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 August 1, 2024
Buchu Betulina is native to the mountainous regions of South Africa. It is a flowering plant, the leaves of which are dried and steam distilled to obtain a dark yellow and minty oil. Its leaves are also used in making medicine. Buchu can be applied to the skin to cure skin infections and works as an insect repellent. It is also used in fragrances and as a flavouring agent in foods. At present, the El Nino Southern Oscillation is still in El Nino State. Though it is weakening, it is expected to decline into a neutral state by mid- or end-of-winter. During winter, the south-western Cape of South Africa generally receives significant rainfall. But the El Nino phenomenon has led to a dry winter thus far. As per forecasts, the next three months are also expected to receive below-normal rainfall. Buchu requires winter rainfall to flourish. Thus, production volumes are expected to be lower for the upcoming harvest.
Market prices : USD 680.00 /kilo -
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