curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric

Examples of curcumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since turmeric is only 3 percent curcumin, some people take curcumin supplements. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2024

And the curcumin within turmeric may also have cancer-fighting properties, though again, such research is ongoing. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2023

One group took 250 milligrams (mg) of curcumin four times daily. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 24 Sep. 2023

The only problem is curcumin is very hard for the body to absorb without a bioavailability enhancer like black pepper extract or blue galangal extract being present, neither of which are included here. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

One group got two large capsules of curcumin, a naturally active component to turmeric and a dummy capsule, another got a small omeprazole capsule and two summy capsules four times a day, and the last group got omeprazole and turmeric capsules. —Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 13 Sep. 2023

Does curcumin have the same effects on the kidneys as NSAIDs like these? —Joe and Teresa Graedon, oregonlive, 17 July 2023

The active compound curcumin has been shown to be particularly effective to reduce inflammation. —Discover Magazine, 6 July 2023

This compound can boost curcumin absorption by as much as 2,000%, so look for a supplement containing both curcumin and piperine for the best results. —Angela Watson, chicagotribune.com, 19 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

French curcumine, from curcum- (from New Latin Curcuma, the turmeric plant, from Arabic kurkum) + -ine -in entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric