Curcumin in Turmeric: Importance, Factors and Geographical Differences
Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.), Dr. Ravindra Satbhai (Ph.D.)
Introduction:
Turmeric, a popular Indian
medicinal plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has gained recognition
for its numerous health benefits. The rhizome of turmeric, known as Curcuma
longa L., is widely used in South East Asian countries for its flavor, color,
and spicing properties in food preparations. It is an integral part of traditional
medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Turmeric and its active
component, curcumin, have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse
biological activities. This article explores the variation in curcumin content
in turmeric, the factors influencing it, and the geographical differences
observed.
1. Importance of Curcumin: Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is a linear diarylheptanoid known for its excellent medicinal properties. It is a small molecular weight polyphenolic compound and one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders. Curcumin has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological, microbial, and medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.