Orcein

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 182
Food additives Europe numbers: E182 

Neither Orcein nor Orchil are food excipients. Food excipients serve specific technical purposes in processed foods, like thickening, preserving, or enhancing flavor. Here's why these two aren't used in food:

• Orcein:
  • Microscopy Stain: As mentioned previously, Orcein is primarily used as a stain in microscopy for visualizing cell and tissue components [1]. It wouldn't be safe for ingestion and doesn't offer any functional benefits in food processing.
• Orchil:
  • Historical Dye: Orchil was historically used as a dye, but its use in food coloring has been discontinued due to safety concerns [1]. Similar to Orcein, it's not suitable for food consumption.

Similarities and Differences:

Both Orcein and Orchil are derived from lichens, which are a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae. However, Orcein is a purified compound extracted from Orchil, which is a more complex natural mixture.