What it is
Curcumin 95% is the purified curcuminoid fraction of turmeric rhizome, concentrated well beyond the roughly 2 to 5% curcuminoid content of the raw dried spice. Extraction removes the starch, fibre and volatile oil that dominate the unprocessed rhizome, and a crystallisation step lifts the marker compounds to the 95% level measured by HPLC. What remains is a dense, strongly coloured powder in which almost all of the mass is the compound class the formulator is specifying against.
Formulation considerations
The practical constraint with this material is solubility rather than assay. Curcuminoids are lipophilic and effectively insoluble in water at neutral pH, which rules out simple dissolution in aqueous systems. Options include dispersing into a lipid phase, working with a solubilised or phospholipid-complexed grade, or using a water-dispersible version engineered for beverage bases. The compound is also pH sensitive: colour shifts from yellow toward red-brown above pH 8, which matters for any alkaline matrix.
Thermal stability is adequate for tabletting and short-duration processing, but extended high-temperature hold times should be avoided. Light exposure is the more common cause of colour drift in finished product, so opaque packaging is usual.
Applications
In capsules and tablets the high assay keeps fill weights workable, and the powder flows acceptably once blended with a glidant. Beyond solid dose, the material is widely used in powder sachets, where it also contributes visual identity, and in topical and cosmetic bases. Standard and dispersible grades are available in bulk quantities, with pricing on application.
Applications
- Capsules and tablets
- Powder blends and sachets
- Functional beverages (dispersible grades)
- Topical and cosmetic formulations
Handling and storage
Store in the original sealed container in a cool, dry place below 25 degrees Celsius, protected from direct light. The curcuminoid fraction is photosensitive and will fade on prolonged light exposure, so opened drums should be resealed promptly and decanted under subdued lighting. Typical shelf life is 36 months from manufacture in unopened packaging. The powder stains surfaces, garments and equipment readily, so dedicated scoops and closed transfer are recommended.
Common questions
What curcuminoid content does this extract carry?
The standard grade assays at 95% minimum total curcuminoids by HPLC, reported as the sum of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The figure for the material you receive is stated on the lot Certificate of Analysis.
Is curcumin 95% water soluble?
No. Curcumin has very low aqueous solubility and will not disperse in water without assistance. Formulators generally pair it with a solubilising system, a carrier oil, or select a water-dispersible grade where a clear or stable liquid matrix is required.
How should curcumin be handled in a powder blend?
Add it as a pre-blended premix rather than neat, since the fine particle size and strong staining behaviour make it prone to streaking in a dry mix. Blending with a portion of the bulk excipient first, then diluting up in stages, gives a more uniform distribution.
What documentation is supplied with each lot?
Each delivery is accompanied by a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis, plus the Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, specification sheet and allergen declaration. Additional declarations can be provided on request.