Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory
Overview
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a ginger family rhizome, offers a bright orange-yellow root used culinarily and medicinally.
- Curcumin, its bioactive component, is central to supplements, valued for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cellular pathway modulation effects.
Chemistry
- Curcumin: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-dien-3-one; C₂₁H₂₀O₆; molecular weight 368.38 g/mol.
- Structure: Diaryl-heptadienone polyphenol with two aromatic rings (ortho-methoxy and para-hydroxy groups), connected by a conjugated heptadienone linker (keto-enol tautomeric equilibrium).
- Properties: β-diketone moiety (metal-chelating); conjugated double-bond system (antioxidant radical-scavenging).
- Solubility: Lipophilic (log P ≈ 3.0), poorly water-soluble (low oral bioavailability ≈ 1%).
- Modifications: Chemical modifications (demethoxy-, bis-demethoxy-curcumin) and synthetic analogues (e.g., EF24) aim to improve stability and potency.
Sources & Quality
- Cultivation: Primarily India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), and Africa (Nigeria, Tanzania).
- Extraction: Commercial supplements use standardized extracts (Curcuma longa L. rhizome) via ethanol or supercritical CO₂ extraction.
- Quality Control: Verification of curcuminoid content (≥95%), absence of heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants (USP or EU pharmacopeia standards).
- Bioavailability Enhancement: Standardization with piperine or liposomal, nanoparticle, or phytosome complex formulations.
- Authenticity: DNA barcoding and HPLC fingerprinting to prevent adulteration.
Where to Buy Turmeric
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