Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics

pentanal diethyl acetal in the absolute has
been attributed to formation during ethanol
back extraction of the concrete or added as
part of a coupage.b-terpineol and diethyl
phthalate occurrence in the absolute may re-
sult from addition of synthetic additives.^8
Due to the extraction methods used, genet
absolute (seeglossary), the more commonly
used form, should not contain any alkaloids.
However, genet extracts obtained by other
methods may contain alkaloids.

PHARMACOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL
ACTIVITIES

Sparteine has oxytocic properties (seebroom
tops).
A saponin-rich extract was reported to
reduce gastric secretion/acidity and gastric
lesions in rat models. This antiulcerogenic
effect was attributed to spartitrioside.^9
Flower extracts possess strongin vitroanti-
oxidant activity resembling that of superoxide
dismutase (SOD) with luteolin and azaleatin
glycosides possessing the highest activity.^5
Reversible antifirtility effect targeting the
acrosomal protease system of adult male rats
and rabbits has been reported.10,11

TOXICOLOGY

Available dermatological data indicate genet
absolute to be nonphototoxic to mice and
swine and nonirritating and nonsensitizing to
humans.^12

USES

Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetic.

Genet absolute is used as a fragrance ingredi-

ent in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and

perfumes, with maximum use level of 0.2%

reported in perfumes.^12

Food. Genet absolute and genet extract

(type not specified) are used as flavor compo-

nents in major categories of food products,

including alcoholic and nonalcoholic bev-

erages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked

goods, and gelatins and puddings. Reported

average maximum use levels are usually be-

low 0.001%.

Traditional Medicine. Reportedly, laxative,

slightly narcotic, diuretic. Stems have ap-

peared as an adulterant toCytisus scoparius

(STEINMETZ) (seebroom tops).

Others. Fiber formerly used for ropes, mat-

tress filler, pillows, paper making, rubberized

belts for mine conveyors; maintains strength

under high humidity; high-grade cellulose

extract from dry stems (CSIR X).

COMMERCIAL PREPARATIONS

Crude and extracts.

Regulatory Status. Has been approved for

food use (§172.510).

REFERENCES

See the General References forBAILEY2;CSIR X:FEMA;GUENTHER;HAY AND SYNGE;STEINMETZ;TUTIN2;
UPHOF.

1. A. D. Dauksha and E. K. Denisova,
   Nauch. Dokl. Vysshei Shkoly, Biol.
   Nauki, 3 , 178 (1966).


2. N. L. Gurvich and Z. I. Abasova,Maslo.
   Zhir. Promy., 33 , 27 (1967).


3. G. Faugergas et al., Plant. Med.
   Phytother., 7 , 68 (1973).
   4. A. R. Bilia et al.,Phytochemistry, 34 ,
   847 (1993).
   5. E. Yesilada et al.,J. Ethnopharmacol.,
   73 , 471 (2000).
   6. E. Yesilada and Y. A. Takahishi,
   Phytochemistry, 51 , 903 (1999).

Genet 315