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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:1._Catahoula_Leopard_Dog,_Buck.jpg|1. Catahoula Leopard Dog, Buck|thumb]] '''Curcumin''' is a bright yellow chemical produced by plants of the ''[[Curcuma longa]]'' species. It is the principal [[curcuminoid]] of [[turmeric]] (''Curcuma longa''), a member of the [[ginger]] family, [[Zingiberaceae]]. It is sold as an [[herbal supplement]], [[cosmetics]] ingredient, [[food flavoring]], and [[food coloring]].<br />
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Chemically, curcumin is a [[diarylheptanoid]], belonging to the group of compounds called [[curcuminoids]], which includes demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. It is obtained by solvent extraction of turmeric and then purified to various extents. Despite its use in cooking for several thousand years, curcumin's potential for medical applications has only been recognized in the latter part of the 20th century.<br />
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== Health Effects ==<br />
Research into the potential health benefits of curcumin is ongoing. It has been studied for its [[antioxidant]], [[anti-inflammatory]], antiviral, and [[anticancer]] properties. However, there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support these claims. The efficacy of curcumin is limited by its poor [[bioavailability]], which can be somewhat improved by combining it with other agents such as [[piperine]], found in black pepper.<br />
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=== Bioavailability ===<br />
Curcumin's low bioavailability is attributed to its rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall, as well as its poor absorption from the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Various formulations have been developed to increase its bioavailability, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and phospholipid complexes.<br />
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== Uses ==<br />
=== Food and Cosmetics ===<br />
Curcumin is used widely as a food additive for its color and is approved for use in the [[European Union]] (E100), the [[United States]] (as a food coloring), and other countries. It has no known toxic effects in humans when consumed in typical amounts, though it can cause skin allergies when used in cosmetic products for some individuals.<br />
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=== Supplements ===<br />
As a dietary supplement, curcumin is claimed to offer a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and preventing cancer. However, these claims lack sufficient clinical evidence and, as such, should be approached with caution.<br />
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== Research ==<br />
There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of curcumin, including the treatment of [[Alzheimer's disease]], [[cancer]], and [[arthritis]]. However, much of this research is preliminary, and there is no consensus on its effectiveness for these conditions.<br />
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== Safety and Regulation ==<br />
While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) when used as a food additive, the safety of long-term or high-dose use of curcumin supplements is not well established. Potential adverse effects include gastrointestinal issues and interactions with other drugs.<br />
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[[Category:Chemical compounds]]<br />
[[Category:Food additives]]<br />
[[Category:Dietary supplements]]<br />
[[Category:Herbal & traditional medicine]]<br />
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