Caraway

Oxidation products of (+)-limonene may sensitize skin.

Store in dark, sealed, refrigerated container. Add an antioxidant to formulations.

Low-level phototoxic effects reported, not considered significant.

Caraway oil requires no specific restriction for (+)-carvone as the dermal threshold for (+)-carvone is 23 percent for toxicity.

GRAS status. Caraway capsules are used in gastrointestinal treatment, often paired with peppermint oil.

Carum carvi is a biennial herb of northern Europe and western Asia. The small, slightly curved seeds carry a distinctive flavor.

The oil is steam-distilled from the seeds. Family Apiaceae, same family as anise, fennel, dill, a botanical family rich in apiol and carvone.

Caraway seeds are a common spice in German, Austrian, Hungarian and Scandinavian cuisines.

May be adulterated with synthetic carvone and limonene.

Caraway oil significantly inhibited DMBA-induced and croton oil-induced skin tumors in mice. (+)-Carvone is not a rodent carcinogen, and both carvone and (+)-limonene display anticarcinogenic activity.