Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. Molecular chemical formula of Curcumin: C21H20O6. The most important constituents in organic turmeric are Curcuminoids, which is approximately 6%, and the yellow coloring principles of which Curcumin constitutes 50-60%. Curcumin is extracted from the dried root of the rhizome Curcuma Longa. The process of extraction requires the raw material to be ground into powder, and washed with a suitable solvent that selectively extracts colouring matter. This process yields a powdered, purified food colour, known as curcumin powder, with over 90 percent colouring matter content and very little volatile oil and other dry matter of natural origin.
India leads in Curcumin, Chilly and Turmeric production in the world. India is one of the leading producers and exporters of Turmeric. Curcumin is the active ingredient that comes from turmeric. In traditional Asian medicine, turmeric is used to treat various conditions. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric for medicinal purposes. These value-added products enjoy excellent demand in the developed economies where they are used as food ingredients to enhance value and aroma of many foods. Importantly, they are standardized products, hygienic and of consistent quality, also used in addition to a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. The export has shown an increase of 19% in rupee value and 6% in quantity. In dollar terms, the increase is 6%. As a whole any entrepreneur can venture in this project without risk and earn profit.
Few Indian major players are as under
· A V Thomas Indl. Products Ltd.
· Akay Flavours & Aromatics Ltd.
· Concert Spices & Exports Ltd.
· Enjayes Spices & Chemical Oils Ltd.
· Global Green Co. Ltd.
· K C P Biotech Ltd.