Carvacrol (phenylpropane) dosage

Carvacrol analysis is carried out mainly by gas chromatography, via GC-FID or GC-MS depending on the level of precision expected.

• FID detection (GC-FID) is used for reliable and rapid quantification.
• Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) makes it possible to identify carvacrol in complex matrices, even at low concentrations, and to differentiate it from close isomeric compounds such as thymol.

Depending on the type of product, a preparatory extraction may be necessary: ​​hydrodistillation, liquid-liquid extraction, or SPME microextraction. The method is adapted to the matrix to avoid loss or degradation of the compound.

Carvacrol analysis is often included in comprehensive volatile compound analyses. As such, manufacturers frequently combine this analysis with the analysis of volatile compounds (terpenes, phenols, aldehydes) already available in the YesWeLab catalog.

Matrices analyzed and applications

Carvacrol dosage has a wide range of applications:

• pure or blended essential oils
• supercritical CO2 extracts
• aromatic hydrosols
• herbal food supplements
• fortified or flavored foods
• nutraceutical or phytogenic formulations for animal nutrition
• biocontrol products or natural biocides
• perfumed cosmetic formulations

In oregano or thyme extracts, carvacrol can represent a significant proportion of volatile compounds. Accurate measurement of its concentration allows for verification of the authenticity, purity, and conformity of the ingredients.

Usefulness of dosing for manufacturers

Carvacrol is a key biomarker:

• to verify the botanical identity of an essential oil, particularly oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• to detect dilutions, substitutions or adulterations
• to ensure batch-to-batch standardization
• to secure formulations for nutraceutical or aromatic use
• to meet regulatory requirements for flavorings, food supplements or technical products
• to evaluate the evolution of the product during stability studies

Industry players often combine this measurement with other analyses such as:

• the measurement of volatile organic compounds
• the determination of the overall chemical composition
• analysis of the polyphenolic profile
• The measurement of TAS (Total Antioxidant Status) to correlate antioxidant activity
• conductivity or pH to characterize certain liquid matrices

Analytical supplements for a complete characterization

To obtain a comprehensive aromatic profile, it is useful to combine carvacrol measurement with analyses such as:

• Multi-component GC-MS for essential oils
• analysis of major terpenes (thymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene)
• search for potential contaminants or residues
• measurement of semi-volatile compounds in the case of complex formulations
• dosage of polyphenols or flavonoids in aromatic supplements

These analyses make it possible to understand the overall chemical balance and to optimize aromatic or nutraceutical formulations.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab selects the most suitable laboratories for you based on your matrices, technical requirements, and industry. Our partners specialize in chromatography and are accredited according to ISO 17025 or COFRAC standards. We guarantee the most reliable method, comprehensive technical support, and transparent monitoring throughout the entire analytical process.

Our platform provides manufacturers with a centralized service for managing their analyses, receiving results, planning tests, and overseeing their quality projects. Over 200 companies entrust us with their samples each year for complex or strategic analyses.