We use the marigold flower in the festive season to decorate houses, but are there any other benefits we derive from it? Yes, absolutely. According to Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, marigold leaves have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and antiepileptic effects. Marigolds are commonly used for administering tinctures, ointments, and infusions to treat wounds for skin inflammation and mucous membranes.
Additionally, marigold oleoresin is the main source of lutein, which has many applications in health products. Let’s dig into the properties, and benefits of marigold oleoresin and see what emerging trends are maximizing its demand.
Marigold Oleoresin: A Versatile Extract
Marigold oleoresin is a valuable viscous liquid extracted from dried marigold flower petals and is dark brown in color. The marigold oleoresin contains lutein, lutein esters, hexane, other carotenoids, and waxes. Marigold oleoresin is employed as a key material for the purification of lutein, a valuable nutraceutical in high demand. Since it is high in lutein, it has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is also used for poultry feeding.
Lutein is an oxy carotenoid found in Marigold extracted oleoresins that acts as an antioxidant. Other ingredients with a lower proportion include zeaxanthin, fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, lutein esters, and tocopherol. The physical process, which is safe and non-toxic, is used to extract lutein from natural plant marigolds. Furthermore, the lutein derived from marigolds is stable and safe, which is totally in accordance with FAO/WHO recommendations.
Marigold Oleoresin Revolutionizing Multiple Industries
Marigold Oleoresin is attracting significant attention in the food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrofeed industries. Let us explore the field of industrial applications of marigold oleoresin.
Marigold Oleoresin in Food & Beverages
Marigold oleoresin is a natural source of yellow and orange color and is commonly used as a coloring additive in the food and beverage sector. It is employed in food products like cheese, butter, yogurt, and baked items. Marigold oleoresin is a natural alternative to synthetic colors, that does not show any health issues. Marigold oleoresin is enriched with lutein, a pigment that promotes eye health. Lutein is found in a wide range of foods, including morning cereals, beverages, and snack bars.
According to a study by the U.S. National Laboratory of Medicine, lutein extracted from marigold oleoresin has properties to suppress toxic synthetic antioxidants. Thus, it is helpful to improve the oxidative stability of edible oils.
Marigold Oleoresin in Beauty Products
Marigold oleoresin is commonly used in the cosmetics industry for its beneficial properties. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to brighten the skin. Marigold oleoresin is a common ingredient in skincare products, including creams, lotions, and serums. It is used for its moisturizing properties and can help to soothe dry or irritated skin. Marigold oleoresin is also used as a natural source of yellow and orange color in cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shadows, and blushes.
Additionally, it is used in essential oils in a variety of ways such as room fragrances, perfumes, bath oils, inhalations, massage oils, natural preservatives, and cosmetic preparations.
Marigold Oleoresin in Agro-feed
Marigold oleoresin is a natural pigment source and is used in poultry and fish farming. It is used to enhance the color of meat and egg yolks and the appearance of fish. Additionally, marigold oleoresin is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to support the health and well-being of animals. It is also used as an additive in animal feed to ensure good coloration and antioxidants. Overall, marigold oleoresin has a wide range of applications in the agri-industry due to its natural coloring properties and potential health benefits for animals.
Marigold Oleoresin in Healthcare
Marigold oleoresin has various applications in the pharmaceutical industry. It is known for its medicinal properties and is mainly used as an ingredient in ophthalmology products. Marigold oleoresin is a rich source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, important antioxidants that can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It is also useful in the production of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs. Marigold oleoresin is also used as a natural coloring agent in pharmaceutical capsules and tablets.
Keeping Up with the Latest Marigold Oleoresin Trends
Marigold oleoresin is gaining demand in the pharmaceutical industry due to its anti-inflammatory properties, growing popularity in the agro-feed industry as a natural pigment source, and expanding use in the aroma and fragrance industry as follows:
Cultivation in Aromatic Plants
The distinct types of perfumes and body scents are gaining popularity these days. However, with various perfume manufacturers developing new products every 2-3 months with the new formulation, the demand for aromatic plants has risen.
As we know, marigold has a good fragrance and can be used in perfumes. Therefore, many countries are cultivating aromatic plants including wild marigolds. This cultivation of aromatic plants has given additional income to the farmers of Himachal Pradesh in India. They have extracted essential oil from the improved variety of wild marigolds (Tagetes minuta). The wild marigold has doubled the profit compared to traditional wheat, maize, and paddy crops.
Maximized Demand for Essential Oil
The marigold essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it excellent for treating wounds, eczema, diaper rash, skin treatment, psoriasis treatment, and improving skin health.
As a result, the wide range of applications for marigold essential oil is one of the reasons driving the growth. However, marigold essential oil has practically no negative effects when compared to most traditional treatments and medicines, its consumption has increased in recent years.
Marigold Oleoresin in a Nutshell
Marigold oleoresin offers many benefits, such as healing wounds and soothing skin conditions, relieving pain and reducing inflammation in the muscles, lowering the risk of certain chronic diseases, and improving vision. Additionally, it is used in poultry farms to feed the birds as it is a great source of nutrients that are good for animal health.
However, marigold oleoresin has multiple advantages it is popular in various industries such as healthcare, cosmetics, and agrofeed, and it is still increasing in demand in perfumes & aromas, and essential oils.
