June 2003
Tagette Oil
Tagetes glandulifer, Tagetes minuta, Tagetes patula L. and T. eracta L.
Nadim A. Shaath, Ph.D. and Mona Shaath
Alpha Research and Development Ltd
This composite family includes a diversity of plants having golden flowers.
In perfumery, after several attempts at diversification of origin, it appears
that only the Tagetes glandulifer is used. The major areas of production
are Egypt, Zimbabwe, South Africa and India.
Through hydrodistillation of the whole plant, excluding the root, an
essential oil light yellow to orange in color with varying yields (0.25% to
0.50%) is obtained. The period after the full flowering stage seems to
provide the best yields.
The extraction of hexane provides a greenish-brown concrete with a yield
of 0.3% to 0.7%. It has been reported that to get the full body of Tagette
Oil, a six-month to 12-month aging period (after distillation) is ideally
recommended. Like Patchouli Oil or a fine-Bordeaux wine, Tagette will
improve on aging and provide the aroma therapist a wonderful
ingredient.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Egyptian Tagette Oil
Part of Plant Used
Annual Production in Egypt
Yield per ton of Plants
Geographical area of production
Color
Specific Gravity (20C)
Refractive Index (20C)
Optical Rotation
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Whole Flowered Plant
600-1000 KG
1.0 kg essential oil
Upper and Lower Egypt
Gold Yellow
0.850-0.900
1.450-1.490
+5 to +9
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Tagette Oil
The steam distilled product of Tagette contains hundreds of volatile
components mostly monoterpenes, alcohols and esters. More
than fifty of these chemicals have been detected and identified using
dual capillary column Gas Chromatography in combination with Gas
Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry.
Table I: Chemical Identification of Egyptian Tagette Oil
Chemical Constituent
alpha-Pinene
Sabinene
Myrcene
Limonene
trans-beta-Ocimene
Dihydrotagetone
cis- Tagetone
trans- Tagetone
Terpinen-4-ol
cis- Ocimenone
trans- Ocimenone
Geraniol
Eugenol
beta-Patchoulene
beta-Caryophylene
alpha-Humulene
Germacrene-D
gamma- Elemene
Phenyl ethyl tiglate
Caryophyllene oxide
Gamma-Eudesmol
% Area
0.12
0.86
0.10
5.00
21.10
47.05
0.95
7.49
0.17
1.42
1.13
0.18
0.17
0.37
0.71
0.35
0.10
0.37
0.14
0.27
0.21
SUMMARY
Latin:
Tagetes Grandiflorum, tagetes minula
Description:
Tagette is an extremely powerful annual herb which grows
ten inches high and has daisy like orange flowers with soft
green oval leaves.
Extraction:
The essential oil is steam distilled, however an absolute is also
available.
Key uses:
Pharmaceutical, aroma and flavoring.
Indications:
For skin care (calluses, corns, fungal infections)
Safety Information:
Use in Moderation
Properties:
Anti-spasmodic, bactericidal and fungicidal
Main Chemical Constituents:
Dihydrotagetone, beta Ocimene and limonene