Oleoresin

The oleoresin are semi-solid extracts composed of a resin in solution in an essential or fatty oil, obtained by evaporating the solvent(s) used for its production. Natural oleoresins are known as balms.

Properties

In contrast to the essential oils obtained by steam distillation, oleoresins abound in heavier, less volatile and lipophilic compounds, such as resins, waxes, fats and fatty oils. Gum leoresins (oleo-gum resins, gum resins) occur mainly as crude salves, and also contain water-soluble polysaccharides.

Oleoresins are prepared from spices such as: basil, capsicum (paprika), cardamom, celery seed, cinnamon bark, cloves, fenugreek, fir balsam, ginger, rose apple, labdanum, mace, mayorana, nutmeg, parsley, pepper (white/black), pimenta dioica, rosemary, sage, savory (summer/winter), thyme, turmeric, vanilla and herbs from the west coast of India. The solvents used are not aqueous and can have polar (alcohols) or nonpolar (hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide) bonds.

Oleoresins are similar to concretes used in perfumery, obtained especially from flowers, and are also similar to resinoids, also used in perfumery, which are prepared from the animal secretions.

Use

Most oleoresins are used as flavorings for perfumes, some are used medicinally (eg hashish oil, pepper spray)