TL;DR
Curcumin (CAS 458-37-7) is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome. For sourcing, the parameter that matters is total curcuminoids by HPLC — typically a ≥95% bulk grade. The main formulation consideration is solubility / bioavailability, which drives the choice between standard powder and enhanced (piperine, phytosome, micronized) grades.
See our Curcumin product page for grades, COA and bulk pricing.
Chemistry & identity
- Systematic name: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione
- CAS: 458-37-7
- Molecular formula: C₂₁H₂₀O₆
- Molecular weight: 368.38 g/mol
- Chemistry class: curcuminoid (diarylheptanoid)
- Appearance: orange-yellow crystalline powder
Natural source
| Plant | Latin | Part used | Typical curcuminoid content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turmeric | Curcuma longa | Rhizome | 2–5% total curcuminoids |
Bulk curcumin is recovered and purified from turmeric oleoresin; the curcuminoid profile (curcumin / DMC / BDMC ratio) varies slightly by botanical origin.
Standardization & assay
- Marker compounds: total curcuminoids = curcumin + demethoxycurcumin (DMC) + bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)
- Assay method: HPLC
- Typical bulk grade: ≥95% total curcuminoids (customizable)
- Lower-ratio turmeric extracts and standardized fractions are available on request.
Research context
Curcumin is among the most extensively studied plant compounds. Published laboratory and clinical research has investigated it for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. These are research observations for formulation context, not consumer health or disease claims.
Formulation suitability
- Low aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism limit absorption of the unformulated powder.
- Common enhanced approaches: piperine co-formulation, phytosome (lecithin) complex, micronized / nano-dispersion, emulsified or water-dispersible grades.
- Strong natural colorant (also used as Natural Yellow 3) — account for staining and color contribution in finished formats.
Documents available on request
Batch COA (HPLC curcuminoid assay) · TDS · SDS/MSDS · heavy metals · microbiology · pesticide residues · residual solvents · certifications — confirmed per batch at inquiry.
Buyer / RFQ checklist
- Assay basis — confirm "total curcuminoids" vs "curcumin only", and the HPLC method.
- Grade — standard 95% powder vs bioavailability-enhanced form (specify the system: piperine, phytosome, micronized).
- Origin & solvent — botanical origin and extraction-solvent profile (residual-solvent limits).
- Contaminants — heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbiology per your destination market.
- Packaging & color handling — colorant staining considerations for your dosage form.
Request curcumin COA & pricing →