The Laurus nobilis, also known as laurel and more commonly known as the bay leaf, is widely cultivated in the subtropical zones of the world. Leaves are used as a raw material for the production of essential oils. The leaves are also used as a flavoring food additive. Quite often, instead of noble bay leaves, camphor bay leaves appear, and in some cases cherry bay leaves. This raw material has not only completely different taste and aroma properties, but also a chemical composition that does not allow us to consider them as analogues for use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Concentrated 100% CO2 extract of bay leaves is an easily flowing oily liquid with a pungent, characteristic odor, reddish-brown color and pungent taste. CO2 extract is completely soluble in oils but does not mix with water. Based on the CO2 extract of laurel, it is possible to obtain a microemulsion that retains all the biological and organoleptic properties of the extract, but when mixed with water or water-alcohol solutions, forms optically transparent pseudo-solutions. The biological activity of laurel CO2 extract and the possibility of its use in food production is determined by its chemical composition, which includes a wide range of terpenoids, phytosterol, lauric and palmitic acids.
Laurel is not listed as a medicinal product in the current state pharmacopoeia, although its medicinal purpose was indicated in the pre-revolutionary Russian Pharmacopoeia and the First Soviet Pharmacopoeia. Infusions and extracts of laurel were recommended for the treatment of paralysis, psoriasis, arthritis and rheumatism, diabetes, bed sores, cramps, abscesses. Laurel is contraindicated in case of a tendency to bleeding, pregnancy, liver disease.
Bay laurel CO2 extract can be widely used in various food industries. At the same time, unlike the use of the leaves of this plant, alkaloids that give dishes a bitter aftertaste do not get into the finished products with CO2 extract. Bay laurel is an almost obligatory spicy additive in the preparation of marinades and various preserves. It is of particular importance in the processing of fish, as it completely masks the often unpleasant smell of fish and gives canned fish a spicy taste and aroma. Microemulsions based on CO2 extract allow you to create original flavored drinks.
Chart 1. Main components of CO2 extract of bay laurel
| NAME | CONTENT IN% OF THE AMOUNT OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| Eugenol1,8-cineol | 23,6 | Antiseptic, expectorant. |
| α-terpenyl acetate | 12,4 | Easily penetrate the epidermis and irritate the nerve endings, causing intense blood flow. Causes expectorant and expectorant effects. |
| β-α- and β-pinenes | 2,6 | Easily penetrate the epidermis and irritate the nerve endings, resulting in intense blood flow. Causes expectorant and expectorant effects. |
| Sabinen | 2,6 | Stimulates the respiratory center, stimulates heart activity, has a warming effect, accelerates metabolic processes. Soothes, has an antipruritic effect on irritated skin. |
| Linalool | 2,2 | Anticonvulsant, bactericidal, antispasmodic. |
| Terpenin-4-ol | 1,8 | Expectorant, bactericidal, antiallergenic, antiasthmatic. |
| γ-terpinene | 1,6 | |
| Methyleugenol | 1,5 | Used in perfumery compositions as a fragrance for tobacco, in the Dentistry – “Clove Oil”. Analgesic, biocide. |
| β-karyofallen | 1,5 | Used in perfumery compositions, fragrances for soaps and cosmetics. |
| Tocopherol | 0,9 | Vitamin E. |
| Linoleic acid | 0,4 | Essential polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, necessary for the function of cell membranes. |
| Linoleic acid | 0,7 | An unsaturated, essential fatty acid from the class of omega-3 fatty acids. It has a membrane-protecting, angioprotective effect. Immunomodulating, improves brain metabolism. |
More than 90 compounds with biological activity have been identified in CO2 extract of laurel.
In cosmetology, laurel CO2 extract is evaluated as:
- a dietary supplement that improves the condition of the scalp and fights dandruff
- a skin strengthening component
- an anti-acne supplement
- a remedy for excessive sweating of the Legs
- Remedies against excessive skin pigmentation and acne
- Anti-inflammatory for irritated skin.
- Recommended for use in cosmetic emulsion products for the care of oily skin.
Bay laurel CO2 extract can be used in a concentrated form, in the form of oil solutions, as well as in the form of microemulsions that form optically transparent pseudo-solutions in water and water-alcohol solutions.
Little known fact: CO2 extracts from laurel (and microemulsions) are an excellent ingredient for the confectionery industry and for sweetened soft drinks. Few know about this because the bay leaves themselves are never used as such – they are too bitter and that quality is carried over to the extract by default. However, the CO2 extract does not contain any bitter substances, since the water-soluble compounds responsible for its appearance do not migrate into it. The taste of CO2 extract is sweet-spicy, which goes well with any sweet base. Bay laurel CO2 extracts are an excellent ingredient for almost all confectionery products, especially marshmallows and meringues. Also CO2 extracts from laurel in combination with other ingredients are an excellent ingredient for ice cream. Developments are available on these topics, if you are interested, please contact us.
And of course, a CO2 extract microemulsion from laurel is an excellent ingredient for sweet soft drinks. Characteristically, the flavor of laurel is so modified based on soda pop that even highly experienced technologists and developers can rarely identify it as a laurel flavor. Not to mention ordinary consumers, for whom laurel is strongly associated with borscht and stew. Suffice it to say that the flavor of the most popular soft drink in Russian history, Baikal, is largely determined by bay laurel extract. However, there are barely a few hundred people across the country who know about it. And this is another hint on how to use bay leaf CO2 extract microemulsion in lemonade recipes – to give them a flavor note that evokes associations with Baikal (which haven’t harmed any drink in terms of marketing and sales).
Laurel is also a component of the popular spice mixtures Hop-Suneli, Adjika and Bouquet Garni, all three of which are available in our range in the form of extract mixtures.
Chart 2. Application rates, recommendations for use and storage of bay leaf CO2 extract
| Food usage rates | Item A100: 0.003% (30 g per ton) Water-soluble microemulsions EMA1: 0.2% (2 l per 1000 l or 2 ml per liter) |
| Application rates in cosmetics | Item А10: 1-3% Item А100: 0.1-0.3% |
| Recommendations for use | It is recommended to add CO2 extracts in the final stages of preparation, in the cooling phase of the end product. |
| Storage Instructions | It is recommended to store CO2 extracts in a closed container in a cool room and avoid direct sunlight. |
Historical reference
In ancient times, the noble laurel was not least a symbol of eternal life. The reason for giving such an honorary status was that in nature the noble laurel bushes live an average of 300-400 years. In addition to immortality, laurel also symbolized triumph, victory and success. Due to its antiseptic properties, it was used to fumigate rooms and was also considered a means of preventing disease. In Russia, laurel has long been known and used, but until the 18th century it was called something else – “Daphne”, this name is associated with Greek mythology. In the domestic food industry, laurel and its extracts are used almost everywhere, but only one drink was created with its participation, this is the legendary Soviet “Baikal”.