Buchu Oil
Part of our Oils range, manufactured and exported by Arizone International LLP.
Buchu Oil is a rare and powerful essential oil steam distilled from the leaves of buchu, a small shrub native to the mountains of the Western Cape in South Africa. It has a strong, minty, fruity and distinctly blackcurrant-like aroma and is used in tiny amounts in fine perfumery and in blackcurrant and fruit flavours.
Arizone International sources Buchu Oil for perfumers, flavour houses and speciality fragrance and cosmetic brands.
About Buchu
Two main species are used. Round-leaf buchu (Agathosma betulina) is the more prized, while oval-leaf buchu (Agathosma crenulata) is also traded. Both are part of the fynbos, the unique shrubland of the Cape. Buchu has a long history among the Khoi and San peoples, who used the leaves in traditional remedies. In the 1800s, buchu leaves were exported to Europe and were a popular traditional herbal ingredient.
Because wild buchu was overharvested, it is now protected in South Africa, and most buchu oil comes from cultivated plants grown under permit. Supply is limited, which keeps the oil relatively costly.
Aroma and Composition
- DiosphenolA key component in round-leaf buchu, contributing a minty, camphor-like note.
- 8-Mercapto-p-menthan-3-oneA sulphur compound present in trace amounts that gives buchu its famous blackcurrant or cassis note. It is extremely powerful even at very low levels.
- Pulegone and MenthoneFound in higher amounts in oval-leaf buchu.
The overall scent is intense, fruity, minty and herbaceous. Even a small amount can dominate a blend.
Applications
- Blackcurrant (cassis) and fruit flavours for beverages and confectionery
- Fine perfumery, adding a fruity, green cassis nuance
- Chypre and fruity-green fragrance accords
- Speciality natural perfumes
Safety and Dilution
Buchu oil should only be used in very small amounts and always diluted. Oil from oval-leaf buchu (A. crenulata) can contain high levels of pulegone, which is toxic to the liver in larger doses and is restricted in flavours and fragrances. Buchu oil is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it must not be taken internally except within approved flavour limits. Use within IFRA standards and local regulations. Keep out of reach of children.
Sustainability and Compliance
Buchu is protected in South Africa, and its export is controlled. Legitimate buchu oil should come from cultivated plants with the correct permits. We work only with traceable, compliant sources and can share origin details with buyers.
Quality Parameters
- Species identity (A. betulina or A. crenulata)
- Gas chromatography profile, including diosphenol and pulegone
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation
- Aroma evaluation against reference samples
- Origin and permit documentation
Packaging and Storage
Supplied in small aluminium or amber glass bottles. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Buyers and Formulators
Buchu is extremely potent, so pre-dilute it to 1% or 10% before use to make weighing accurate. Confirm the species on the GC report, as oval-leaf buchu contains more pulegone, which is restricted in flavours and fragrances.
Why Choose Arizone International?
We are an India-based supplier and exporter of essential oils and perfumery materials, located in Daman near Gujarat. We help buyers source speciality oils like Buchu with COA, GC reports and export documentation.
Share your quantity and destination to receive a quotation for Buchu Oil.
Specifications
- Category
- Oils
- Physical Form
- Liquid – steam-distilled essential oil
- Grade Options
- Food flavour / Cosmetic / Fragrance grade
- Packaging
- Aluminium bottles (1–5 kg), HDPE cans (5–25 kg) and lacquered steel drums (up to 180 kg); samples in amber glass
- Country of Origin
- South Africa
- Shelf Life
- 24 months in original sealed packing
- Storage Conditions
- Tightly closed, full containers in a cool (below 25°C), dark place away from heat and flames
Applications
- Blackcurrant (cassis) and fruit flavours for beverages and confectionery
- Fine perfumery, adding a fruity, green cassis nuance
- Chypre and fruity-green fragrance accords
- Speciality natural perfumes
Compliance
Buchu contains a trace sulphur compound, 8-mercapto-p-menthan-3-one, which has a very strong cassis note even at tiny levels.
Buchu grows in the mountains of the Western Cape in South Africa. Most oil today comes from cultivated plants grown under permit.
Yes. Wild buchu is protected in South Africa, and its harvest and export are controlled, so buyers should always ask for origin and permit details.
Yes. Each batch of Buchu Oil can be supplied with a GC-MS report along with the COA, so you can check its main components.
Yes. We can send a sample of Buchu Oil for testing so you can approve the aroma and quality before placing a bulk order.
We export Buchu Oil from India to buyers in the USA, the UK, the EU, the Middle East, Australia and 40+ other countries. Orders ship by sea or air on EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms, with a certificate of analysis and a certificate of origin.
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