Curcumin

Turmeric rhizomes

Description

Any of various Old World plants belonging to the genus Curcuma, called curcumin. Curcuma is used to produce a yellow, water-soluble dye that has been used as a colorant and flavoring since ancient times. Most often the name has been used synonymously with turmeric, but it may also refer to crocus powder, and saffron. Chemically, curcumin is a polyphenol, more particularly a diarylheptanoid, belonging to the group of curcuminoids, which are phenolic pigments responsible for the yellow color of turmeric.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Natural Yellow 3; CI 75300; turmeric; saffron; crocus; curcumin; cúrcuma (Esp.); curcuma (It., Port.)

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 184
• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
• Wikipedia: Curcumin Access April 2026
• CHSOS: Spectra (Reflectance, XRF, Raman, FTIR) for Curcuma