PRODUCT PROFILE Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family. It is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. It is extracted, concentrated, standardized and researched. Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and a gold coloured spice commonly used in the Indian subcontinent, not only for health care but also for the preservation of food and as a yellow dye for textiles. Fresh turmeric leaves are used in some regions of Indonesia as flavouring. It is called Indian saffron because of its orange yellow colour. In some languages, the names of turmeric just mean yellow root. Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal actions. Product characteristics Alternate name - Turmeric Mol. Formula. - C21H20O6. Appearance - Orange-yellow crystalline powder Description - Phytochemical compound Shelf life -Two years under proper conditions Applications The few broad use categories are medical use, food additives and many more. Traditionally turmeric is being used in Indian System of medicine. It has several medicinal properties like stomachic, carnivative, tonic, blood purifier, vermicide and antiseptic. Curcumin has also been shown to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect. It accomplishes this by reducing histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Curcumin also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Curcumin is very useful in joint related concerns, helps maintain normal cholesterol and a healthy heart, is very helpful as a digestive support, is extremely helpful in liver protection, is also used in controlling obesity and induces the flow of bile, which breaks down fats. Global demand Indian export- Around 140.17 metric ton per annum India is one of the leading producers and exporters of Turmeric. In traditional Asian medicine, turmeric is used to treat various conditions. These value-added products enjoy excellent demand in the developed economies where they are used as food ingredients to enhance value and aroma of many foods. Importantly, they are standardized products, hygienic and of consistent quality, also used in addition to a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Spice Oleoresins are essentially the concentrated liquid form obtained from spices. Oleoresins are popularly used for food flavouring in the food processing industry. The demand for these derivatives is on the rise in the global market and India too is cashing on this booming market. Among the export of different spices, maximum share was from chilli (40%) followed by turmeric (11%) during 2009 to 2010. However, in terms of value, mint products and spice oil & oleoresins contributed 44% of the total export earnings. Global production is estimated around 11 to 11.5 lakh tonnes. India contributes about 78 per cent of the world production and 60 per cent to the total trade. The increasing demand for natural products is in the pharmaceutical industry also. There was an annual demand growth rate of five to 6% for all spices oleoresins in the world which was expected to increase further as they were becoming popular amongst the consumers the world over. It makes Curcumin one the major product to invest. Since the benefits and demand of Curcumin are immense it has an excellent market potential.