FlavScents AInsights Entry: Turmeric Oleoresin (CAS: 129828-29-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Turmeric oleoresin is a natural complex material derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. It is not a single compound but a mixture containing various constituents, primarily curcuminoids and essential oils. The CAS number for turmeric oleoresin is 129828-29-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The composition of turmeric oleoresin can vary significantly depending on the source, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Turmeric oleoresin is characterized by its warm, spicy, and earthy aroma, with a slightly bitter and pungent taste. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, and it is often used as an impact note in flavor formulations. The oleoresin's sensory profile is primarily due to its curcuminoid content, which imparts a distinctive yellow color and a characteristic flavor. The taste and odor thresholds for turmeric oleoresin are not clearly reported, but it is known to be a potent flavoring agent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Turmeric oleoresin is naturally sourced from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant, commonly known as turmeric. The oleoresin is obtained through solvent extraction, which concentrates the curcuminoids and essential oils present in the rhizomes. Turmeric is widely cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions. The oleoresin is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material due to its derivation from plant sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Turmeric oleoresin is used in a variety of flavor categories, including savory, spice blends, and ethnic cuisines. It serves as a functional flavoring agent, providing both color and flavor to food products. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The oleoresin is stable under heat and acidic conditions but may be susceptible to oxidation, which can affect its flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, turmeric oleoresin is used in oriental and spicy fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing warmth and depth to fragrance compositions. The oleoresin is typically used in trace amounts, with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. It has a moderate volatility and is often used as a middle note in perfumes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Turmeric oleoresin contains several key constituents, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and various essential oils such as turmerone and zingiberene. The composition of these constituents can vary based on the origin, harvest, and processing of the turmeric rhizomes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, turmeric oleoresin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by the FDA and FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, turmeric oleoresin is approved for use in countries like Japan and China, with specific guidelines in ASEAN regions. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Turmeric oleoresin is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by EFSA. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. The oleoresin's volatility poses minimal inhalation risks, though occupational exposure should be monitored. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Turmeric oleoresin is valued for its dual role as a colorant and flavoring agent. It synergizes well with other spices and can enhance the authenticity of ethnic flavor profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its strong color, which can dominate lighter-colored products. It is often under-used in fragrance applications due to its potent aroma, but when used judiciously, it can add depth and warmth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on turmeric oleoresin is well-established, with comprehensive studies on its composition and sensory properties. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in constituent concentrations exists due to natural factors. Regulatory information is robust, with clear guidelines across major regions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-09-02 11:27:13 GMT (p2)