A_officinarum_Hance_rhizomes_from_North_East_India

Rana, V. S., Verdeguer, M., & Blazquez, M. A. (2010). GC and GC/MS analysis of the volatile constituents of the oils of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd and A. officinarum Hance rhizomes. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 22(6), 521-524. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239525792_GC_and_GCMS_Analysis_of_the_Volatile_Constituents_of_the_Oils_of_Alpinia_galanga_L_Willd_and_A_officinarum_Hance_Rhizomes

Pooter, H. L. D., Omar, M. N., Coolsaet, B. A., & Schamp, N. M. (1985). The essential oil of greater galanga (Alpinia galanga) from Malaysia. Phytochemistry, 24(1), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)80814-6 Retrieved from: https://www.academia.edu/10534296/The_essential_oil_of_greater_galanga_Alpinia_galanga_from_Malaysia

​Galangal "Lesser Galanagal" (Alpinia officinarum)

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photo by: Shutterstock/ PHENPHAYOM
Major non-volatile compounds
Flavonoids and diarylheptanoids. More than 50 diarylheptanoids have been extracted from A. officinarum.
For more insight
Van, H. T., Thang, T. D., Luu, T. N., & Doan, V. D. (2021). An overview of the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils from Alpinia genus (Zingiberaceae). RSC advances, 11(60), 37767–37783. Retrieved from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9044187/

Studies
Ly, T. N., Yamauchi, R., & Kato, K. (2001). Volatile components of the essential oils in galanga (Alpinia officinarum Hance) from Vietnam. Food Science and Technology Research, 7(4), 303-306. Retrieved from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fstr/7/4/7_4_303/_pdf

Rana, V. S., Verdeguer, M., & Blazquez, M. A. (2010). GC and GC/MS analysis of the volatile constituents of the oils of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd and A. officinarum Hance rhizomes. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 22(6), 521-524. www.researchgate.net/publication/239525792_GC_and_GCMS_Analysis_of_the_Volatile_Constituents_of_the_Oils_of_Alpinia_galanga_L_Willd_and_A_officinarum_Hance_Rhizomes

Long, Q.; Li, Z.; Han, B.; Gholam Hosseini, H.; Zhou, H.; Wang, S.; Luo, D. Discrimination of Two Cultivars of Alpinia Officinarum Hance Using an Electronic Nose and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Chemometrics. Sensors 2019, 19, 572. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030572

P. Raina, S.K. Verma & Z. Abraham (2014) Volatile constituents of essential oils isolated from Alpinia galanga Willd. (L.) and A. officinarum Hance rhizomes from North East India, Journal of Essential Oil Research, 26:1, 24-28, Retrieved from: www.researchgate.net/publication/262894189_Volatile_constituents_of_essential_oils_isolated_from_Alpinia_galanga_Willd_L_and_A_officinarum_Hance_rhizomes_from_North_East_India

Myoga

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photo by: Shutterstock/ SUCHARUT CHOUNYOO
General aroma compounds
The pungent principle of myoga flower buds was identified as (E)-8β(17)-epoxylabd-12-ene-15,16-dial (miogadial) and 2-alkyl-3-methoxypyrazine. These however do not show upon the GCMS Results of many ofthe studies, though it may alsonot be tested for, or it may beinterpreted differently (Abe et al.2002) (Abe at al. 2004).
Studies
Abe, M., Ozawa, Y., Uda, Y., Yamada, Y., Morimitsu, Y., Nakamura, Y., & Osawa, T. (2002). Labdane-type diterpene dialdehyde, pungent principle of myoga, Zingiber mioga Roscoe. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 66(12), 2698-2700. Retrieved from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/66/12/66_12_2698/_pdf

Abe, M., Ozawa, Y., Uda, Y., Yamada, F., Morimitsu, Y., Nakamura, Y., & Osawa, T. (2004). Antimicrobial activities of diterpene dialdehydes, constituents from myoga (Zingiber mioga Roscoe), and their quantitative analysis. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 68(7), 1601-1604. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1271/bbb.68.1601

Lee, J. W., Chon, S. U., Han, S. K., Ryu, J., & Choi, D. G. (2007). Effects of Antioxidant and Flavor Compionents of Zingiber mioga Rosc. Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science, 15(3), 203-209. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sang-Uk-Chon/publication/264021188_Effects_of_Antioxidant_and_Flavor_Compionents_of_Zingiber_mioga_Rosc

Kurobayashi, Y., Sakakibara, H., Yanai, T., Yajima, I., & Hayashi, K. (1991). Volatile Flavor Compounds of Myoga (Zingiber Mioga). Agricultural and biological chemistry, 55(6), 1655-1657. Retrieved from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb1961/55/6/55_6_1655/_pdf

Turmeric

*The primary rhizome is known as “mother rhizome” or bulb. The branches of mother rhizomes are the secondary rhizomes. These are called lateral or “finger rhizomes” or daughter rhizomes.
For more insight
Ibáñez, M.D.; Blázquez, M.A. Curcuma longa L. Rhizome Essential Oil from Extraction to Its Agri-Food Applications. A Review. Plants 2021, 10, 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010044

Lawrence, B. M. (2016, February 29). Progress in Essential Oils: Turmeric Oil, Part 1. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from www.perfumerflavorist.com/flavor/ingredients/ article/21860830/progress-in-essential-oils-turmeric-oil-part-1

Lawrence, B. M. (2016, March 25). Progress in Essential Oils: Turmeric Oil, Part 2. Perfumer & Flavorist. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from www.perfumerflavorist.com/fragrance/ingredients/ article/21861274/progress-in-essential-oils-turmeric-oil-part-2
Studies
Duong L, Mentreddy SR, Satyal R, Satyal P, Setzer WN. Essential Oil Chemotypes of Four Vietnamese Curcuma Species Cultivated in North Alabama. Horticulturae. 2022; 8(5):360. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050360

​Dosoky, N.S.; Satyal, P.; Setzer, W.N. Variations in the Volatile Compositions of Curcuma Species. Foods 2019, 8, 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8020053