Physicochemical and Biological Aspects of Curcumin: A Review

Abstract

Background: Curcuma longa L. is worldwide investigated as the well known indian spice by virtue of its principal constituent, curcumin. Objective: The objective of this review is to study the biosynthetic pathway, extraction process, chemistry, various analytical methods for identification of curcumin and its effect on biological system. Methods: Current prose and papers emphasizing the biosynthesis, extraction methods, analytical methods and biological activities of curcumin have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty. Result: Curcumin, principal constituent extracted from dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. is a hydrophobic polyphenol meant to cure chronic malignancies like rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Inflammatory bowel disease and many common ailments related to colon, lung, stomach and skin. Conclusion: This present review gives erudition of curcumin which paves way for further work.