Review on Analytical Methodologies, Chemical and Therapeutic Perspectives of Curcumin: A Ubiquitous Natural Molecule

Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenolic yellow compound extracted from Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric) rhizome with a broad spectrum of pharmacological and medicinal properties as propounded by several in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies. Considerable research over the past century has been extensively carried out on chemical, biological, and analytical perspectives of curcumin. Nowadays, curcumin is widely used in food and pharmaceutical formulations due to its excellent health benefits. Therefore, characterization and quantification of curcuminoids in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals are required to measure their quality control parameters to address issues related to processing and storage. This review article specifies the current exploration of analytical methodologies used to extract and quantify curcuminoids in different matrices. Moreover, this review offers phytochemistry, synthetic and biosynthetic pathways, extraction methodologies, degradation and metabolism pathways, and health benefits of the curcumin scurrying from the kitchen shelf toward the clinic.