curcumin

Curcumin is an orange-yellow crystalline compound, with the chemical formula C₂₁H₂₀O₆. It is the primary coloring agent found in turmeric, a perennial herbaceous plant from the ginger family. Turmeric's rhizomes (underground stems) have been used for centuries as a spice, a textile dye, and for medicinal purposes. The compound curcumin is responsible for turmeric's vibrant color and is also recognized as an antioxidant. While turmeric is a staple in many South Asian cuisines, it has also been found to be adulterated with lead chromate to enhance its color, posing significant public health risks.12