ANTIOXIDANT OLEORESIN COMPOSITIONS AND A PROCESS FOR THEIR PRODUCTION

摘要

Herbal materials containing carnosic acid or herbal extracts containing carnosic acid are mixed with preferably a 40 % - 95 % by weight solution of methanol or ethanol in water. The solution is separated fron the insolubles and recovered and adjusted to an alcohol content of less than 40 % in the case of ethanol or 60 % in the case of methanol by either removal of the alcohol or by addition of water causing the precipitation of the oleoresin which is separated from the solution and recovered. The recovered oleoresin may be dried and has an enhanced content of carnosic acid as compared to the original herbal material or herbal extract, is substantially free of green coloration and unwanted flavor and aroma components and is soluble for the use intended in oils, fats and food-grade grain ethanol. The recovered oleoresin is an effective antioxidant with improved antioxidant activity as compared to the starting material.