CURCUMIN

Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic pigment primarily obtained from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, and Curcumin is widely used as a colorant, antioxidant, and bioactive ingredient in foods, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and research applications.
Curcumin is valued for its intense yellow-orange color, antioxidant activity, and multifunctional positioning, but Curcumin has limited water solubility and can be sensitive to light and alkaline conditions, so Curcumin formulation requires careful stabilization.
Curcumin is commonly standardized in turmeric extracts, and Curcumin content, purity, and performance depend on extraction method, solvent residues, and specification controls for the intended market.

CAS Number: 458-37-7
EC Number: 207-280-5
Molecular Formula: C21H20O6
Molecular Weight: 368.38 g/mol

Synonyms: Curcumin, Diferuloylmethane, Natural Curcumin, Turmeric Curcumin, Curcumin Extract, Curcumin Powder, Curcumin Food Colorant, Turmeric Yellow, E100 (food additive), Curcumin Pigment, Curcumin Polyphenol, Curcumin Coloring Agent, Curcumin, CURCUMIN, Curcumin I, Curcumin (Natural Yellow 3), Natural Yellow 3, C.I. Natural Yellow 3, CI Natural Yellow 3, Colour Index Natural Yellow 3, Color Index Natural Yellow 3, CI 75300, C.I. 75300, Curcumin (E100), E100, E 100, INS 100, INS-100, Curcumin (food colorant), Curcumin (food colour), Curcumin color, Curcumin colour, Curcumin colorant, Curcumin colourant, Curcumin coloring, Curcumin colouring, Curcumin coloring agent, Curcumin colouring agent, Turmeric Yellow, Turmeric yellow, Turmeric Yellow Pigment, Turmeric Yellow Colorant, Turmeric Yellow Colourant, Turmeric Pigment, Turmeric Color, Turmeric Colour, Turmeric Dye, Turmeric dye, Turmeric Extract (Curcumin), Turmeric extract (curcumin), Curcuma Longa Extract, Curcuma longa extract, Curcuma Longa Extract (Curcumin), Curcuma longa extract (curcumin), Curcuma Longa Root Extract (curcumin context), Curcuma Pigment, Curcuma pigment, Curcuma Dye, Curcuma dye, Curcumin from Turmeric, Turmeric Curcumin, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoids (main component), Curcumin Extract, Curcumin Concentrate, Curcumin 95%, Curcumin 96%, Curcumin 97%, Curcumin 98%, Curcumin 99%, Curcumin Standardized Extract, Standardized Curcumin, Curcumin Powder, Curcumin Crystals, Curcumin Crystalline Powder, Curcumin Fine Powder, Micronized Curcumin, Curcumin Reagent, Curcumin Analytical Standard, Curcumin Reference Standard, Curcumin Marker Compound, Diferuloylmethane, Differuloylmethane (spelling variant), Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane), Curcumin (Differuloylmethane), (E,E)-Curcumin, (1E,6E)-Curcumin, (E,E)-1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, 1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, Curcumin (CAS 458-37-7), CAS 458-37-7, Curcumin (C21H20O6), C21H20O6, Curcumin (polyphenol), Curcumin (turmeric polyphenol), Curcumin Active (supplement labeling), Curcumin Supplement Grade, Curcumin Food Grade

APPLICATIONS

Curcumin is used as a natural food colorant to provide a yellow to orange hue in sauces, dressings, and condiments.
Curcumin is incorporated into mustard and spice blends to enhance bright yellow coloration.
Curcumin is used in pickles and brines to deliver warm yellow color and improve visual appeal.

Curcumin is used in dairy and non-dairy beverages to provide a golden color in turmeric drinks and flavored milks.
Curcumin is incorporated into plant-based beverages to create “golden latte” style products with stable color systems.
Curcumin is used in beverage powders where Curcumin is dispersed with carriers for improved mixability.

Curcumin is used in confectionery to add yellow coloration in candies, gummies, and coatings.
Curcumin is incorporated into chewing gum coatings to produce a bright, natural yellow appearance.
Curcumin is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to provide warm color tones in compatible formulations.

Curcumin is used in bakery products to add color to cakes, cookies, and fillings when processing conditions are suitable.
Curcumin is incorporated into pasta and noodles to produce yellow coloration with natural label positioning.
Curcumin is used in snack seasonings to enhance color uniformity and improve consumer perception.

Curcumin is used in culinary sauces and ready meals to deliver consistent yellow-orange color across production batches.
Curcumin is incorporated into soups and broths to create a rich golden appearance.
Curcumin is used in spice pastes and curry bases to standardize color intensity.

Curcumin is used in dietary supplements as a bioactive ingredient in capsules, tablets, and softgels.
Curcumin is incorporated into functional powders and drink mixes for antioxidant and wellness positioning.
Curcumin is used in nutraceutical blends where Curcumin is combined with absorption-support ingredients in compatible designs.

Curcumin is used in cosmetic products to support antioxidant positioning and “brightening” concepts in rinse-off and leave-on systems.
Curcumin is incorporated into face masks and cleansing products where Curcumin supports skin-conditioning narratives.
Curcumin is used in botanical creams and serums at low levels where color and stability are carefully controlled.

Curcumin is used in soaps to provide natural color and botanical positioning in artisan and commercial products.
Curcumin is incorporated into bath bombs and bath salts to produce a warm yellow hue and botanical theme.
Curcumin is used in hair care masks and scalp products to support herbal positioning in compatible formulations.

Curcumin is used in research and laboratory studies as a reference polyphenol for antioxidant and inflammatory pathway investigations.
Curcumin is incorporated into cell culture and biochemical assays where Curcumin is used as a probe compound under controlled conditions.
Curcumin is used in analytical standards and method development where Curcumin purity and stability are critical.

Curcumin is used in packaging and polymer research as a natural dye for indicator and compatibility studies.
Curcumin is incorporated into educational demonstrations as a colorimetric compound sensitive to pH changes.
Curcumin is valued because Curcumin provides natural color, antioxidant properties, and broad application flexibility when formulation challenges are addressed.

Curcumin is used as a natural yellow colorant in foods and beverages.
Curcumin is used to color mustard, sauces, and seasonings.
Curcumin is used to enhance the visual appeal of soups and prepared meals.

Curcumin is used as the food additive color E100 in approved markets.
Curcumin is used in confectionery products to provide warm yellow-orange tones.
Curcumin is used in dairy and plant-based dairy alternatives to adjust color.

Curcumin is used in bakery products to improve golden coloration in fillings and mixes.
Curcumin is used in snack coatings and savory powders for consistent hue.
Curcumin is used in instant noodle seasoning blends as a coloring component.

Curcumin is used in beverage powders and drink mixes for yellow color shades.
Curcumin is used in functional beverages where a turmeric-associated color is desired.
Curcumin is used in teas and ready-to-drink products to provide natural-looking color.

Curcumin is used in dietary supplement formulations as a botanical active.
Curcumin is used in capsule and tablet products positioned for wellness support.
Curcumin is used in softgels and sachets when compatible with the delivery system.

Curcumin is used in nutraceutical blends combined with piperine concepts in some products.
Curcumin is used in liposomal and micellar delivery systems to improve dispersibility.
Curcumin is used in emulsified supplement shots to enable uniform dosing.

Curcumin is used in topical cosmetic products for antioxidant-themed positioning.
Curcumin is used in facial masks and treatment creams as a botanical ingredient.
Curcumin is used in serums where a turmeric-derived active story is desired.

Curcumin is used in soap bars and cleansing products to add color and botanical appeal.
Curcumin is used in bath bombs and bath powders for yellow coloration.
Curcumin is used in spa products to support “natural” and “herbal” marketing narratives.

Curcumin is used in hair care products as a botanical additive in some concepts.
Curcumin is used in scalp masks and hair oils for “herbal care” positioning.
Curcumin is used in natural hair coloring blends in limited traditional applications.

Curcumin is used in oral care products in some formulations as a botanical component.
Curcumin is used in toothpaste and mouth-rinse concepts for plant-based positioning.
Curcumin is used in oral care prototypes where staining risk is carefully managed.

Curcumin is used in pharmaceutical and biomedical research as a model bioactive compound.
Curcumin is used in screening assays for anti-inflammatory pathway modulation research.
Curcumin is used in oxidative stress models to study antioxidant-related mechanisms.

Curcumin is used in cell culture studies to evaluate signaling pathways and gene expression responses.
Curcumin is used in apoptosis and proliferation research as a reference polyphenol.
Curcumin is used in mechanistic studies of NF-κB, Nrf2, and related pathways.

Curcumin is used in analytical chemistry as a reference standard for turmeric extracts.
Curcumin is used in HPLC method development for curcuminoid separation and quantification.
Curcumin is used in quality control of turmeric oleoresins and curcuminoid concentrates.

Curcumin is used in authenticity testing to differentiate turmeric-based colorants from synthetic dyes.
Curcumin is used in spectrophotometric calibration work due to strong visible absorption.
Curcumin is used in stability studies to evaluate degradation under light and pH stress.

Curcumin is used as a fluorescent probe in laboratory demonstrations and select imaging experiments.
Curcumin is used in microscopy teaching labs to illustrate fluorescence behavior of polyphenols.
Curcumin is used in polymer interaction studies because it binds to hydrophobic domains.

Curcumin is used in material science research as a natural dye for biopolymer films.
Curcumin is used in edible coating research for colored biopolymer packaging concepts.
Curcumin is used in pH-responsive film studies because its color can shift with conditions.

Curcumin is used in smart packaging research as a color indicator for spoilage-related pH change.
Curcumin is used in bio-based sensors and indicator labels in experimental prototypes.
Curcumin is used in hydrogel systems as a visually trackable active.

Curcumin is used in textile dyeing research as a natural dye for cotton, silk, and wool.
Curcumin is used in natural dye workshops to create yellow and orange shades.
Curcumin is used with mordants in craft dyeing to improve shade depth and wash fastness.

Curcumin is used in inks and art materials as a natural pigment component in niche applications.
Curcumin is used in handmade watercolor and pigment dispersions for yellow tones.
Curcumin is used in botanical art experiments where light stability is evaluated.

Curcumin is used in cosmetic R&D to evaluate color stability of natural colorants in emulsions.
Curcumin is used in formulation trials to study staining, migration, and odor interactions.
Curcumin is used in compatibility testing with surfactants, oils, and preservatives.

Curcumin is used in fermentation and microbiology studies to explore antimicrobial activity in vitro.
Curcumin is used in biofilm research as a compound of interest in screening panels.
Curcumin is used in food preservation research as part of natural additive investigations.

Curcumin is used in lipid oxidation studies as a comparator antioxidant in food systems research.
Curcumin is used in model emulsions to study antioxidant partitioning behavior.
Curcumin is used in shelf-life experiments for oils and fat-containing foods.

Curcumin is used in animal nutrition research as a feed additive candidate in controlled studies.
Curcumin is used in aquaculture research feeds to explore pigment and health-related outcomes.

DESCRIPTION

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid responsible for turmeric’s characteristic color, and Curcumin is typically supplied as a bright yellow to orange-yellow powder.
Curcumin is poorly soluble in water, so Curcumin is commonly formulated using dispersions, emulsions, solubilizers, or encapsulation technologies to improve uniformity and stability.
Curcumin can degrade under strong light and alkaline pH, so Curcumin-containing products often require protective packaging, antioxidants, and pH control.

Curcumin is widely used as a food additive identified as E100 in many markets, and Curcumin offers a natural-label alternative to synthetic yellow dyes.
Curcumin can contribute to staining, so Curcumin handling and equipment cleaning practices should be designed to prevent unwanted coloration of surfaces.
Curcumin quality depends on specification parameters such as curcuminoid content, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiological limits for the intended use.

Curcumin should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from light and moisture.
Curcumin powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during manufacturing.
Curcumin should be used in compliance with applicable food, cosmetic, or supplement regulations in the target market.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C21H20O6
Molecular Weight: 368.38 g/mol
Common Name: Curcumin
Chemical Type: Natural polyphenolic pigment (curcuminoid)
Appearance: Bright yellow to orange-yellow powder
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, acetone, and other organic solvents (system dependent)
Color Strength: High tinting strength; sensitive to formulation and processing conditions
pH Sensitivity: Degrades in alkaline conditions; more stable in acidic to near-neutral systems
Light Sensitivity: Can photodegrade; protect from strong light exposure
Thermal Stability: Moderate; prolonged high heat can reduce color intensity (system dependent)
Antioxidant Activity: Acts as an antioxidant polyphenol in suitable matrices
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, protected from light
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Curcumin may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from light.
Protect from moisture and contamination to maintain color strength and microbiological quality.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.

Handling Precautions:
Use stabilizing strategies such as encapsulation, antioxidants, and pH control when Curcumin stability is critical in the final product.
Conduct stability testing for color retention under light and heat conditions relevant to the target application.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.