Since curcumin was first isolated from turmeric in 1815, it is still attracting researchers from all over the world.
Reference: Molecules 2014.DOI:10.3390/molecules191220091
Physico-chemical Properties
S.No. | Constituents | Composition w/w |
---|---|---|
1 | Curcuminoids | 1-6% |
2 | Volatile (Essential) Oil | 3-7% |
3 | Fiber | 2-7% |
4 | Mineral matter | 3-7% |
5 | Protein | 6-8% |
6 | Fat | 5-10% |
7 | Moisture | 6-13% |
8 | Carbohydrates | 60-70% |
Reference: Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Pande A, Paliwal P, Nayak M. Tetrahydrocurcuminoids: C3 Reduct® - The Cascading Anti-oxidant. New Jersey: Nutriscience Publishers, LLC., 2012; pp.09.
Curcumin: Structural Characteristics
Classification of Active Compounds in Turmeric
The active compounds in turmeric are typically classified as non-volatile or volatile compounds:
The Curcuminoids
The rhizomes of turmeric abound in many phenolic compounds known as Curcuminoids —responsible for the yellow colour.
It is comprised of Curcumin (75–81%), Demethoxycurcumin (15–19%) and Bisdemethoxycurcumin (2.5–6.5%).
Most of commercial Curcuminoids sold as “Curcumin”, are mixtures of the three Curcuminoids. Curcumin C3 Complex®, the branded composition of natural Curcuminoids, pioneered and patented by Sabinsa Corporation, is a well characterized composition. The Curcumin C3 Complex® is standardized to contain ≥95% Curcuminoids by HPLC analysis and is currently being used by several clinical researchers with Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the USFDA and other regulatory organizations overseas.