Castoreum
OTHER NAME(S): Canadian Beaver, Castérium, Castor Canadien, Castor Européen, Castor Sibérien, European Beaver, Rognon de Castor, Siberian Beaver, Castóreo, Castoréum
Overview
Castoreum is a substance collected from the glands of Canadian, European, and Siberian beavers.
Castoreum is sometimes used for anxiety, insomnia, menstrual cramps, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
There isn't enough reliable information to know how castoreum works in the body.
In foods and beverages, castoreum extract is used as a flavoring agent.
In manufacturing, castoreum tincture is used as a fragrance or fixative in cosmetics and soaps.
There isn't enough reliable information to know how castoreum works in the body.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- A type of anxiety marked by episodes of intense fear (panic disorder).
- Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of castoreum for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Castoreum is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe when taken in medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Castoreum 4% ointment is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used for up to 10 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum 4% ointment is safe when used for longer than 10 days or when a different product is used.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Castoreum is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe when taken in medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Castoreum 4% ointment is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used for up to 10 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum 4% ointment is safe when used for longer than 10 days or when a different product is used.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Castoreum overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of castoreum depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for castoreum. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Burdock GA. Safety assessment of castoreum extract as a food ingredient. Int J Toxicol. 2007;26(1):51-5.