Turmeric Extract 95%: Complete Guide to Applications & Specifications

What Is Turmeric Extract 95%?

Turmeric extract 95% refers to a concentrated extract from turmeric rhizomes that has been standardized to contain at least 95% total curcuminoids.

The key distinction:

This 15-40x concentration makes turmeric extract the preferred form for therapeutic applications where curcumin dosage matters.

Understanding Curcuminoids

"Curcuminoids" is a collective term for three closely related compounds found in turmeric:

1. Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane)

The primary curcuminoid. Represents 75-80% of total curcuminoids in typical extracts.

Structure: Two ferulic acid molecules linked by a methylene group

Properties:

2. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC)

The second most abundant curcuminoid. Represents 15-20% of total curcuminoids.

Structure: Similar to curcumin but with one methoxy group removed

Properties:

3. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)

The least abundant curcuminoid. Represents 3-5% of total curcuminoids.

Structure: Curcumin with both methoxy groups removed

Properties:

Typical Composition of 95% Extract

A standard turmeric extract 95% curcuminoids typically contains:

Why 95%?

The 95% standardization has become industry standard because:

Higher concentrations (98%+) exist but are more expensive and may not offer proportional benefits.

Production Methods

Solvent Extraction

The most common method. Turmeric is extracted using food-grade solvents.

Process:

Advantages:

Considerations:

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Premium extraction method using carbon dioxide.

Process:

Advantages:

Considerations:

Hybrid Methods

Some manufacturers use combinations:

Specifications and Testing

Standard Specifications

Pharmaceutical Grade vs. Food Grade

Pharmaceutical grade typically requires:

Food grade typically requires:

Key Tests Explained

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography):

The gold standard for curcuminoid quantification. Separates and measures individual curcuminoids (curcumin, DMC, BDMC) precisely.

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry):

Highly sensitive method for heavy metal detection. Essential for ensuring safety, especially for lead.

Residual Solvents:

If solvent extraction is used, limits apply:

Applications by Industry

Dietary Supplements

The largest market for turmeric extract 95%.

Common formats:

Typical dosing:

Formulation considerations:

Common combinations:

Functional Foods

Growing market for curcumin in food applications.

Applications:

Challenges:

Solutions:

Pharmaceuticals

Investigational and approved drug applications.

Current status:

Requirements:

Applications under investigation:

Cosmetics

Growing interest in curcumin for skincare.

Applications:

Considerations:

Forms used:

Animal Nutrition

Emerging market for pet and livestock supplements.

Applications:

Considerations:

Bioavailability: The Key Challenge

Native curcumin has notoriously poor bioavailability:

Why this matters:

Studies showing health benefits often use doses that result in higher tissue concentrations than standard oral curcumin achieves.

Bioavailability Enhancement Technologies

Multiple approaches have been developed:

1. Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)

2. Phospholipid Complexes (Phytosomes)

3. Nano/Micro Emulsions

4. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

5. Cyclodextrin Complexes

6. Adjuvant Combinations

Bioavailability Comparison (Approximate)

Note: Bioavailability claims vary widely. Compare specific products using comparable methodologies.

Sourcing and Quality Considerations

Supplier Qualification

Questions to ask:

Red Flags

Sample Protocol

Pricing and Economics

Current Market Range (2024)

Note: Prices fluctuate with turmeric raw material costs, demand, and currency.

Cost Factors

What affects pricing:

MOQ Considerations

Typical MOQs for turmeric extract:

Extract MOQs are lower (in kg) than powder because of higher value per unit.

Stability and Storage

Stability Factors

Curcumin degrades with:

Light: UV exposure causes oxidation

Heat: >40°C accelerates degradation

pH: Unstable above pH 7

Oxygen: Oxidation reduces potency

Recommended Storage

Shelf Life

In-Formulation Stability

Curcumin stability in finished products depends on:

Always conduct stability studies on finished formulation.

Regulatory Considerations

United States

Dietary supplement use: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) when used appropriately

NDI (New Dietary Ingredient): Standard curcumin extract doesn't require NDI notification if used in accordance with historical use patterns

Structure/function claims: Allowed with proper disclaimer and substantiation

Drug claims: NOT permitted without FDA approval

European Union

Novel Food status: Traditional turmeric extracts are generally not novel food. Some enhanced bioavailability forms may require novel food authorization.

Health claims: Must comply with EFSA-authorized claims or Article 13.5 process

Contaminant limits: EU limits apply (aflatoxins, pesticides, heavy metals)

India

FSSAI regulations: Turmeric extract is permitted ingredient

Ayurvedic/traditional use: Well-established category

Export documentation: Required for all shipments

Other Markets

Regulations vary significantly. Key markets with specific requirements:

Formulation Guidelines

For Capsules

Recommendations:

Common formulation:

For Softgels

Recommendations:

For Tablets

Recommendations:

For Beverages

Recommendations:

Our Extract Offering

At JJ Spices, we supply turmeric extract 95%:

Specifications:

Certifications available:

MOQ: 25 kg (negotiable for initial orders)

Documentation provided:

Conclusion

Turmeric extract 95% curcuminoids is a well-established, versatile ingredient with applications across supplements, foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Key takeaways:

Whether you're formulating supplements, functional foods, or cosmetics, turmeric extract 95% offers concentrated curcumin benefits in a standardized, well-characterized form.

Need turmeric extract for your application? Contact us at +91 94921 56789 or [email protected]. We can provide samples, specifications, and technical support for your formulation needs.