Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid in turmeric. Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. The bright yellow color of turmeric comes mainly from polyphenolic pigments, known as curcuminoids.
Curcumin is generally considered the most active constituent of turmeric. Other curcuminoids found in turmeric include demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
Evidence that curcumin may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities has renewed scientific interest in its potential to prevent and treat disease.