Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Curcumin (CAS 458-37-7, molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₆, MW 368.38) is the principal curcuminoid pigment extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric), valued for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. China has developed extensive curcumin extraction and purification capacity, with annual output exceeding 3,000 metric tons from facilities in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces that process domestically cultivated and imported turmeric rhizomes. Manufacturer-direct supply delivers pharmaceutical and nutraceutical-grade curcumin at highly competitive pricing.
Curcumin finds applications across pharmaceutical formulations, dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, and natural colorant products. Its biological activities include NF-κB pathway modulation, COX-2 inhibition, and free radical scavenging. Chinese manufacturers offer curcumin in multiple purity grades from 95% standardized extract to ≥99% HPLC-pure curcumin, as well as enhanced-bioavailability formulations including nano-curcumin, curcumin phospholipid complexes, and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, and kosher/halal certifications. Quality testing includes assay (HPLC for curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin), solvent residues, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg by ICP-MS), pesticide residues (multi-residue GC-MS/LC-MS), aflatoxins, PAHs, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP, EP, FCC, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia specifications.
Extraction utilizes food-grade ethanol or supercritical CO₂ from turmeric oleoresin, followed by crystallization and recrystallization to achieve target purity. HPLC analysis quantifies individual curcuminoid content. Solvent residue levels are verified below ICH Q3C limits. Full traceability from turmeric source through finished extract is documented.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 458-37-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₁H₂₀O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 368.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | Orange-yellow crystalline powder |
| Total Curcuminoids (HPLC) | ≥95% (up to ≥99%) |
| Curcumin Content | ≥75% (of total curcuminoids) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤2 ppm |
| Solvent Residues | Meets ICH Q3C |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Curcumin is packed in 1 kg, 5 kg, or 25 kg aluminum foil bags within fiber drums, protected from light and moisture. Lead time is 7–14 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu; CIF and DDP terms available worldwide.
Light-protective packaging is essential due to curcumin’s photosensitivity. Documentation includes CoA, SDS, organic certification (where applicable), kosher/halal certificates, and phytosanitary certificates.
China Supply Advantage
China’s integrated turmeric cultivation and extraction infrastructure delivers pharma-grade curcumin at 25–40% below pricing from Indian and Southeast Asian sources. Advanced purification technology enables production of high-purity (≥99%) curcumin and novel bioavailability-enhanced formulations. Chinese curcumin producers serve nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food colorant companies worldwide with consistent quality and responsive R&D support for custom formulation development.