Curcumin Dosage

Curcumin analysis quantifies this polyphenolic pigment derived from Curcuma longa , used in nutrition, health, and cosmetics for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties . Present in turmeric rhizomes, curcumin is the main active curcuminoid, along with demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

Curcumin analysis is essential for the standardization of plant extracts , the formulation of food supplements , and the quality control of finished products . It guarantees compliance with regulatory requirements and ensures the consistency of production batches.

Analytical principles and techniques

Curcumin is measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS / LC-MS/MS) .

• HPLC-DAD (UV-visible detection) : the reference method used for the simultaneous quantification of the three main curcuminoids. It allows for excellent chromatographic separation and specific identification of each compound.
• LC-MS / LC-MS/MS : Used for complex matrices or low concentrations, this method offers high sensitivity and accurate identification through the tracking of characteristic ions.

These analyses allow us to evaluate the purity , total curcuminoid content and stability of the product .

Analyzed matrices

Curcumin assays are applicable to a wide range of matrices:

• Standardized dry extracts of turmeric,
• Vegetable powders or spice blends,
• Capsules, tablets and nutraceutical formulations,
• Functional drinks or fortified products,
• Food ingredients and natural coloring additives.

Analytical and regulatory interest

Curcumin analysis is crucial for:

• Ensure the standardization of extracts (curcuminoid content expressed in %).
• Ensure regulatory compliance according to the requirements of Directive 2002/46/EC on food supplements and Regulation (EU) 231/2012 for additives.
• Control the quality of raw materials and the traceability of imported products.
• Evaluate the stability of the formulations (effect of heat, light and pH).
• Detect adulteration or the addition of synthetic dyes.

Under European regulations, curcumin is also used as a food coloring under the code E100 , and its purity must be strictly controlled.

Industrial applications

Curcumin measurement is used in several fields:

• Nutraceuticals and phytotherapy : control of the content of active ingredients in food supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Human food : verification of natural colorings and additives in sauces, drinks or processed products.
• Animal nutrition : formulation of functional foods enriched with natural antioxidants.
• Natural cosmetics : quality control of plant extracts used in brightening, soothing or anti-aging skincare.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete characterization of the bioactive compounds of turmeric, YesWeLab recommends:

• Determination of total polyphenols
• Total flavonoid content determination by HPLC

These additional analyses make it possible to draw up a complete phytochemical profile of the plant extracts and to optimize their formulation according to their overall antioxidant activity.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab, curcumin analysis is entrusted to a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , experts in chromatography and phytochemical analyses.
Our specialists select the most suitable method based on the nature of your sample and your regulatory requirements.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can order, track and centralize your analyses while benefiting from personalized scientific support for the interpretation of results and the standardization of your extracts.