Compound Monograph
Carvone
Carvone is a monoterpene ketone whose two mirror-image forms smell of spearmint and of caraway respectively.
Sources · 4
Where Does It Come From?
Carvone is a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone, found in Spearmint, Caraway, Dill and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Principal source Spearmint Mentha spicata Herb monograph → 
Source Peppermint Mentha × piperita Herb monograph → Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Carvone is a monoterpene ketone that exists as two enantiomers with strikingly different smells: (R)-carvone smells of spearmint and (S)-carvone of caraway and dill. It is the principal aroma compound of spearmint and caraway oils and is used widely as a flavor and fragrance ingredient. It is a classic textbook example of how molecular handedness can affect odor perception.
Toxicity & Safety
Carvone is used in foods and flavorings and is generally considered safe at the small amounts encountered in the diet. As with most concentrated essential-oil components, the pure compound can be irritating in high concentrations. A detailed isolated-compound safety profile in humans is limited.
