ABSTRACT
Cananga oil is produced commercially mainly in Indonesia and to a much lesser extent in Vietnam. It is used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, as flavors in foods and beverages such as ice cream, candy, puddings, baked goods and chewing gum, in pharmaceuticals and in aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, the essential oil is considered useful for the treatment of depression, breathing problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, and as an aphrodisiac. Cananga oil is a clear mobile liquid with a faint yellow to darker yellow color, which has a floral and woody, slightly aromatic odor. Commercial cananga oils are obtained by hydro- or steam-distillation of fresh flowers. Contact allergy to/allergic contact dermatitis from cananga oil has been reported in over 25 publications. An aromatherapist/massage therapist developed occupational contact dermatitis from contact allergy to multiple essential oils; she reacted to both cananga oil and ylang-ylang oil in the fragrance series, which reactions were considered to be relevant.
