Detection and quantification of physiologically active substances in curcumin supplements

Abstract

Curcumin supplements have gained significant popularity due to their wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. These supplements contain curcuminoids, which are the primary biologically active components found in turmeric, and are utilized in various applications such as food preservation, flavoring, and coloring. Additionally, curcumin is known for its beneficial effects in antitumor, antimutagenic, anticancer, and chemotherapeutic activities. Despite the claims of purity and safety, concerns have arisen regarding the vulnerability of curcumin supplements to adulteration. To address this issue, researchers collected eight commercially available curcumin supplement samples from different brands. These samples underwent a comprehensive analysis using chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques to determine the curcuminoid content. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometric methods were employed to detect and quantify the curcuminoids present in the samples. UV absorbance was measured at a specific wavelength of 425 nm, while HPLC analysis utilized a mobile phase composed of tetrahydrofuran and citric acid in water. Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to identify any potential presence of Sudan dyes, which could indicate adulteration. The study aimed to evaluate the curcumin content of the collected samples and compare it to the standard curcumin. The primary objectives were to identify any variations in curcuminoid concentration and to detect any potential adulteration or falsification in the commercially available curcumin supplement samples. This investigation is crucial for ensuring the authenticity and quality of curcumin supplements in the market.