Curcumin is the main biologically active photochemical compound of Turmeric. It is extracted, concentrated, standardized and researched. Curcumin, which gives the yellow color to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago, and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Extensive research within the last half a century has proven that its renowned range of medicinal properties, once associated with Turmeric, is due to Curcumin.
Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma long, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and a gold-colored 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. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that send out shoots as well as roots.
Curcumin is extracted and researched for its renowned range of health-related and disease-preventing medicinal properties. Purification from 95% to 100% curcumin does not increase bioavailability of curcumin but the manufacturing costs are substantially higher. Hence 95% purity is available in markets.
Curcumin is widely used to colour many foods. The Draft Codex General Standard for Food Additives provides an extensive list of such foods. Curcumin is listed for use in dairy products, fats, oils and fat emulsions, edible ices, fruit and vegetable products, confectionery, cereal products, bakery wares, meat and meat products, fish and fish products, eggs and eggs products, spices, soups, sauces and protein products, foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses, beverages, ready-to-eat savories and composite foods. Use levels of curcumin are in the range from 5 to 500 mg/kg depending on the food category.
Global cancer drugs market has surpassed USD 100 billion valuation in 2015 and may reach nearly USD 145 billion by 2024, with U.S. being the major consumer. U.S. herbal dietary supplements market was over USD 6 billion valuation in 2015, with estimated gains at over 7.5%. Rise in consumer awareness related to over the counter availability owing to favorable government regulations should enhance curcumin demand.
Curcumin production is mainly concentrated in India exceeding 78% of the global output. Changeable turmeric prices owing to unseasonal rainfall and environment hazards may impact curcumin market price trend.
Pharmaceutical applications accounted for over 52% of the global curcumin market share. Effective and positive results from various diseases such as Alzheimer and gastric ailments are major reasons driving curcumin based supplements demand. Over the counter availability and approval from government should positively influence product demand in pharmaceutical market. Increasing application scope in food & beverages owing to rise in demand for natural colorant substance are another lucrative factor to favor product demand. However, large availability of synthetic colorant substance may restrain the market growth. Other potential applications include cyanide detection, solar PV and textiles. This facilitates the development of new technologies and ensures a high quality product. Entrepreneurs who invest in this project will be successful.
Few Indian major players are as under
Akay Flavours & Aromatics Pvt. Ltd.
Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd.
Naturite Agro Products Ltd.
Omniactive Health Technologies Ltd.
Vinayak Ingredients (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Synthite Industries Pvt. Ltd.