Terpene dosage (methyleugenol, eugenol, menthofuran, pulegone, carvacrol, safrole, isosafrole, estragole (methylchalvicol), anethole, myristicin, thymol, carvone, coumarin, apiol)

Terpene analysis is an essential analytical tool for the characterization, quality control, regulatory compliance, and safety of products containing essential oils or aromatic extracts. Terpenes and related compounds, such as methyleugenol, eugenol, menthofuran, pulegone, carvacrol, thymol, anethole, and coumarin, are molecules naturally present in many aromatic plants but are subject to strict requirements due to their potential biological and toxicological properties.

This analysis allows for the precise quantification of a wide range of regulated or monitored terpenes and aromatic compounds, in order to ensure the compliance of nutraceutical products and ingredients of plant origin.

Principle of analysis

Terpenes are volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, mainly found in essential oils, plant extracts, and certain aromatic products. Their analysis relies on a suitable extraction of the matrix, followed by chromatographic separation to identify and quantify each target compound.

Gas chromatography is particularly well-suited to the analysis of terpenes due to their volatility and thermal stability. It allows for precise separation of compounds, even when they are present at low concentrations or in complex matrices.

Analytical methods used

Terpene quantification is carried out by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) or by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

GC-FID is used for the robust and reproducible quantification of terpenes when the compounds are well separated and known.
GC-MS is preferred when formal identification of molecules is required, particularly to confirm the presence of regulated compounds, verify the naturalness of an extract, or characterize complex profiles of essential oils.

The choice of technique is defined according to the analytical objectives, regulatory requirements and the complexity of the matrix being analyzed.

Compounds analyzed

This analysis allows in particular the measurement of the following terpenes and aromatic compounds: methyleugenol, eugenol, menthofuran, pulegone, carvacrol, safrole, isosafrole, estragole (methylchalvicol), anethole, myristicin, thymol, carvone, coumarin and apiol.

The list of compounds can be adapted according to the specific needs of the client, the matrices studied and the applicable regulatory constraints.

Measured parameters

The analysis makes it possible to determine the individual content of each targeted terpene, to establish a complete chromatographic profile, to compare different batches or suppliers, and to verify compliance with regulatory thresholds or internal specifications.

Analytical results are a key tool for industrial and regulatory decision-making.

Matrices involved

Terpene analysis is primarily applied to essential oils, aromatic extracts, plant extracts, plant-based nutraceutical ingredients, and certain botanical raw materials.
Each matrix undergoes specific preparation to minimize interference and ensure reliable and reproducible quantification of the terpenes present.

Industrial applications

This analysis is widely used in the nutraceutical sector and in plant supply chains for quality control of raw materials, verification of the naturalness of essential oils, qualification of suppliers and standardization of plant extracts.

It is also essential for verifying regulatory compliance, particularly for compounds subject to restrictions or maximum limits due to their potential health effects. Terpene analysis thus helps ensure the safety of products placed on the market and meets the requirements of authorities and customers.

This analysis is also used in investigative contexts, for example in cases of non-compliance, variation in aromatic profile or suspicion of adulteration.

Sectors concerned

This service is primarily aimed at players in the nutraceutical sector, producers and processors of plants, as well as manufacturers working with essential oils or aromatic ingredients of plant origin.

Regulatory issues and safety

Many terpenes and aromatic compounds are subject to enhanced regulatory monitoring due to their potential toxicological properties. Their precise quantification is essential to ensure product safety, comply with permitted levels, and secure technical and regulatory documentation.

Terpene analysis is therefore a strategic analytical tool for risk management, compliance and traceability.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

Terpene analysis can be complemented by other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue to further characterize the chemical composition, regulatory compliance and safety of plant-based products, essential oils or aromatic extracts.

• Targeted coumarin analysis is an essential analytical complement for plant and aromatic matrices, particularly when specific regulatory requirements apply to this molecule.
• GC-MS analysis of volatile compounds allows for precise identification and in-depth characterization of complex aromatic profiles, particularly in essential oils, extracts, and ingredients of plant origin.
• The measurement of phenols and aromatic compounds complements the analysis of terpenes, particularly for the evaluation of the quality, stability and functional properties of plant extracts.
• The analyses of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins proposed by YesWeLab finally make it possible to include the dosage of terpenes in a global approach to the characterization of plant actives, integrating both volatile and non-volatile compounds.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC. Each project is analyzed by our scientific team to guide samples toward the analytical method best suited to the client's objectives and the constraints of the matrices.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized analysis management, optimized sample tracking, and fast, secure access to analytical results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research firms have trusted YesWeLab for their physicochemical and nutritional analyses.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific terpene dosage needs, contact the YesWeLab team now.