Tonka Absolute
The tonka bean tree is big and grows more than 120 feet high. The wrinkled beans (the fruits) about 2½ " long, are black and have a very sweet and aromatic fragrance; they are used in perfumery. The fruits contain one single seed. The tonka bean contains coumarin which is used as an anti-coagulant.
It is used to flavor castor oil, for scenting tobacco and to disguise the odor of iodoform and as an imitation for vanilla products, but this is potential harmful due to the coumarin in the beans. The tonka bean is also called cumaru by the Amerindians in Suriname. The wood is used for heavy, durable construction such as shipbuilding and timber activities.
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| Botanical Name: | Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Synonyms: | Coumarouna odorata, tonquin bean, Dutch tonka bean |
| See Also: | |
| Parts Used: | Cured beans |
| Extraction Method: | Solvent extraction |
| Appearance: | Yellow to amber liquid |
| Aroma Description: | Rich, warm, sweet, heraceous, nutty |
| Perfume note: | |
| Consistancy: | Semi solid |
| Strength of Initial Aroma: | |
| Blends well with: | |
| Historical Uses: | The fat from the bean was used as an insecticide against moths in linen cupboards. |
| Modern Uses: | Used in pharmaceutical products as a masking agent, and in perfumes especially oriental types as a fragrance and fixative. |
| Cautions: | Oral and dermal toxin due to high coumarin levels. Do not use in large doses. Possible skin irritant. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not to be used on babies or small children. Photosensitive (avoid sun-exposure). |
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