Thujone dosage

Thujone is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone, naturally present in several aromatic plants such as mugwort (Artemisia absinthium), sage, and thuja. This compound, known for its neurotoxic effects at high doses, is strictly regulated by European regulations, particularly in foodstuffs, dietary supplements, and alcoholic beverages such as absinthe.

Why dose thujone?

Thujone dosage is essential for:

• Ensure regulatory compliance (EU Regulation No. 1334/2008 on food flavorings)
• Guarantee consumer safety, particularly for plant extracts used in nutraceuticals
• Validate product formulations containing essential oils rich in thujone
• Monitoring volatile residues in food contact materials

Analytical methods used

The analysis is carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). These techniques allow:

• Sensitive detection of alpha and beta isomers of thujone
• Precise quantification in complex matrices (alcohol, plants, oils)
• High specificity, essential for differentiating thujone from other monoterpenes

The analysis can be carried out according to recognized protocols or adapted to your specific regulatory needs.

Affected matrices

Thujone dosage applies to a wide range of industrial matrices:

• Essential oils (mugwort, sage, thuja, cedar)
• Medicinal plant extracts
• Alcoholic drinks (absinthe, vermouth, bitters)
• Herbal food supplements
• Food packaging or materials likely to migrate
• Natural cosmetics containing aromatic extracts

Regulations on thujone

The maximum thujone content is regulated in the EU according to the product category:

• Up to 35 mg/kg in spirit drinks containing Artemisia
• 10 mg/kg for drinks with sage
• 0.5 mg/kg in common foodstuffs

It is therefore crucial to validate each batch of ingredient or finished product, especially when exporting or using botanical blends.

Further analyses recommended

To ensure complete compliance and better characterization of your extracts, we recommend:

• Camphor dosage – close monoterpene
• Global Migration Analysis – for Packaging
• Coumarin dosage – if combined aromatic plants are present

YesWeLab expertise to meet your regulatory obligations

At YesWeLab, we select the most suitable partner laboratory for each request, taking into account:

• From your sector of activity
• From the matrix to analyze
• Of the required analytical method (GC-FID, GC-MS, ISO 17025 accreditation)

Our team supports you from the definition of the protocol to the final analysis, including in the contexts of:

• Launching new products
• Quality control and traceability
• Audit or request for external certification

Get your thujone analysis quote

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Fast turnaround – Secure results – Compliance assured.