Safrole-rich essential oil from piper hispidinervum with up to 97% safrole concentration
High-yield essential oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of Piper hispidinervum containing up to 97% safrole, serving as a renewable raw material for synthesizing heliotropin (fragrance compound) and piperonyl butoxide (insecticide synergist).
Overview
This solution offers a safrole-rich essential oil derived from the leaves and twigs of Piper hispidinervum C.D.C. (Piperaceae), a plant species developed and cultivated through agricultural research. The oil delivers safrole concentrations of up to 97%, with an average oil yield of 3 to 4%. Safrole serves as a key raw material for synthesizing two commercially valuable compounds: heliotropin, a fragrance component used in the flavor and perfumery industry, and piperonyl butoxide, a widely used synergist in insecticide formulations. By providing a plant-based source of safrole, this technology offers an alternative supply route for fragrance and agrochemical manufacturers.
Technical specifications
- Source material: Leaves and twigs of Piper hispidinervum C.D.C. (Piperaceae)
- Safrole concentration: Up to 97% in the extracted oil
- Oil yield: Average of 3 to 4%
- Extraction target: Safrole as primary bioactive compound for downstream synthesis
- Primary derivatives enabled:
- Heliotropin for fragrance and flavor applications
- Piperonyl butoxide for use as an insecticide synergist
- Agricultural basis: Developed through applied research supporting cultivation, extraction, and processing at scale
Technology readiness level
The technology is backed by established agricultural research and field development at a national scale, with demonstrated plant cultivation and extraction methods. The oil composition and yield profiles have been characterized, supporting its readiness for industrial sourcing and downstream chemical synthesis partnerships.
About EMBRAPA
Embrapa is Brazil’s national agricultural research enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture, combining basic and applied R&D with large-scale field operations across dozens of research centers and experimental farms nationwide. Industry engages through regional hubs that co-locate laboratories with test plots and demonstration farms, enabling joint trials, cultivar evaluation, and validation in production environments. Dedicated technology transfer units structure licensing, germplasm access, and sponsored research, while extension interfaces translate results to producers through training and digital advisory tools. Research is supported by Brazilian federal appropriations, complemented by competitive funding from national science and innovation agencies and international partners.
delivered to your inbox.