J-BNB - VPMThane.org

It can exist at least in two tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The keto form is preferred in solid phase and
the enol form in solution. Curcumin is a pH indicator. In acidic solutions (pH 8.6) solutions it turns bright red.
Curcumin enol form
Curcumin keto form
Synthesis of Curcumin
Turmeric rhizome
Phytochemicals found in turmeric have been investigated in preliminary research for their potential
effects on diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes and other clinical disorders. As an example of such
basic research, turmeric reduced the severity of pancreatitis-associated lung injury in mice.
According to one report, research activity into curcumin and turmeric is increasing. The U.S. National
Institutes of Health currently has registered 71 clinical trials completed or underway to study use of
dietary curcumin for a variety of clinical disorders.
Turmeric rhizome
Some research shows compounds in turmeric to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties; however,
curcumin is not one of them.
In another preliminary research example, curcumin is being studied for whether it alters the response to
chemotherapy in patients with advanced bowel cancer, as found in a laboratory study.
Dye :
Turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not very light fast. However, turmeric is commonly used in
Indian and Bangladeshi clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes.
Turmeric leaf oil, Turmeric Oil (Curcuma longa)
84 JBNB (Vol. I ) Issue I January’2013