Karo karoundé

Contains benzyl cyanide (4.8 percent).

Maximum dermal use level 0.2 percent, based on IFRA's 0.01 percent dermal limit for benzyl cyanide.

Benzyl cyanide is prohibited in fragranced products in the EU. IFRA permits it from essential oils provided finished-product level does not exceed 100 ppm (0.01 percent).

No irritation or sensitization at 1 percent test level. Non-phototoxic.

Although benzyl cyanide is moderately toxic (rat oral LD50 270 mg per kg), organic cyanides are much less toxic than inorganic cyanides like HCN.

Leptactina senegambica is a small shrub of Senegal and Gambia, West Africa, with distinctly aromatic flowers. The name 'karo karoundé' comes from Wolof.

The absolute is solvent-extracted from the flowers. Very limited availability.

Family Rubiaceae. Same family as coffee and gardenia.

Joulain & Laurent (1986) recorded approximately 230 constituents in karo karoundé absolute, one of the most complex essential oils.