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E100 curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.
E100 curcumin is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring.
E100 curcumin is a natural yellow pigment and polyphenolic compound extracted mainly from the rhizomes of the plant turmeric (Curcuma longa).
CAS Number: 458-37-7
Molecular Formula: C21H20O6
Molecular Weight: 368.38
EINECS Number: 207-280-5
Synonyms: curcumin, 458-37-7, Diferuloylmethane, Natural yellow 3, Kacha haldi, Curcumin I, Curcuma, Haldar, Indian saffron, Gelbwurz, Souchet, Haidr, Halad, Halud, Yellow Ginger, Terra Merita, (1E,6E)-1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione, C.I. Natural Yellow 3, Safran d'Inde, Yo-Kin, Yellow puccoon, Diferaloylmethane, CI Natural Yellow 3, C.I. 75300, Jianghuangsu, Kurkumin, NanoCurc, Zlut prirodni 3, E100, Lipocurc, Kurkum, CI 75300, Curcumin E100, NSC32982, NSC-32982, DTXSID8031077, 1,5-Di(vanillyliden)acetylaceton, 1,5-Divanillyliden-2,4-pentandion, NSC-687842, CHEBI:3962, IT942ZTH98, 1,9-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,7-nonadiene-4,6-dione, 1,6-Heptadiene-3,5-dione, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-, INS NO.100(I), INS-100(I), (E,E)-1,7-bis(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, E100, DTXCID901421, Tumeric, Curcumin phytosome, Phytosome Curcumin, Turmeric Essential Oil, Curcumine, Hydrastis, Turmeric yellow, (1E,6E)-1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, 94875-80-6, MFCD00008365, Cucurmin, Curcumin (synthetic), Curcurmin, NSC 32982, CHEMBL140, SMR000058237, (E/Z)-Curcumin, NSC687842, CAS-458-37-7, trans,trans-Curcumin, FEMA No.3085, FEMA No.3086, CCRIS 3257, CCRIS 5804, HSDB 4334, NCI-C61325, EINECS 207-280-5, BRN 2306965, UNII-IT942ZTH98, Curcuma yellow, E100 (dye), curcumin [INN], CURCUMIN [HSDB], CURCUMIN [MI], CURCUMIN [MART.], CURCUMIN [USP-RS], CURCUMIN [WHO-DD], SCHEMBL8440, Curcumin analytical standard, CHEMBL116438, CID 969516, 5-dione,1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-heptadiene-3;6-Heptadiene-3,5-dione,1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-,(E,E)-1;haidr;halud;yellowginger;yellowpuccoon;yellowroot;zlutprirodni3
E100 curcumin has been widely used in the food industry as a common natural pigment for a long time.
E100 curcumin is mainly used for the dyeing of canned food, sausage products and soy sauce products.
The amount of curcumin used is determined by normal production needs.
E100 curcumin form of functional food with curcumin as the main component can be general food or some non-food forms, such as capsules, pills or tablets.
For general food form, some yellow pigmented foods can be considered, such as cakes, sweets, beverages, etc.
E100 curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by plants of the Curcuma longa species.
E100 curcumin is widely used as a food colorant and bioactive ingredient.
It is part of the curcuminoid group.
E100 curcumin is a diferuloylmethane compound, consisting of two aromatic ring systems connected by a conjugated diketone chain.
This structure is responsible for its strong color and antioxidant activity.
E100 curcumin is a hydrophobic molecule.
Physically, E100 curcumin appears as a bright yellow to orange-yellow powder.
It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and fats.
E100 curcumin has a mild earthy odor.
E100 curcumin is known for its strong coloring ability, giving foods a yellow to golden hue.
Even small amounts produce intense coloration.
This makes it an effective natural dye.
E100 curcumin also exhibits antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals.
It can slow oxidation in fats and biological systems.
This contributes to preservation effects.
E100 curcumin has poor water solubility and low bioavailability, meaning it is not easily absorbed in the human body without formulation enhancement.
This limits its direct biological effectiveness.
Special delivery systems are often used.
E100 curcumin is chemically stable in dry form, but it can degrade under light, alkaline conditions, or prolonged heat exposure.
Proper storage is required to maintain quality.
This preserves its activity.
E100 curcumin is best described as a natural yellow coloring agent from turmeric with antioxidant properties, widely used in food, cosmetics, and traditional medicine systems.
E100 curcumin is often used in spice blends and curry powders, where it provides both color and flavor contribution.
It enhances the characteristic yellow appearance of curry products.
E100 curcumin is widely applied in beverages and dairy alternatives (like plant-based milks) using emulsified or encapsulated forms.
These technologies improve dispersion in water-based systems.
This increases usability.
E100 curcumin is also used in cosmetics such as face masks, soaps, and skin-care products.
It provides natural coloring and antioxidant support.
This improves product appeal.
E100 curcumin is frequently formulated into dietary supplements in capsules or tablets due to its low natural bioavailability.
Formulations often include piperine or lipid carriers.
E100 curcumin shows limited stability in alkaline environments and during long heating, which can reduce color and activity.
Melting point: 183 °C
Boiling point: 418.73°C (rough estimate)
Density: 0.93
vapor density: 13 (vs air)
refractive index: 1.4155–1.4175
Flash point: 208.9±23.6 °C
storage temp.: 2–8°C
solubility: ethanol: 10 mg/mL
form: powder
pKa: 8.09 (at 25℃)
Colour Index: 75300
color: orange
Odor: Odorless
pH Range: Yellow (7.8) to red-brown (9.2)
biological source: Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble (hot)
λmax: 430 nm
Merck: 14,2673
Solvent: Ethanol
Concentration: 1 mCi/mL
Specific Activity: 5–15 Ci/mmol
BRN: 2306965
Henry's Law Constant: 1.4×10¹⁶ mol/(m³·Pa) at 25℃ (HSDB, 2015)
Stability: Stable, but may be light sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Major Application: Cosmetics; drug-eluting stents; inhibition of formation of skin-wrinkles; treating Alzheimer’s disease; skin diseases; coronary restenosis; diabetes; obesity; leukemia; neurofibromas; cancer; antimicrobial; antiviral; antiinflammatory; antiprostate cancer
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: ANTIOXIDANT; COLORANT
InChI: 1S/C21H20O6/c1-26-20-11-14(5-9-18(20)24)3-7-16(22)13-17(23)8-4-15-6-10-19(25)21(12-15)27-2/h3-12,24-25H,13H2,1-2H3/b7-3+,8-4+
InChIKey: VFLDPWHFBUODDF-FCXRPNKRSA-N
SMILES: COc1cc(C=CC(=O)CC(=O)C=Cc2ccc(O)c(OC)c2)ccc1O
LogP: 3.290 (est)
E100 curcumin also has strong lipophilic (fat-loving) behavior, meaning it dissolves much better in oils and fats than in water.
This makes it more effective in fat-based food systems.
E100 curcumin improves performance in lipid matrices.
E100 curcumin can undergo tautomerism (keto–enol forms), which influences its chemical reactivity and stability.
This structural flexibility contributes to its antioxidant behavior.
E100 curcumin affects how it interacts with other molecules.
E100 curcumin shows photodegradation sensitivity, meaning it breaks down when exposed to light, especially UV light.
This can reduce color intensity over time.
Protective packaging is often required.
E100 curcumin has metal-binding (chelating) ability, allowing it to interact with iron and other trace metals.
E100 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.
Extensive studies have consistently failed to show any medical value for curcumin.
E100 curcumin is difficult to study because it is both unstable and poorly bioavailable.
It is unlikely to produce useful leads for drug development as a lead compound.
E100 curcumin also shows strong pH-dependent color behavior, meaning its color changes depending on acidity or alkalinity.
E100 curcumin is yellow in acidic to neutral conditions but can shift toward orange-red in alkaline environments.
This makes it useful as a natural indicator in some systems.
It has conjugated double bonds, which are responsible for its ability to absorb visible light and produce an intense yellow color.
This conjugation also contributes to antioxidant activity.
E100 curcumin improves chemical reactivity in biological systems.
E100 curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory and bioactive properties in biological studies, influencing multiple cellular pathways.
It interacts with enzymes and signaling molecules.
This has led to pharmaceutical interest.
E100 curcumin shows poor stability in alkaline conditions, where it rapidly degrades.
E100 curcumin can form complexes with proteins, lipids, and metal ions, which may alter its stability and absorption.
These interactions can improve or reduce bioavailability depending on the system.
E100 curcumin is often used in encapsulated or emulsified forms to improve water dispersibility.
Techniques like nanoemulsions or liposomes enhance stability and absorption.
This increases functional use.
E100 curcumin demonstrates moderate antioxidant strength compared to synthetic antioxidants, but it is valued for its natural origin.
It contributes to oxidative protection in food systems.
This supports clean-label applications.
E100 curcumin is commonly extracted using solvent extraction or supercritical CO₂ methods from turmeric roots.
Purification yields concentrated curcumin powders.
E100 curcumin is widely used in traditional systems such as Ayurveda and traditional medicine, beyond its food coloring role.
E100 curcumin is associated with various health-support claims.
This increases its functional interest.
E100 curcumin is a natural plant-derived yellow pigment with antioxidant activity, low water solubility, and strong color properties, widely used in food coloring, supplements, cosmetics, and functional formulations.
Uses Of E100 curcumin:
A natural phenolic compound. Potent anti-tumor agent having anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Induces apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activity.
Reported to inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages.
Potent inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase and IκB kinase.
Inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase.
Easily penetrates into the cytoplasm of cells, accumulating in membranous structures such as plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope.
E100 curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
The curcuminoids are polyphenols and are responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Curcumin can exist in at least two.
E100 curcumin is widely used in the food industry as a natural yellow-orange colorant.
E100 curcumin provides a bright golden color to many products.
This improves visual appeal.
In spice blends such as curry powders, it is a key ingredient.
E100 curcumin gives characteristic yellow coloration and contributes to flavor.
This defines the appearance of curry products.
E100 curcumin is used in processed foods and sauces, including mustards, soups, and dressings.
It provides stable natural coloring.
This enhances product consistency.
Curcumin is applied in beverages, especially in functional drinks and plant-based drinks.
It is often used in emulsified or encapsulated form.
This improves color stability in liquids.
In dairy and dairy alternatives, such as yogurt and plant-based milks, it is used for natural coloring.
E100 curcumin gives a creamy yellow tone.
This improves product attractiveness.
E100 curcumin is widely used in bakery and confectionery products, such as cakes, candies, and fillings.
E100 curcumin is used in cosmetics and personal care products, including soaps, creams, and face masks.
It provides natural pigmentation and antioxidant effects.
In dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, it is used in capsules and tablets.
It is often combined with absorption enhancers like piperine.
This supports health-focused products.
E100 curcumin is also used in traditional medicine and herbal preparations, especially in Ayurveda-based formulations.
It is valued for its bioactive properties.
E100 curcumin is used wherever natural yellow coloring, clean-label formulation, and functional antioxidant properties are desired across food, cosmetic, supplement, and traditional applications.
E100 curcumin is also used in ready-to-eat meals and convenience foods to maintain a consistent yellow color across processed ingredients.
It helps standardize appearance after heating and storage.
This improves product uniformity.
In processed meat substitutes (plant-based products), it is used to mimic the yellow-golden tones of cooked fats or spices.
E100 curcumin enhances visual realism in vegan products.
This improves consumer acceptance.
E100 curcumin is applied in snack foods and coated products, such as flavored chips and coated nuts.
It provides stable coloration during processing.
This improves shelf appeal.
E100 curcumin is used in ice creams and frozen desserts, where it adds natural yellow coloring.
It remains stable in frozen conditions when properly formulated.
This improves visual quality.
In cheese analogues and dairy substitutes, it is used to replicate natural cheese color.
E100 curcumin helps achieve a consistent yellow tone.
This improves product resemblance.
E100 curcumin is used in functional beverages and wellness shots, often in emulsified or nano-formulated systems.
This improves dispersibility in water-based drinks.
This enhances usability.
E100 curcumin is also applied in pharmaceutical formulations as a coloring agent for capsules and tablets.
It provides a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
This supports clean-label medicines.
In cosmetic serums and skincare formulations, it is used for natural tinting and antioxidant support.
E100 curcumin contributes to product aesthetics.
E100 curcumin is used in pet foods and animal nutrition products, especially where natural coloring is preferred.
It enhances visual consistency of feed products.
E100 curcumin is used wherever natural yellow coloration, clean-label appeal, and functional antioxidant properties are required across food, beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and specialty product systems.
Safety Profile Of E100 curcumin:
E100 curcumin presents very low hazard potential, as it is a natural compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) widely used in foods, supplements, and cosmetics.
It is generally recognized as safe at normal dietary levels.
However, some precautions apply in concentrated forms.
Skin contact is typically low risk, but concentrated curcumin or extracts may cause mild staining or slight irritation in sensitive individuals.
E100 curcumin can strongly color the skin temporarily.
Protective handling may be needed in industrial settings.
Eye contact may cause mild irritation and strong yellow staining.
Symptoms can include redness and discomfort.
Eyes should be rinsed thoroughly with water if exposure occurs.
Inhalation of fine powder may cause minor respiratory irritation, especially in dusty environments.
Ingestion at normal food levels is considered safe and widely consumed as part of turmeric-containing foods.
Very high supplemental doses may cause mild gastrointestinal effects such as nausea or stomach upset in some individuals.
Excess intake should be avoided.
E100 curcumin may cause allergic reactions in rare cases, particularly in individuals sensitive to turmeric or related plant compounds.
