Marigold Oleoresin is obtained by solvent extraction of dried marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower petals. This yields a dark orange-brown paste rich in xanthophyll carotenoids (primarily lutein esters).
It is the primary commercial source of natural lutein for both animal feed (poultry skin/egg yolk pigmentation) and human dietary supplements (after saponification to free lutein). Also used directly as a natural food colourant.