Curcumin: Versatile Applications for Wellness

Curcumin, a novel bioactive compound derived from curcumna longa, the rhizome of turmeric, has gained a significant attention due to its multiple therapeutic properties and diverse applications in various fields. Renowned for its multifunctional health potentials, it has been extensively studied for its role in preventing and curing various acute and chronic diseases. Its unique chemistry allows it to interact with various molecular targets, making it a promising candidate in traditional as well as in medicinal medicine.

Curcumin: A high value ingredient from turmeric

Turmeric locally known as haldi contains a group of curcuminoids in variable amounts (2-9%). The concentration of curcumin present in curcuminoids is about 77%, and it is the most active component of turmeric. Many studies have indicated the curcumin content in turmeric ranges between 1 to 9%. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, has been studied in the scientific, culinary and medicinal domains for its multifaceted properties. Curcumin is a crystalline in structure with a vivid orange and yellow coloration. This vivid yellow ingredient present in turmeric gives color to the food, called as food colorant. The molecular structure of curcumin reflects symmetry by the chemical formula C21H20O6 (1E,6E). The lipophilic polyphenolic compound, (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), has a molecular weight of 368.38g/mol. Curcumin was first initially isolated in 1815 from the laboratory at Harvard College by two scientist named, Vogel and Pelletier. When several studies were conducted on animal models, it was discovered that the curcumin is categorized as pan-assay interference substances (PAINS) and invalid metabolic panaceas (IMPS). Curcumin content in turmeric varies due to many factors such as soil type and tropical regions.

Multifunctionality of curcumin

Curcumin exhibits a multifaceted approach towards functionality. Curcumin alone, can do wonders in providing health and wellbeing. Considering its mulifunctional approach, it is a viable option for the treatment of various illness, such as systemic inflammatory syndrome, sepsis, hepatobiliary disorder, depression and many others. Curcumin contains a strong anti-inflammatory property by binding to the Toll like receptors (TLRs), regulating the expression of inflammatory genes. It is able to resist free radicals formation in the body and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Curcumin may be responsible in decreasing the levels of liver enzymes present in the blood. Curcumin, not only responsible for the anti-inflammation in the body but also helpful in reducing brain stress and anxiety because curcumin increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It can further suppress monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters and restoration of optimal levels of neurotransmitters.

Market Dynamics and global trade

The global curcumin production is experiencing significant growth, influenced for its multifunctional therapeutic properties and its applications are increasing across various leading industries. The global market of curcumin was valued at USD 75.36 million in the year of 2022 and USD 87.76 million in 2023, and it displays the compound annual growth rate of 10.1% during the forecast period. it is expected to reach USD 608.2 million by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 6.7%. its therapeutic benefits boosting the curcumin industry growth across the globe. The main source of curcumin, Curcuma Longa, was 3254th most traded product in 2022. Across south Asian countries, India is the greatest exporter of curcumin accounting for about $226 million of the total exports, followed by Burma ($19.6M) and Fiji ($11.5M) and United States is the largest importer of turmeric, followed by Bangladesh ($28.7M) and India ($26M). Curcuma ranks 4616th in the Product Complexity Index (PCI). Pakistan reflects a growing interest in curcuma production and trade due to its vast medicinal and therapeutic importance. The rising awareness of these beneficial spices in Pakistan, consumers are willing to pay a premium for these products, which ultimately leads to the stimulation of market growth and trade. Consumers in Pakistan are seeking and demanding an alternative to synthetic ingredients, which ultimately leads to the progress in the market of herbal nutritional supplements and natural skin care.

Opportunities and challenges in the global market

The consumers demand for more natural and organic products are increasing globally across various sectors, including pharmceutical, skin care, and food applications. Curcumin is famous for its multifunctionality and is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-depressant properties, making it a preferrable choice in health sector. In the recent times United States has experience an increase in the demand of curcumin in health and medicinal sector. Some government initiatives are important, aiming at promoting natural and organic curcumin-based products to facilitate market growth. In global curcumin market, several challenges have been faced by these initiatives as the availability of cheaper synthetic alternatives exhibits a significant challenge to this therapeutic compound. These alternatives provide same benefits but with lower cost, ultimately lowers curcumin market share. In Pakistan, where agricultural practices are affected by economic growth, fluctuations in the supply of raw material particularly turmeric, can impact production and pricing and this uncertainty resist or inhibit the growth of curcumin market. But Pakistan has favorable climate conditions for the production and cultivation of Curcuma Longa, which can be beneficial to boost the local production of this rhizome. But the lack of adequate infrastructure for processing and exporting curcumin can exhibit many challenges. Investment in this sector is essential to capitalize on the opportunities available in the market.

Applications and Innovations

Curcumin’s versatile applications, from a dietary supplement and functional food to skin care products, making it a promising option in the global dynamics. Researchers are continuously working in this field to enhance the bioavailability and applications of curcumin. Nano-practical delivery system is applied by many researchers to expand its therapeutic applications and to upsurge its market appeal. Curcumin based products are available in the form of supplementation, spice, turmeric latte, oils and vinegars, herbal products and skincare range. Turmeric tea, commonly known as golden milk and curcumin supplementation is mostly used to promote health and wellbeing. Golden milk is a traditional drink, famous for its therapeutic qualities. The utilization of this milk emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. curcumin offers a holistic path to wellness and vitality due to its numerous therapeutic potentials and significant cultural history. Ongoing research in this field will ultimately enhance the applications of curcumin.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Mian Kamran Sharif is an Associate Professor, Areej and Tabana Naz are post graduate students at the National Institute of Food Science & Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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