Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is an essential oil obtained from the twigs of the Pinus mugo tree, a member of the Pinaceae family. This oil is valued for its medicinal and beneficial properties, making it popular in various applications, particularly in the fields of aromatherapy, cosmetics, and personal care.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The chemical composition of Pinus Mugo Twig Oil includes a variety of bioactive compounds such as terpenes (including alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and limonene), sesquiterpenes, and other volatile organic compounds. These compounds vary in structure: terpenes possess a wide range of carbon skeletons, often with complex ring structures and functional groups.
Physical Properties
Pinus Mugo Twig Oil typically appears as a clear, pale yellow to amber liquid with a characteristic fresh, woody, and pine-like scent. It has a slightly bitter taste due to the presence of terpenes. The oil is highly volatile and insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and carrier oils.
Production Process
The production of Pinus Mugo Twig Oil involves several steps:
Harvesting: the twigs of the Pinus mugo tree are harvested
Cleaning: the harvested plant material is cleaned to remove any dirt and contaminants
Steam Distillation: the cleaned plant material is subjected to steam distillation, a process that uses steam to vaporize the volatile compounds, which are then condensed back into liquid form to obtain the essential oil
Separation: the essential oil is separated from the water and collected
Filtration and Purification: the oil is filtered to remove any remaining impurities
Packaging: the final oil is packaged under controlled conditions to ensure its stability and purity.
Applications
Medicine: Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as respiratory infections, muscle pain, and joint inflammation
Aromatherapy: in aromatherapy, Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is valued for its invigorating and purifying scent. It is commonly used in diffusers, massage oils, and bath products to promote respiratory health and mental clarity
Cosmetics: in the cosmetics industry, Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is appreciated for its antiseptic and astringent properties. It is commonly included in formulations of soaps, shampoos, lotions, and creams
Household Products: beyond medical and cosmetic applications, Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is also used in household products such as cleaning agents and air fresheners for its refreshing scent and disinfectant properties
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Environmental Impact: the production of Pinus Mugo Twig Oil generally has a low environmental impact, especially when sustainable harvesting practices are employed. Steam distillation is an environmentally friendly extraction method that minimizes the release of harmful chemicals
Safety: Pinus Mugo Twig Oil is considered safe for topical use in the concentrations typically employed in consumer products. However, it is essential to dilute the oil properly before use to avoid skin irritation. It should not be ingested without proper medical supervision. Allergic reactions are rare but cannot be excluded.
Cosmetic Safety
Restricted cosmetic ingredient as III/109 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Pinus mugo leaf and twig oil and extract. The presence of the substance or substances shall be indicated as ‘Pinus Mugo’ in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when the concentration of the substance or substances exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products. The peroxide value shall be less than 10 mmoles/L (This limit applies to the substance and not to the finished cosmetic product).
INCI
Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:
CAS: 90082-72-7 EC number 290-163-6
