Curcumin in turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial activity. Traditional Indian medicine utilizes turmeric to treat joint inflammations, ulcers, skin diseases, and other disorders. Extraction, separation, quantification, and characterization of curcumin from turmeric powder allow student researchers the opportunity to utilize thin-layer chromatography, liquid chromatography, HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy in isolating and identifying this substance. Results from a one-semester project quantifying the amount of curcumin in tumeric will be presented, along with ideas on how to extend this exploration in future laboratory experiences.

Isolation and identification of natural products in dried turmeric in undergraduate research

249th National Meeting (2015)

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