Castoreum: beaver scent secretion used in perfumery, flavoring, and trapping

24 of the numerous aromatic compounds contained in castoreum have now been identified as having a pheromone-like effect. Most strongly involved in this effect are the following four substances, two phenols and ketones each:

• 4-ethylphenol
• Brenzcatechin
• Acetophenone (acetylbenzene)
• 3-hydroxyacetophenone

In addition, five other ingredients were identified, which account for a smaller proportion of the effect:

• 4-methylcatechol
• 4-methoxyacetophenone
• 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid
• 3-hydroxybenzoic acid
• Salicylaldehyde

Medicine

In medicine castoreum (or the oleum castoreum or castoreum oil produced from it or the castoreum latwerge diacastoreum and preparations from it) was used until the 19th century against gout as well as against convulsions, hysterical fits, nervousness and much more. Already in Greek-Roman antiquity, the substance, classified in humoral pathology as "hot and dry", was used against "cold and damp" diseases, including epileptic or epilepsy-like convulsions and against paralysis associated with speech disorders (as they occur in TIA and stroke). Its use as an aphrodisiac is based on the same humoral-pathological principle as its use as a remedy for paralysis. Castoreum was in great demand as a medicine and can be traced back to the 8th century in the German-speaking world. An actual medicinal effect is brought about by the salicylic acid it contains (ingredient of willow bark; the beaver's favourite food,→ acetylsalicylic acid). Today, castoreum has an economic significance only in homeopathy.

Castoreum was also used as a remedy against poisoning and was also a component of Theriak.

In the later Middle Ages in Western Europe, castoreum was mainly obtained from Asia Minor or Siberian beavers, because the stocks in Western Europe were already very low or even non-existent. It is available as Castoreum canadense (Canadian or American castoreum) and as the stronger smelling Castoreum sibiricum (Siberian or Russian castoreum) in pharmacies as tincture and powder.

Food

In the USA, castoreum is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a food additive and classified as harmless. There is a labelling obligation in the USA only as "natural flavouring", predominantly as vanilla, raspberry and strawberry flavouring.

Its use as a food additive is controversial, as beaver hunting in North America is said to have a detrimental effect on the beaver population (in Europe, beavers are protected under Annex II and IV of the Habitats Directive). Due to the only vague labelling obligation, it is not possible for vegans and vegetarians in the USA to clearly identify products containing castoreum.

In Sweden, castoreum is used to flavour "Bäverhojt", a traditional schnapps drink.

Perfumery

In perfumery, castoreum, which is said to have an aphrodisiac (eroticizing) effect, is a component of some perfumes. Similar substances are synthetically produced today and used in cosmetics. Here it serves as a fixative, i.e. as an ingredient that increases the binding and adhesive strength of the volatile odorants in the perfume composition. In concentrated form it smells unpleasant to repulsive, only in strong dilution it unfolds the fragrance notes appreciated by perfumers.