Turmeric plant, with its scientific name, is a tropical plant from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). This plant, whose homeland is South Asia, is widely cultivated especially in India and Southeast Asia. Curcumin is known as a yellow-coloured spice derived from the rhizomes of the root, making it popular worldwide. The stem of the plant consists of underground, fleshy and yellow-coloured rhizomes. These rhizomes are used both as food colouring and as a spice. The leaves of Curcumin are broad and long, bright green in colour and have a tropical appearance. The flowers are pink or yellow in colour and are collected in a flower head at the end of the stem. Curcumin is an active ingredient in curcumin turmeric. This component gives the plant its distinctive bright yellow colour and also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, is also being researched by modern science and evaluated for its various health benefits. In addition, the curcumin plant prefers humid and warm climates and usually takes about 8-10 months to harvest. The plant reproduces by means of rhizomes growing below ground, which can be stored for subsequent cropping periods or processed for direct consumption. In addition to its use as a spice, turmeric is also important in the production of dyes, cosmetics and health supplements.
Major Active Ingredients and Proportions
Curcuminoids (3-5%): Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane): It is the most important curcuminoid and constitutes approximately 60-70% of the total curcuminoids. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. Demethoxycurcumin: It constitutes about 20-27% of the total curcuminoids. Bisdemethoxycurcumin: It contains approximately 10-15% of curcuminoids.
Essential Oils (3-5%): Includes compounds such as tumerone, atlanton and zingiberene. These oils contribute to the aromatic properties of the plant and have various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Other Components:
Resins: They have antibacterial properties.
Proteins, Fibres and Sugars: They are of fundamental importance in the structural and functional roles of the plant and in human health.