Turmeric and Turmeric Curcumin Differences
Differences between turmeric and curcumin
Turmeric, a genus of herbs, has a sturdy rhizome with a yellow and fragrant color. Its leaves are large and round, and the flowers are spike-shaped. It is widely grown in tropical regions. Turmeric has long been used for medicinal purposes and flavoring, and has a long history in the fields of diet and medicine.
Curcumin is the key ingredient extracted from the rhizome of turmeric and is a yellow crystalline powder. Its chemical structure is unique, with phenolic hydroxyl groups and other groups, giving special physical and chemical properties.
Differences between the two are first seen in morphological properties. Turmeric is a solid rhizome, commonly lumpy, with a strong yellow color and a bright yellow section; curcumin is a fine powder, with a pure yellow color and a delicate texture.
Furthermore, the composition of the ingredients is different. Turmeric contains a variety of ingredients, in addition to curcumin, there are volatile oils, polysaccharides, etc.; curcumin is a single component with high chemical purity.
The efficacy and application are also different. Turmeric has the effect of breaking qi and blood stasis, passing menstruation and relieving pain. It can be used for tingling in the chest and flank, menstruation, etc.; in cooking, it can increase flavor and color. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can maintain cell health and regulate body immunity. It is also used in scientific research and some high-end health products.
There are different ways to extract and obtain. Turmeric can be used directly after simple processing; curcumin needs to be separated and purified from turmeric rhizomes through complex extraction processes, such as solvent extraction, column chromatography, etc.
In summary, although turmeric and curcumin are related, there are significant differences in morphology, composition, efficacy and extraction methods. When applying, it should be carefully identified.
