Extraction of Curcumin from Turmeric Powder Through Complexation

Abstract

The complexation behavior of curcumin with boron and oxalic acid to form rubrocurcumin is utilized for the extraction of curcumin from turmeric powder. The complex formation reaction has been hastened by the addition of a phase transfer catalyst.To recover curcumin from the complex, the decomposition of the rubrocurcumin is studied. It was found that ammonia solution is a better reagent for the recovery of curcumin from its boron complex. The complexation of curcumin and its recovery by decomposition do not adversely affect curcumin, as ascertained by spectroscopic methods. This new approach for extraction of curcumin affords its isolation in an appreciable yield and in lesser time.