Description

Curcumin is a water-soluble bright yellow (orange-yellow) chemical produced by Curcuma longa plants. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The other curcuminoids are demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. While turmeric contains only 2 – 9% curcuminoids, 75% of these active curcuminoids are curcumin, which is why curcumin is the “star” of turmeric. USES: It is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring and food coloring. Curcumin is used in many foods as coloring additive, including mustard, margarine, processed cheese, cakes, curry powder, soft drinks and sweets. Curcumin, due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties may help in reducing symptoms of hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, improving overall liver health and chronic itching.