Curcumin (600mg)

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, also known as diferuloylmethane, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric). It belongs to the curcuminoid family and is the primary bioactive constituent responsible for the plant’s characteristic yellow coloration.

Chemical Structure of Curcumin

Curcumin has the molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₆ and a molecular weight of 368.39 Da. Structurally, it features two aromatic rings bearing hydroxy and methoxy substituents, connected via an α,β-unsaturated β-diketone heptadienone linker that exists in keto–enol tautomeric forms depending on pH.

What Are the Effects of Curcumin?

• Antioxidant Activity: Curcumin scavenges reactive oxygen species and enhances endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in vitro.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: It suppresses key inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF‑κB signaling, iNOS, COX‑2, and 5‑LOX pathways, as demonstrated in cell and animal studies.
• Molecular Target Modulation: In preclinical assays, curcumin has shown interactions with a range of molecular structures—including kinases like CLK, EGFR, and GSK‑3β—suggesting pleiotropic regulatory potential.
• Potential Wound Healing & Antimicrobial Effects: Animal and in vitro models indicate that curcumin, especially in topical formulations, promotes wound repair and exhibits antibacterial activity against pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Metabolic & Anti-proliferative Data: Curcumin has been investigated in metabolic disorder models and exhibits inhibition of tumorigenic cell proliferation, though its low bioavailability remains a significant limitation for systemic efficacy.

Citations

1. PubChem Compound Summary – Curcumin (CID 969516): molecular formula and structure data. Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome
2. Molecules: “The Chemistry of Curcumin: From Extraction to Therapeutic Agent.” Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome
3. Trends Pharmacol Sci: “Pharmacological basis for curcumin’s role in chronic diseases.” Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome
4. Foods Journal: “Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health.” Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome
5. Foods Journal: “Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.” Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome
6. Int. J. Biomed. Sci.: “Evaluation of antibacterial and wound healing properties of a curcumin ointment.” Curcumin in Turmeric Rhizome