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Ravensara

Ravensara aromatica

Ravensara essential oil

Ravensara is constantly confused with ravintsara, and they have nothing in common chemically. Ravensara bark oil is almost entirely estragole, the same compound that dominates tarragon. Estragole damages DNA in rodent studies and is treated as a genotoxic carcinogen, so this oil warrants the same caution.[3] Leaf oils vary and may lead on methyl eugenol, sabinene or terpinene instead. Early Malagasy work found the oil active against bacteria and Candida, and the first chemical study of the species dates to 1970.[1][2]

Also Known As
Ravensara Bark, Havozo Bark, Madagascar Spice Tree
Family
Spice
Perfumery Note
Top
Intensity
Strong
Extraction
Steam Distillation
Plant Parts
Bark, Leaves
Origins
Madagascar
Effect
Respiratory Support, Energy & Uplifting
Aroma
Spicy, Anise-like, Warm, Sweet
Applications
Diffusing & Inhalation, Massage & Body, Perfumery & Fragrance Making
Price
$$$$Sourced exclusively from Madagascar with moderate market demand; the endemic origin and limited growing range place it above common spice oils but it remains accessible for a specialty oil.

References

  1. [1]Study of the antimicrobial action of various essential oils extracted from Malagasy plants. II: Lauraceae -- Raharivelomanana PJ, Terrom GP, Bianchini JP, Coulanges P. Archives de l'Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, 1989
  2. [2]Contents of Ravensara aromatica, a Lauraceae growing in Madagascar -- Groebel A, Lenoir D, Pernet R. Planta Medica, 1970
  3. [3]Estragole: DNA adduct formation in primary rat hepatocytes and genotoxic potential in HepG2-CYP1A2 cells - Schulte-Hubbert R et al. Toxicology, 2020