Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus)

Presentation: Polypropylene bags of 50Kg each.
Quantity Available: 150MT/Year

Edible Parts: Leaves; Root; Seed; Seedpod.

Edible Uses: Condiment.

Young leaves and shoots - cooked in soups. Used as a vegetable. The leaves are also used to clarify sugar. Unripe seedpods - cooked as a vegetable in much the same way as okra. Seed - cooked. It is fried or roasted and has a flavour similar to sesame seeds. The seed is also used as a flavouring for liqueurs or to scent coffee. An essential oil is obtained from the plant and is used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, sweets and soft drinks. Root. No more details are given, though the root is likely to have a bland flavour and a fibrous texture.

Medicinal Uses

Antihalitosis; Antispasmodic; Aphrodisiac; Aromatherapy; Digestive; Nervine; Stomachic; Vulnerary.

An emulsion made from the seed is antispasmodic and is especially effective in the digestive system. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath. They are also said to be aphrodisiac. The seeds are valued medicinally for their diuretic, demulcent and stomachic properties. They are also said to be stimulant, antiseptic, cooling, tonic, carminative and aphrodisiac. A paste of the bark is applied to cuts, wounds and sprains. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It is also applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation and aching joints.

Other Uses

Essential; Fibre; Insecticide; Oil; Size.

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery as a musk substitute. However, it has been known to cause photosensitivity so this use has been largely discontinued. An oil obtained from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid. The oil is f high econmic value. Total yields of oil are not given. The seeds are used as an insecticide. Another report says that extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant show insecticidal activity. A fibre is obtained from the stem bark. It is used to make ropes. A mucilage obtained from the roots is used as a size for paper.

Ambrette Seeds Oils Composition:

References:

L. Cravo, F. Perineau, A. Gaset and J. M. Bessiere, Study of the chemical composition of the essential oil, oleoresin and its volatile product obtained from ambrette (Abelmoschas moschatus Moench) seeds. Flav. Fragr. J., 7, 65-67 (1992).

P&F 21, No. 4, 57, (1996) Allured Publishing Corporation, Carol Stream, IL.

#	%	Components
6	0.8	(E,E)-2,4-	decadien-1-al
5	0.4	(E,Z)-2,4-	decadien-1-al
4	0.6		decanol
3	0.1	2-	decanone
8	5.6		decyl acetate
13	0.2		decyl propionate
12	0.3		dodecanol
15	0.7		dodecen-1-yl acetate
16	4		dodecyl acetate
35	0.1		ethyl (E)-9-octadecenoate
26	0.1		ethyl hexadecanoate
33	0.2		ethyl linoleate
11	0.2	beta-	farnesene
17	0.3	(Z,E)-2,6-	farnesol
18	3.5	(E,E)-2,6-	farnesol
21	3.8	(Z,E)-2,6-	farnesyl acetate
22	59.1	(E,E)-2,6-	farnesyl acetate
23	1.1	(E,E)-2,6-	farnesyl propionate
27	0.3		farnesyl valerate
10	0.3		geranyl acetone
25	1.4		hexadecanoic acid
24	7.8	(Z)-7-	hexadecen-16-olid
2	0.2		hexyl propionate
30	0.5		linoleic acid
29	0.1		methyl (Z)-9-octadecenoate
28	0.3		methyl linoleate
14	0.4		nerolidol
31	0.9	(E)-9-	octadecanoic acid
32	1	(Z)-9-	octadecen-18-olide
34	0.1		octadecenoic acid
1	0.1		octanol
9	0.1		octyl 2-methyl butyrate
7	0.2		octyl butyrate
20	1.6		tetradecen-1-yl acetate
19	1.8	(Z)-5-	tetradecen-14-olide