Ultra International B.V.
Product: Buchu Leaf Oil
Agathosma betulina
Agathosma betulina flowering in summer
Buchu Leaf Oil South Africa Agathosma betulina
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Description
Buchu's original genus was Barosma, which was changed to Agathosma. Produced by steam distillation of its leaves, buchu is wild harvested from the Western Cape area of South Africa. The leaves have round oil glands and when fresh have a peppermint like odour. When in flower (May-August) the plant gives us bright purple and white star-shaped flowers.
Commonly known as 'Round Leaf Buchu' it has traditionally been used as a flavouring agent and a herbal remedy. It was also known as Barosma betulia, with the name originating from the word 'Barosma' (Greek) meaning “heavy smell”.
Although not common in aromatherapy the leaves have historically been used to make a tea to help combat the symptoms of digestive problems, gout, rheumatism, coughs and colds.
Buchu contains diosmin and hesperidin, suggesting it has anti-inflammatory properties, hypolipidemic (blood cholesterol lowering), and vasoprotective (blood vessel related problems like haemorrhoids and varicose veins) benefits.
As a flavouring agent Buchu has a strong odour, which is almost unbearable at 100%. However once diluted at 0.1% - 0.2% it gives a wonderful blackcurrant flavour and can also be found in some fragrances as a minty, sweet berry, apricot or peach middle note (when used with other ingredients).
The South African government set controls over harvesting to prevent it disappearing from nature. At one point more was being cultivated than could be naturally reproduced. More recently newer plantations have emerged giving buchu a more sustainable future.
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Product Details
- Botanical name: Agathosma betulina
- Origin: South Africa
- Crop Season: February - March, October - November
- Plant/part used: Leaf
- Method of extraction: Steam distillation
- TSCA CAS: 68650-46-4
- EINECS CAS: 283-474-3
- INCI Name: Barosma betulina leaf oil
- Appearance: Light yellow to brownish yellow semi-viscous liquid
- Organoleptic Properties: Tropical, minty, camphor, woody, fruity blackcurrent
- Density: 0.890 to 0.951
- Refractive index: 1.467 to 1.480
- Chemical constituents: Pulegone ≤ 10% Isomenthone ≤ 30% Diosphenol 6.5 - 15.5% ψ-Diosphenol 7.5 - 17.5% Limonene ≥ 20% Mercaptomenthone < 2.0% Menthone ≤ 15% Acetylthiomenthone ≤ 0.5%
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Latest Market Information April 30, 2024
Winter rainfall is essential for buchu. Weather forecasts predict a dry winter to begin with and rainfall is expected in the second half of winter. Currently, the hot and dry weather conditions have resulted in wildfires, which have affected the harvest. Production volumes for both varieties, Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulate, have reduced.
Market prices : USD 1107.00 /kilo -
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