Ocimum Basilicum Herb Extract
Basil herb and basil oil have GRAS status in the U.S. They contain estragole, which has shown hepatocellular tumors in mice at high doses; regulatory agencies apply the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC).
What it is
Extract from the leaves/herb of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum).
Flavoring; herbal aromatic.
Why it's flagged
- estragole content (genotoxic at high doses in animal studies)
What regulators actually say
"Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) — generally recognized as safe natural flavoring substance."
"FEMA GRAS assessment of derivatives of basil ... and related allylalkoxybenzene-containing natural flavor complexes applies the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept where estragole has structural alerts for genotoxicity."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as natural flavor (21 CFR 182.10/182.20)
European Union — EFSA
Permitted natural flavoring; estragole monitored
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