Also known as Curcuma Longa, Turmeric, Indian Saffron, Indian Valerian, Jiang Huang, and Red Valerian.

Curcumin is the naturally occurring active constituent of Turmeric (a yellow pigment), and is a powerful free radical fighting antioxidant. It is part of the ginger plant family, and has been identified as an important substance because of its wide-ranging health benefits. It is used as a supplement for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), ulcers, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and AIDS.

Curcumin can be used for boron quantification in the curcumin method. It reacts with boric acid to form a red-color compound, rosocyanine. Curcumin is a bright-yellow color and may be used as a food coloring.