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Garlic Oil: Material, Structure, Property, and Global Trading Information

What is Garlic Oil?

Garlic oil draws from the bulbs of Allium sativum using steam distillation, a process that preserves both aroma and chemical integrity. The liquid captures the essence of fresh garlic, unleashing a pungent scent and a rich golden to yellow-brown tone. The material offers both the sharp signature flavor to food and several chemical properties valuable in health, agriculture, and chemical industries.

Chemical Formula, Structure, and Molecular Details

Chemically, garlic oil contains a complex blend of sulfur-based molecules. The main compound—diallyl disulfide—brings the robust garlic flavor and aroma. The typical molecular formula for this key component: C6H10S2. Other significant sulfurous chemicals found in garlic oil include diallyl trisulfide (C6H10S3), and allyl methyl sulfide (C4H8S), each contributing to the oil’s activity and scent. These molecules bind together through double and single bonds, forming a structure often described in organosulfur compound chemistry. The average molecular weight for diallyl disulfide is about 146.27 g/mol.

Physical Properties and Specifications

Garlic oil stands out for its clarity and moderate viscosity, pouring smoothly at room temperature. Density ranges from 1.04 to 1.10 g/cm³, influenced by concentration and extraction method. The liquid remains soluble in ethanol, chloroform, and other organic solvents, yet water won't dissolve it. Its refractive index, between 1.56 and 1.59, hints at its purity and sulfur content. With a boiling point of 250-280°C, it stays stable during food processing and industrial use. Standard garlic oil contains 0.1% to 1.0% allicin, a crucial marker for both quality and chemical potency.

Forms: Liquid, Powder, and Crystal

Mostly, garlic oil comes as a viscous liquid, sometimes blended with carriers for easier handling. Technological innovation has allowed for stabilized powders and encapsulated pearls, making the material accessible for dosage, blending, or adding to supplements or feed. Crystalline forms, considered rare, sometimes appear in research-grade materials. Solid flakes, useful in flavor compounding, consist of garlic extracts rich in oil content but differ in structure and density. The industry moves between these forms, selecting type based on storage, transport, and blending demand.

Solutions, Density, and Packaging

For food, pharma, or cosmetics, garlic oil integrates into solutions up to several percent by volume, aided by alcohol or propylene glycol for enhanced miscibility. Bulk packaging uses amber glass or high-density polyethylene bottles to block UV rays and prevent oxidation. Safe storage happens below 25°C, away from light, to limit sulfur breakdown. Standard industry drums carry 5, 10, or 25-liter quantities, sealed tightly to control leakage of volatile odors. Each batch is tracked for specific gravity, ensuring compliance with safety and chemical performance needs.

Safe Handling, Hazards, and Harmfulness

Garlic oil, although valuable, poses safety challenges. Concentrated liquid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, as the sulfur compounds carry potential for moderate toxicity on contact. Direct ingestion of undiluted oil causes gastrointestinal distress for most individuals. All handlers should wear nitrile gloves and safety goggles when moving or measuring. Storage must stay distant from heat, flames, or other oxidizing chemicals due to the risk of dangerous vapors. Regulatory sheets classify concentrated garlic oil under UN NA 3339 in the US, identified as a mild hazardous organic liquid.

HS Code, International Trade, and Market Relevance

Garlic oil—intended for food, pharmaceutical, or industrial purposes—moves globally under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 3301.29, labelled as “essential oils, of others.” The designation helps buyers and customs departments identify origin, purity, and tax category. Exporters in China, India, and Egypt dominate the supply, fueling rising demand across Europe and North America. Market analysts track rising export value and shifting regulations, showing how garlic oil plays an economic role for both small farmers and multinational distributors. The code also guides testing for pesticide residues, solvent remains, and sulfur markers to meet local health laws.

Raw Material Sourcing and Traceability

Authentic garlic oil depends on the integrity of the original garlic bulb. Suppliers choose bulbs assessed for optimal sulfur and moisture content, often harvested at the correct maturity window to ensure robust oil yield and consistent properties. Traceable sourcing starts on the field, with batch numbers assigned to every shipment for food safety protocols. Farms avoid synthetic pesticides or herbicides for pharmaceutical-grade oils, giving assurance to buyers about chemical purity and crop origin. Industry leaders employ random sample testing, ensuring adherence to international standards for both organic and conventional grades.

Key Properties Supporting Industry Innovation

Multiple industries value garlic oil for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, driven by the concentration of allyl sulfides. Feed producers look for specific activity against salmonella and e. coli; pharmaceutical developers study the oil’s ability to reduce serum cholesterol and lower blood pressure in controlled formulations. Traditional and alternative medicine practitioners cite its longstanding record as a natural remedy, providing context for new product development in capsules, gels, and topical agents. Agriculture sectors also exploit garlic oil’s natural pesticidal effect, blending raw material into sustainable crop treatment regimes.

Responsible Use, Safety Challenges, and Industry Solutions

Safe, sustainable use of garlic oil starts with transparent labeling and education about potency and risks. Industry guidelines call for maximum residue limits, limiting both ecological and consumer harm. Producers continue to research low-odor and stabilized forms, improving worker comfort and reducing air contamination in processing plants. Advances in microencapsulation and solvent-free extraction help meet demand for pure oil, while safeguarding health and flavor. These steady improvements support food safety and chemical management, illustrating the practical evolution behind a product with ancient roots and modern utility.