Massoia Lactone: Production Technologies, Multisectoral Applications, and Toxicological Evaluation

Massoia lactone is a delta-lactone that occurs naturally in the bark oil of Cryptocarya massoy, recognized for its sweet, coconut-like scent and extensive industrial applications. This area is increasingly relevant in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and veterinary applications. C-10 Massoia lactone has been designated as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA); however, its regulatory review remains in progress. This narrative review examines the structural features, production methods, applications, and toxicological profile. A systematic literature search was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar with the terms “Massoia lactone,” “Massoilactone,” and “masoilakton,” yielding 21 eligible articles. The studies reviewed outline different production methods, such as plant extraction, fungal fermentation, and chemical synthesis, along with the physicochemical properties and applications of C-10, C-12, and C-14 homologs. Massoia lactone demonstrates potential applications in food preservation, oral biofilm management, and antifungal treatment in aquaculture, exhibiting minimal safety risks when used under regulated conditions. This review synthesizes insights from natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, biotechnology, and toxicology to advocate for sustainable utilization. Further research is necessary to elucidate its mechanisms of action and assess long-term safety.