• Hinoki
  • Hinoki

Hinoki

  • Scientific Name
    Chamaecyparis obtusa
  • Family
    Cupressaceae
  • Origin
    Japanetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Hinoki, belonging to the Cupressaceae family, is a tall evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 30-40 meters. Its trunk can measure 1-2 meters in diameter and features an upright, reddish-brown, smooth bark, along with reddish-brown fruit. The name “hinoki” is thought to originate from ancient practices of using the tree for starting fires, or it may have been named “hinoki” signifying “hi,” meaning the greatest of all things. Endemic to Japan, it is widely distributed from Honshu to Kyushu along the Pacific Ocean side. Hinoki has played a prevalent role as a building material throughout history, used for numerous iconic historical structures, thus earning its status as a familiar and cherished tree.

Essential oil composition

Hinoki

  • Hinoki

  • INCI
    Chamaecyparis Obtusa Wood Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Wood
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    3 - 10%
  • Notes
    Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Woody

Hinoki Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 3-10% of Hinoki essential oil is obtained from the wood by steam distillation and has a light yellow to light yellowish-brown color. Its primary components include cazina-1,4-diene, α-pinene, and α-casinol, contributing to its invigorating, woody, and profoundly green scent. This fragrance carries a sense of depth and richness, while the clear, refreshing green notes evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. The fragrance is enhanced when combined with Japanese essential oils such as Yuzu and Bergamot, and other woody essential oils such as Hiba and Eucalyptus. Given its relatively mild scent, begin with a slightly larger quantity and adjust for a well-balanced aroma.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • α-Pinene　24.96%
  • δ-Cadinene　14.4%
  • α-Cadinol　13.09%
  • T-Muurolol　10%
  • γ-Cadinene　8.33%
  • α-Muurolene　5.11%
  • γ-Muurolene　3.81%
  • Elemene　1.98%
  • α-Cadinene　1.26%
  • Terpinyl acetate　1.11%
  • Other components　15.94%

Functions and Efficacies

α-Pinene

α-Pinene
  • IUPAC Name
    (+)-α-Pinene: (1R,5R)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
    (-)-α-Pinene: (1S,5S)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    (+)-α-Pinene: 7785-70-8
    (-)-α-Pinene: 7785-26-4
  • Structure
    Bicyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of α-Pinene

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that brain tumors in mice that inhaled the fragrance of α-pinene became smaller. However, no melanoma cell growth was observed with the addition of α-pinene, indicating a potential psychological effect .1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that α-pinene had an inhibitory effect on the growth of blue staining fungi, both when exposed to gas and when added to the culture medium2)

Anti-inflammatory Effects

It is known that the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells induces the production of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that causes inflammation. A study reported that the production of NO was suppressed by the addition of α-pinene.3)

  • 1)Kusuhara et al., Biomedical Research, 2012
  • 2)岡村、木材保存、
  • 3)Kwak et al., Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2019

IFRA

Hinoki：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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