Patent Description:
Oleoresins are extracted from the spices that reproduce the character of the respective spice. Oleoresins are the extracts obtained by solvent extraction of ground spices. They have a wide range of applications in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. India is one of the leading producers of spices. With increasing preference for quality products, use of spices is rapidly replaced with oleoresins and spice oils. Export of these processed products, instead of raw spices, would also result in considerable value addition. Oleoresins are more economical than whole or ground spices as the same effect can be obtained using less quantity of the desired material.

Oleoresins are more preferred over raw spice for several economically important properties. Some of those properties include, but not limited to, microbiological advantages, uniformity in flavour and pungency, easy to store and transport over spice powders. Spice oleoresins are widely used for flavoring of food particularly by large scale food processing and flavoring industries like meat canning, sauces, soft drinks, pharmaceutical preparations, nutraceutical preparations, veterinary preparations, perfumery and soap, tobacco, confectionery and baking industries.

Oleoresines are manufactured by solvent extraction of spice using several solvents and then distillation, resulting in viscous liquid oleoresins.

Currently oleoresins are available primarily in the form of liquid. Oleoresins in liquid forms have various disadvantages / drawbacks. Major drawbacks are its stability and its limitations in use as direct ingredients in powder formulations due to it being a highly viscous liquid. Due to their high viscosity, it is very difficult to handle the liquid oleoresins during manufacturing of products containing oleoresins. Also it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of liquid oleoresins in the powdered finished product due to their higher viscosity. There is a chance of formation of lumps in the powder formulation, which are difficult to handle during the manufacturing. This may also lead to quality problems. Oleoresins are less stable in liquid form and will have stability ranging from <NUM> months to <NUM> months. Liquid oleoresins also limit their capsulation for various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In many instances, they have to be converted into powder form before such use. Thus to alleviate all these problems, powder forms of oleoresins are gaining importance.

There are few methods currently adopted to convert liquid Oleoresins into powder.

However, the maximum concentration of the oleoresins in the finished powder product from the above methods is below <NUM>%. Due to the dilution/low oleoresin concentration, dose volume increases which limit its use in many applications, such as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations, resulting into poor bioavailability.

Currently there are no Oleoresin products in powdered form with higher concentration (><NUM>%) of Oleoresins. Thus, there is a need for highly concentrated oleoresins in powder form, which will solve many of the problems associated with formulations containing liquid oleoresins.

<CIT> discloses a homogenous liquid condiment composition which is prepared from (<NUM>) tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides, (<NUM>) an edible fat or oil or mixture thereof, wherein such fat or oil is miscible in (<NUM>), and (<NUM>) one or more condiments selected from edible flavourings and edible colourings. When one such condiment is oleoresin black pepper, benzyl alcohol is present in a weight ratio of benzyl alcohol to oleoresin black pepper of at least <NUM>:<NUM>. The composition is used in flavouring or colouring foods and beverages and is dispersible in both oil and water.

<CIT> discloses a homogeneous liquid composition for seasoning, flavouring and colouring foods and beverages prepared from black pepper oleoresin and benzyl alcohol. The composition can also contain a food-grade emulsifier as well as such adjuvants as oleoresins of herbs and spices other than black pepper, essential oils of herbs and spices and edible colouring materials. The composition is both oil and water dispersible.

<CIT> discloses a reformulated turmeric extract having a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of ethanol extract concentrate of oleoresin, and, ethanol extract concentrate of essential oil. The ethanol extract concentrate of oleoresin comprises curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The ethanol extract concentrate of essential oil comprises essential oil of turmeric having of Ar-tunnerone. A method of preparing a reformulated turmeric extract having a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of ethanol extract concentrate of oleoresin, and, ethanol extract concentrate of essential oil is also disclosed.

<CIT> discloses a primary composition that includes at least one carotenoid-containing extract, concentrate or oleoresin enriched in cis-isomers of the carotenoid compound, and process of forming the same. It also relates to an oral composition that contains the primary composition in a foodstuff, in a food supplement, in a cosmetic preparation or in a pharmaceutical preparation.

<NPL> discloses a process of dispersing astaxanthin oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis in aqueous solutions with soy lecithin as dispersant agent and encapsulation by spray drying using gum arabic (GA) and whey protein (WP) alone or in combination with maltodextrin (MD) or inulin (IN) at <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM> ratios as wall materials.

<CIT> discloses a method for obtaining natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants flavours and aromas from aromatic plant substances, alfalfa, flowers with pigments, and vegetables, which includes washing the plant substances and vegetables, rinsing with water, milling and sifting the resulting product yielding a pulp phase and a cellulose phase.

<CIT> discloses a carotenoid formulation comprising a carotenoid, a vegetable oil, a surfactant, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, an alkali and a solvent for inclusion in the diet of poultry. The carotenoid formulation can reduce the crystalline nature of lutein to increase its bioavailability.

<CIT> discloses a process for producing powders from high viscosity fluids including mixing a mixture comprising a high viscosity fluid and at least one absorbing agent until a dry dispersion is produced. The process does not require the need for water or organic solvents, and is therefore non-aqueous in nature. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include a high viscosity fluid, and at least one absorbing agent, wherein the percentage of high viscosity fluid in a finished dry powder is greater than <NUM>%.

Accordingly in an aspect, the current invention provides a powdered oleoresin composition comprising; a) oleoresin(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%; b) mineral hydroxide(s)/ oxide(s)/ chloride(s)/ carbonate(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% and c) either organic/inorganic acid(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% of the total composition or is devoid of organic/inorganic acid(s).

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a powdered oleoresin composition of claim <NUM> comprising, a) Heating Oleoresin(s) to the temperature between <NUM> to <NUM>; b) optionally adding organic/inorganic acid(s) to step (a) followed by blending; c) adding Mineral hydroxide(s)/ oxide(s)/ chloride(s)/carbonate(s) to step (b) followed by blending/mixing for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes; and d) cooling the mixture of step (c) followed by powdering into free flowing powder.

The invention will now be described in detail in connection with certain preferred and optional embodiments, so that various aspects thereof may be more fully understood and appreciated.

Oleoresins can also be extracted using the respective herb or herbal/spice parts using organic solvents, where the herbal part is dried, pulverized into desired particle size and extracted using organic solvent or supercritical CO<NUM>. Extraction can be done by percolating the solvents through ground herbal/spice parts in percolator or reactor. This gives rise to liquid or semisolid extract. The Oleoresins, gum resins, resins are commonly available in the market.

Oleoresin(s) used in the present invention are purchased or procured from universal oleoresins and Kancor ingredients ltd.

The term "Formulated" as used in the description means composition of the present invention comprising Oleoresins and minerals/acids.

The term "Unformulated" as used in the description means composition comprises only oleoresins.

The present invention discloses a highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition that has enhanced stability as compared to their respective oleoresins.

Accordingly, the present invention discloses a highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition comprises of oleoresin(s), organic/inorganic acid(s) and Mineral hydroxide(s)/oxide(s)/chloride(s)/carbonate(s) having enhanced stability and increased bioavailability. Also disclosed is a highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition comprises of Oleoresin(s) and Mineral hydroxide(s)/oxide(s)/ chloride(s)/carbonate(s); wherein said composition is devoid of organic/inorganic acid(s). The oleoresins includes spice/plant and herbal oleoresins but not limited to Clove Oleoresins, Curry leaf Oleoresins, Pepper Oleoresins, Cardamom Oleoresins, Chilli Oleoresins, Capsicum Oleoresins, Paprika Oleoresins, Ginger Oleoresins, Curcuma xanthorrhiza Oleoresins, Turmeric Oleoresins, Coriander Oleoresins, Cumin Oleoresins, Celery Oleoresins, Dill Oleoresins, Fenugreek Oleoresins, Garlic Oleoresins, Mace Oleoresins, Garcinia Extract, Fennel Oleoresins, Tamarind Oleoresins, Cinnamon Oleoresins, Nutmeg Oleoresins, Cassia Oleoresins, Galangal Oleoresins, Parsley Oleoresins, Thyme Oleoresins, Marigold Oleoresins, Rose mary Oleoresins, Mustard Oleoresins, Curry Powder Oleoresins and Vanilla Oleoresins either alone or in combination. The amount of oleoresins present in the composition ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>%.

The preferred oleoresins includes Turmeric Oleoresin, Marigold oleoresin, Fenugreek oleoresin, Cinnamon oleoresin, Nutmeg oleoresin, Paprika oleoresin, Capsicum oleoresin and Ginger oleoresin, either alone or in combination.

The mineral hydroxide/oxides/chlorides/carbonates are selected from but not limited to calcium hydroxide, Manganese dioxide/oxide, Magnesium hydroxide/magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, zinc hydroxide/zinc oxide, iron hydroxide/iron oxide and aluminium hydroxide, selenium hydroxide/selenium oxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide/potassium oxide wherein, the most preferred being calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide used either alone or in combination. The calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxides both are in powder form with the purity ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>% and their concentration in the final composition ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% and from <NUM> to <NUM>% respectively.

The organic/inorganic acids are selected from Propionic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, Citric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, oxalic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, phosphoric acid and carbonic acid either alone or in combination, while the most preferred being Propionic acid. The concentration of organic acids ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%, preferably, <NUM> to <NUM>%.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition which comprises,.

The invention further provides a highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition which comprises,.

wherein said composition is devoid of organic/inorganic acid(s).

The highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition contains <NUM> to <NUM>% oleoresins and is prepared by reacting oleoresin with calcium and/or magnesium hydroxide powder. Said composition obtained by a unique process, wherein the oleoresins are reacted with calcium and/or magnesium hydroxide under specific temperature range for specified time.

Accordingly, in another preferred embodiment, the invention describes a process for preparation of highly concentrate powdered oleoresin composition, which comprises,.

The invention further describes a process for preparation of highly concentrate powdered oleoresin composition, without use of organic/inorganic acids, which comprises,.

In the above mentioned processes precipitated silica/Magnesium stearate can be added optionally.

The obtained composition is a free flowing powder containing ><NUM>% oleoresins either alone or in combinations. The composition is highly stable and amicable to blend it with powder formulation with high concentration of oleoresins.

Further, the composition may contain pharmaceutically and nutraceuticaly accepted carriers, excipients, gliding agents, anti-caking agents, binding agents, polymers (natural or synthetic) to increase the flow properties and adjust the final oleoresin concentration.

The said composition with high amount of oleoresin will have higher stability compared to the respective liquid oleoresin and will be amicable for numerous applications, where liquid oleoresins might not be suitable. The liquid Oleoresin is viscous and sticky in nature and hence very difficult to handle during the manufacturing of products containing the same, especially in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Also, Liquid Oleoresins are difficult to disperse in formulation matrix due to their high viscosity and similar problem persists while formulating powder formulations. The said highly concentrated form of the powdered Oleoresins can be used for various applications, such as direct capsuling or tableting for nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical application, food and beverage applications, medicated foods and also can be further formulated with other dry ingredients for human and animal consumption.

The food application includes the use as ingredients in tea bags, coffee bags and other beverages for delivering therapeutically active amount of phytochemicals.

The said composition of the present invention can be further formulated using liposomal technology, emulsion gel technology, permeation enhancers, bioavailability enhancers, coating technologies including enteric coating, reverse enteric coating, taste masking and controlled release technologies.

The highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition of the present invention can be further formulated into all possible dosage forms such as but not limited to capsules, tablets, sachets, Gummies, Chocolates, candies, beverages, ready to eat foods, food mix, feed mix, feed ingredients, food ingredients, gel, cream, ointment, spray, suppositories and the like.

The highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition of the present invention can be used as flavoring agents in food items.

The highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition of the present invention can be used in human, animal health and agricultural purpose.

The highly concentrated powdered oleoresin composition of the present invention has multiple benefits, such as higher stability, easy handling during manufacturing, ease of transportation, dose reduction due to higher concentration of oleoresins in nutraceutical and pharmaceuticals dosage forms, easy to formulate in the form of capsules or tablets with higher dose concentration of oleoresins and ease of blending with other ingredient without lumping problem.

Some typical examples illustrating the embodiments of the present invention are provided; however, these are exemplary only and should not be regarded as limiting the elements of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> represents the HPLC chromatogram for Turmeric oleoresin powder of composition of Example <NUM>.

<FIG> represents the Solubility comparison of unformulated turmeric oleoresin with formulated Powdered Turmeric Oleoresin of Example <NUM>. Solubility of the active ingredient indicates the higher bioavailability. If the solubility is enhanced/higher, then bioavailability will be increased. The light yellow colour solution of formulated Turmeric Oleoresin in <FIG> indicates higher solubility of Curcuminoids from powdered oleoresin product. Hence, <FIG> clearly exhibits that the Curcuminoids from powdered oleoresin product has higher bioavailability than unformulated turmeric oleoresin.

Example <NUM>: Process for preparation of highly concentrated powdered Turmeric oleoresins composition (with organic/inorganic acid) comprises the following steps:.

Example <NUM>: Process for preparation of highly concentrated powdered Turmeric oleoresins composition (without organic/inorganic acid) comprises the following steps:.

<FIG> represents the Solubility comparison of unformulated ginger oleoresin with formulated powdered ginger Oleoresin of Example <NUM>. Solubility of the active ingredient indicates the higher bioavailability. If the solubility is enhanced/higher, then bioavailability will be increased. The light yellow colour solution of formulated ginger Oleoresin in <FIG> indicates the higher solubility of the gingerol from powdered oleoresin product. Hence, <FIG> clearly exhibits that the gingerol from powdered oleoresin product has higher bioavailability than unformulated ginger oleoresin.

Example <NUM>: Process for preparation of highly concentrated powdered Ginger oleoresins composition (with organic/inorganic acid) comprises the following steps:.

Example <NUM>: Process for preparation of highly concentrated powdered Ginger oleoresins composition (without organic/inorganic acid) comprises the following steps:.

Claim 1:
A powdered oleoresin composition comprising;
a) oleoresin(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>%;
b) mineral hydroxide(s)/ oxide(s)/ chloride(s)/ carbonate(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% and
c) either organic/inorganic acid(s) in an amount ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>% of the total composition or is devoid of organic/inorganic acid(s).