Question

The pungent principle of ginger falls in the category of

• A. Alkaloid
• B. Gum
• C. Oleoresin
• D. Tannin

Hint:

Ginger's pungency is mainly due to gingerols and shogaols present in its oleoresin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Ginger is obtained from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. It is used as a carminative, flavoring agent, and digestive stimulant.

Step 1: Understanding pungent principle.
The pungent taste of ginger is mainly due to constituents such as gingerols and shogaols.

Step 2: Category of pungent constituents.
These pungent principles are present in the oleoresin fraction of ginger.

Step 3: Meaning of oleoresin.
Oleoresin is a natural mixture containing volatile oil and resinous material.

Step 4: Checking other options.
Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing basic compounds.
Gums are polysaccharide exudates.
Tannins are polyphenolic astringent compounds.
The pungent principle of ginger belongs to oleoresin.

Step 5: Final answer.
Therefore, the correct answer is oleoresin. \[ \boxed{\text{Oleoresin}} \]