Curcumin 98%

Curcumin is a diarylheptanoid phytochemical naturally occurring among the curcuminoids of Curcuma longa L. rhizome. Chemically known as diferuloylmethane, it has a defined molecular identity that distinguishes it from turmeric powder, oleoresin, and multi-component standardized extracts. The commercial ingredient is supplied as a concentrated yellow-orange powder for formulation and technical applications.

The 98% grade is standardized to ≥98% individual curcumin by HPLC. This assay definition differentiates the high-purity compound from specifications reported as total curcuminoids. Strong pigmentation, hydrophobicity, and very low aqueous solubility are important considerations when selecting the material for concentrated formulations and delivery-system development.

SKU: BOT-PHY-0002 Categories: Phytochemicals, Lignans, Quinones & Specialty Phytochemicals Tags: Curcumin, Curcuminoids, Diarylheptanoids, Dietary Supplements, Joint Support

Ingredient Profile & Common Uses

Curcumin is the principal diarylheptanoid associated with turmeric rhizome and is identified by CAS 458-37-7. Its molecular structure contains two substituted aromatic rings connected through a conjugated β-diketone system. Unlike turmeric powder or broader standardized extracts, this product is commercially defined by the concentration of a single phytochemical compound.

The 98% grade is selected when formulation, analytical, or ingredient-development work requires a highly concentrated individual compound rather than a broader turmeric extract. This distinction affects supplier qualification, specification comparison, inclusion level, and formulation planning because assays reported for total curcuminoids are not directly interchangeable with individual-curcumin purity.

The material has intense yellow-orange pigmentation, hydrophobic character, and very limited water solubility. These properties influence blending, wetting, dispersion, and delivery-system selection. Premixing can support more uniform distribution in dry products, while aqueous applications typically require dispersion, emulsification, encapsulation, or another suitable formulation approach rather than relying on direct dissolution.

Application Areas

Dietary Supplement Formulations

Used in capsules, tablets, powdered supplements, and other concentrated formulations where a chemically defined high-purity compound is preferred over a broader turmeric extract.

Dry Ingredient Premixes

The high-purity powder can be incorporated into premixes before final blending to improve distribution of the intensely colored ingredient throughout larger dry formulation batches.

Lipid-Based & Encapsulated Systems

Its hydrophobic character makes lipid phases, emulsions, phospholipid systems, encapsulation technologies, and other dispersion-oriented approaches relevant for poorly water-soluble formulation systems.

Formulation & Technical Development

A defined individual-compound assay supports analytical comparison, formulation screening, delivery-system development, and projects requiring clear differentiation from multi-component curcuminoid extracts.

Typical Specifications

Parameter	Specification / Reference Information
Product Name	Curcumin 98%
Compound Name	Curcumin
Chemical Synonym	Diferuloylmethane
CAS Number	458-37-7
EC Number	207-280-5
Molecular Formula	C₂₁H₂₀O₆
Molecular Weight	368.38 g/mol
Chemical Class	Diarylheptanoid / Curcuminoid
Product Form	Powder
Assay Definition	Individual Curcumin
Assay / Purity	≥98%
Analytical Method	HPLC
Natural Botanical Occurrence	Curcuma longa L. rhizome
Water Behavior	Very poorly soluble / practically insoluble in water
pH Behavior	Greater chemical instability under neutral-to-alkaline aqueous conditions
Light Behavior	Sensitive to prolonged UV and visible-light exposure

Compound Identity & HPLC Purity

Curcumin is one member of the curcuminoid family associated with Curcuma longa. Other major related compounds include demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. A specification expressed as total curcuminoids can therefore represent the combined concentration of several structurally related compounds rather than the concentration of curcumin alone.

For the high-purity grade, individual curcumin ≥98% by HPLC provides the more specific commercial definition. Chromatographic separation allows the principal analyte to be measured independently from related curcuminoids and gives buyers a clearer basis for comparing high-purity materials.

This distinction is important during supplier qualification and formulation development. A turmeric extract standardized to total curcuminoids and a purified curcumin ingredient may both use similar commercial terminology, but their chromatographic profiles, inclusion logic, and procurement specifications are not equivalent.

Technical & Quality Considerations

Quality evaluation should focus on chromatographic identity, assay basis, purity profile, and consistency of the principal curcumin peak. The analytical specification should clearly identify whether the result represents the individual compound or a combined curcuminoid value. Chromatographic profile consistency is particularly useful when differentiating a purified grade from broader multi-component turmeric materials.

Curcumin is strongly pigmented and hydrophobic, with extremely limited aqueous solubility. Its conjugated structure also contributes to sensitivity toward environmental conditions. Neutral-to-alkaline aqueous environments can accelerate degradation, while prolonged light exposure can reduce chemical stability. Formulation development should therefore consider pH, light exposure, wetting behavior, dispersion method, and interaction with the selected matrix.

For dry formulations, R&D teams should evaluate premixing sequence, powder distribution, staining, blend uniformity, and processing losses. For aqueous or semi-aqueous systems, direct dissolution is generally inefficient. Emulsions, lipid carriers, phospholipid systems, encapsulation, solid dispersions, or other delivery technologies may be evaluated when improved wetting, dispersion, or apparent solubility is required.

Packaging & Commercial Supply

Essencefield supports product evaluation, formulation trials, commercial orders, and ongoing ingredient supply. Packaging, storage, and shipping arrangements are determined by product characteristics, order quantity, stability requirements, and destination-market needs.

Supply Item	General Information
Sample	Available upon request for formulation, testing, and supplier evaluation
Order Quantities	100 g · 1 kg · 5 kg · 25 kg · 100 kg · 500 kg · Bulk
Sample Lead Time	Typically 5–7 days after sample confirmation
Production Lead Time	Typically 15–30 days after order and specification confirmation
Packaging	Suitable protective inner packaging with bags, cartons, drums, or other appropriate outer packaging
Storage	Store in tightly sealed, suitable protective packaging in a cool, dry environment. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Specific storage conditions follow the approved product specification.
Documentation	COA · Product Specification · TDS · SDS · Applicable declarations (as applicable)

Final order quantities, lead times, packaging, documentation, and shipping arrangements are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial requirements.