Overview
ISO 11019:1998 specifies quality characteristics and test methods for the oil of roots of lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch). First published in 1998, this international standard defines physical, organoleptic and chemical criteria to facilitate quality assessment, sampling, packaging and safe handling of lovage root essential oil. Informative annexes provide a typical gas‑chromatogram (Annex A) and guidance on the flash point (Annex B).
Key Topics and Requirements
The standard sets measurable specifications and references validated ISO test methods:
- Organoleptic and physical properties
- Appearance: liquid
- Colour: yellow to dark brown
- Odour: characteristic, spicy, aromatic (celery/angelica-like)
- Physical constants
- Relative density at 20 °C: min 1.010, max 1.090
- Refractive index at 20 °C: min 1.535, max 1.558
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: between −1° and +5°
- Chemical indices
- Acid value: min 2.0, max 16
- Ester value (index d’ester): min 170, max 260
- Miscibility
- Miscibility with 85% ethanol at 20 °C: no more than 1.5 volumes ethanol per 1 volume oil to yield a clear solution
- Flash point
- Informative average flash point reported: +62 °C (measured with SetaFlash in Annex B)
- Sampling and sample size
- Minimum sample volume for testing: 50 ml
The standard also includes an informative GC chromatogram (Annex A) identifying typical constituents such as α‑pinene, β‑pinene, limonene, phellandrene and ligustilide and gives example capillary GC operating conditions.
Applications and Users
ISO 11019:1998 is practical for professionals involved in:
- Quality control and analytical laboratories - to verify conformity of lovage root oil by density, refractive index, acid and ester indices, optical rotation and GC profile.
- Producers and processors - to set product specifications, acceptance criteria and batch release procedures.
- Flavor, fragrance and cosmetic formulators - to assess suitability and consistency of raw material.
- Traders, transporters and insurers - for safe handling, labelling and transport decisions (flash point guidance).
- Regulatory bodies and customs - for product classification and inspection.
Related Standards
ISO 11019 references multiple ISO methods for test procedures and handling:
Keywords: ISO 11019:1998, oil of roots of lovage, Levisticum officinale, essential oil specification, quality control, GC profile, flash point, density, refractive index.
