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Wintergreen
Common name: Wintergreen
Vernacular name: Machhino, Dhasingre
Botanical name: Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall.
Family: Ericaceae.
Description
A robust shrub approximately 2-3m high. Leaves stalked, 3-13.5cm x 1.5-5cm, oblong-lanceolate, serrate, coriaceous, bright green. Flowers white, scented. Fruits deep purplish-blue when ripe.
Flowering period: March-July.
Fruiting period: September-November.
Parts used: Leaves.
Distribution: It is a native of Himalaya and is distributed in central and eastern regions of the country ranging between 1100-2800m. Himalaya (Nepal to Arunachal Pradesh), NE India, Bhutan, N. Myanmar, Sri Lanka.
Propagation: The Plant is propagated from seeds.
Method of extraction of Wintergreen Oil: Wintergreen oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves of Gaultheria frangatissima Wall.
| Specification of Wintergreen |
| 1. Organoleptic Properties |
| Appearance |
Fluid liquid. |
| Color |
Amber or pinkish |
| Aroma |
Aromatic with a sweet odor, creamy-fruity top note. |
| 2. Physico-chemical Properties |
| Specific gravity |
1.1735 to 1.1855 at 25°C. |
| Optical rotation |
[-] 0.3º to [-] 10.5º at 25º C |
| Refractive index |
1.537 to 1.5405 at 25°C. |
| Acid number |
10 to 25 |
| Ester number |
335 to 365 |
| Ester number after acetylation |
88.8 to 98% (calculated as Methyl Salicylate) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in 2.0 to 3.5 volumes of 80% alcohol. |
3. Chemical constituent
Methyl salicylate, gaultherline |
4. Uses:
- As a flavoring agent in confectionery industry and in soft drinks.
- In perfumery industry.
- In aromatherapy: Antiseptic,abti-rheumatic.
- As a flavoring agent in the confectionery industry and in the manufacture of soft drinks; it is also used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry.
- Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Antiseptic, a diuretic, stimulant, emenagogue and anti- rheumatic. It is very useful in many rheumatic conditions, for gout and stiffness due to old age. It also revitalizes and gives energy following muscular pains, particularly good for athletes for instance.
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