TURMERIC · BOTANICAL PROFILE

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Three curcuminoids in a golden rhizome

BOTANICALS & EVIDENCE

Turmeric Ingredients, SOD-Like and Antioxidant Testing

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used for its underground rhizomes. This page covers curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, alongside in vitro antioxidant tests of submitted samples.

Botanical name: Curcuma longa
On this page: Quantification of three curcuminoids, as well as SOD-Like and ORAC tests
Data checked: 2026-10-22

FROM THE FIELD

Turmeric origin

Visit the Turmeric growing region through our video.

Filmed at the source 02:06

Play the video or open it in full screen.

TURMERIC · THREE CURCUMINOIDS

Inflammatory stress × joints × Liver metabolism

Explore Turmeric research on joints, oxidative stress and metabolism, from its three main curcuminoids to quantitative results for the extract powder.

What makes Turmeric distinctive?

The curcuminoids provide a golden color and the volatile oils contribute to the spicy scent.

Turmeric's three main curcuminoids are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). DMC has one fewer methoxy group than curcumin, and BDMC has two fewer. Turmeric also contains volatile compounds such as turmerones. Analysis and research on curcuminoids and volatile oils ↗

Fresh rhizome

High moisture content means fresh and dry-weight results differ.

Published summaries describe fresh rhizomes as containing approximately 12–13% carbohydrates, 1–2% protein, minerals and small amounts of lipids. Moisture content varies by sample.

Rhizome composition literature ↗

Dried Turmeric

Literature range of approximately 2–9% curcuminoids

Variety, origin, cultivation and drying all affect composition. This published range describes raw ingredients; it is not a specification for this extract powder.

Drying and composition research ↗

Three curcuminoids, measured individually

Results for the submitted Turmeric peptide extract powder, converted to amounts per 100g.

Curcumin

Curcumin269.216mg / 100g

Original report: 2,692.16 μg/g
Share of the three-compound total: approximately 70.4%

demethoxycurcumin

Demethoxycurcumin · DMC90.537mg / 100g

Original report: 905.37 μg/g
Share of the three-compound total: approximately 23.7%

bisdemethoxycurcumin

Bisdemethoxycurcumin · BDMC22.653mg / 100g

Original report: 226.53 μg/g
Share of the three-compound total: approximately 5.9%

Total of the three measured compounds 382.406 mg / 100g

= 0.382406 g / 100g ≈ 0.3824%

Relative proportions of the three curcuminoids

Curcumin 70.4%
DMC 23.7%
BDMC 5.9%

These proportions use the sum of the three compounds as the denominator. The 0.3824% value uses the total weight of the tested sample; these are different bases.

Sample: Turmeric peptide extract powder | Report date: 2023-04-14 | Report number: OHC 230411-F002A. The original μg/g values are multiplied by 0.1 to give mg/100g. Totals and proportions are calculated on this page, not listed as separate tests in the report. View the original report for all three compounds ↗

Composition and in vitro activity

Quantifying compounds and testing activity answer different questions.

SOD-Like

94,700,000Unit / 100g

Original report 9.47 × 10⁷, SOD-like in vitro activity.

Concentrated Turmeric peptide extract powder 2022-05-18 SOD-Like original report ↗

ORAC

42,400 μM TE / 100g (according to original report)

Original report 4.24 × 10⁴, Trolox equivalent in vitro indicator.

Concentrated Turmeric peptide extract powder 2022-05-18 ORAC original report ↗

What is known about total polyphenols, tetrahydrocurcumin and fermentation metabolites?

The currently verifiable Turmeric reports cover the three curcuminoids, SOD-Like activity and ORAC. No quantitative data are available for total polyphenols, tetrahydrocurcumin or other fermentation metabolites in the same sample, so these are not listed as detected.

The fermentation process can be read alongside ingredient testing. However, the current reports do not compare the same batch before and after fermentation, so they cannot establish increased compound levels, improved absorption or production of specific metabolites.

Read fermentation without added sugar process ↗

Research directions in joints, inflammatory signaling and metabolism

Human research must be read in the context of its formulation, dosage and test conditions.

Cellular mechanism research

NF-κB and inflammatory signaling

Cell-model studies have examined curcumin's effects on NF-κB activation. These findings identify a molecular pathway under investigation; they do not establish an anti-inflammatory effect from consuming this product.

Read the research ↗

Specific extracts · Human trials

Joints and mobility

A 70-person, 12-week trial of Turmeric extract in knee osteoarthritis found improved pain measures but no significant change in effusion-synovitis volume on imaging. Findings apply to the formulation used in that study.

Read the research ↗

Small human crossover trial

Recovery after exercise

A trial involving 17 men examined a specific curcumin supplement and markers of soreness and muscle damage after eccentric exercise. Its dosage and formulation differ from this extract powder, so the findings cannot be directly applied to it.

Read the research ↗

Human trials · Inconsistent results

Liver and lipid metabolism

Curcumin has been studied in people with fatty liver, but some trials have found no added benefit over lifestyle changes alone. This research does not establish liver-protective effects or improved lipid metabolism from this product.

Read the research ↗

Specific populations · Human trials

Gut and metabolic interactions

An 80-person, 24-week trial examined curcumin, gut microbes, bile acids and liver fat. Its findings need to be read in the context of the study population, formulation and design.

Read the research ↗

How does this research relate to stiffness, late nights, eating out and everyday stress?

These everyday experiences may prompt questions about mobility, oxidative stress and nutrition. Feeling stiff, heavy or tired does not by itself establish inflammation. The ingredient reports alone also cannot demonstrate that this product addresses inflammation or metabolic problems.

This page introduces the product through its three curcuminoids, fermentation without added sugar and measured results. NCCIH notes that higher-quality research is still needed to establish health benefits of Turmeric or curcumin. Some formulations with enhanced bioavailability have also been linked to liver injury; liver research is not a guarantee of liver protection.

Current status of NCCIH Turmeric research ↗

Check Turmeric Original test reports and sample details →

BOTANICAL PROFILE

Three curcuminoids in a golden rhizome

Turmeric is a perennial member of the ginger family. Its underground rhizome is the part used. Drying, milling and fermentation affect the resulting ingredient's characteristics.

Key phytochemicals

CurcumindemethoxycurcuminbisdemethoxycurcuminPolyphenols

Turmeric plant photograph — Turmeric is propagated from underground rhizomes. Its leaves form dense stands in warm fields with sunlight and moderate moisture. Photos: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0