Optimization and purity Determination of Curcumin extracted from Curcuma( longa) L. by HPLC

Medicinal plants have been used for mankind as source of medicines since a long time ago. More than 35,000 plant species have been reported to be used in various human cultures around the world for medical purposes [1]. Curcumin, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy 3-methoxy phenyl)-1,6-heptadione-3,5-dione is a dietary phytochemical obtained from the dried rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). Traditionally curcumin has been used as a colouring, as a flavouring substance and as a food preservative.Because of its wide spectrum of biological activity, an extensive number of studies have been focused on curcumin. Recently, curcumin has also been shown to display anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-infectious and anti-amyloidogenic properties. Moreever, there are some methods for extraction of curcuminoids such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, microwave assisted extraction, ultra-sonic assisted extraction [2], maceration and Soxhlet extraction techniques. Here we have discussed about three methods of curcuminoidsextraction from Curcuma longa by using ethanol as a solvent. These methods are maceration, Soxhlet extraction andultra-sonic assisted extraction techniques. Firstthe yields of different extraction were studied and thenthe amount of curcumin was obtained from different extraction techniques discussed with HPLC. The results of HPLC have been shown that maceration technique is the best method for extraction of curcumin.