 |
Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation |
|| Home || Search || Contact || Publications Eshop || Privacy Statement ||
Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
Summary of full report
by Prof. R.C. Menary Dr. V.A. Dragar Ms Sonya Thomas and Dr. C.D. Read
January 2003
RIRDC Publication No 02/148 RIRDC Project No UT 19A
The solvent extract of Tasmannia lanceolata (Mountain Pepper), is a dark, lime green product, which has a distinctive and exotic aroma. It possesses fresh, spicy top notes overlying a sharp peppery background. The pungent principle is polygodial, which is the main constituent of the extract.
Currently, throughout the marketplace, there is a great deal of interest in Mountain Pepper extract, due to its unique character and ‘natural’ status. The greatest impediment to its sale has been the fact that it is not registered with an authorised regulatory body. In the United States, such a body is the Fragrance and Extract Manufacturers’ Association (FEMA), which maintains a list of substances that are generally recommended as safe (GRAS). This project focussed on determining the information necessary in order to gain registration on the GRAS list.
A study of the amount of variability in the natural population was undertaken. This provides valuable information on aspects of genetic variation and availability of suitable genetic material for propagation and eventual establishment of clonal plantations. It showed that within a given population, there is the potential for some 65% of trees to have a safrole level of less than 0.0002%. This is important, since there have been restriction placed on the amount of permissible safrole in foodstuffs. The study also demonstrated that there is a large amount of variation within a population, and so, there is scope for selection of particular desirable traits, should plant breeding be attempted.
Environmental degradation of the extract was investigated. Degradation was rapid in soil cultures compared to pure cultures, where relatively little decrease was seen after four weeks. In a soil medium, components of the extract were undetectable in that time. The incorporation of a surfactant into the soil system allowed for even dispersion of the viscous oil through the soil, and enhancing its degradation.
A product sheet has been developed by Essential Oils of Tasmania, in conjunction with the University. This, together with the material safety data sheet, are now available to users of the extract. The extract has a Chemical Abstract Service number: CAS No. 183815-52-3.
A clone library has been established and maintained, which houses 63 of the most distinctive and high yielding of the selections. A further fourteen types are also being maintained as alternative choices.
A pre-submission review was conducted by FEMA. The comments made have been noted and acted upon, where possible. It may be possible to submit the extract as a ‘natural’ to the expert panel. Previously, this has not been possible, since the GRAS list was only for pure substances.
In order to be successful with such a submission, the panel would require the data we have accumulated on composition, as well as the information presented in this report on variation in the source population. Toxicological studies are also required, and negotiations are still in progress between flavour companies which may be interested in funding a registration bid, and toxicology laboratories which would be able to conduct the necessary tests. To that end, a meeting was held with ICP Firefly, which is a NATA approved toxicology and efficacy laboratory based in Sydney. Another company, Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd., in the United States, have also expressed keen interest in progressing with the registration of T. lanceolata extract. However, no further progress has been made to date.
The registration situation in Europe has been evaluated, with the conclusion that a FEMA GRAS status would enable straightforward registration elsewhere.
Japan is the only country, so far, where the extract is being used commercially. It has been included in such products as chewing gum, candy and wasabi paste. A United States patent has been issued, detailing the use of polygodial and polygodial containing extracts as a flavour enhancer in a variety of products.
Other marketing feedback from Europe has also been very positive, with potential users being familiar with, and eager to use our product, provided that registration is achieved.
|
