Published Paper Details:

Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound derived from Curcuma longa (turmeric), has garnered significant attention due to its potent pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review comprehensively examines the advancements in curcumin extraction and purification techniques from plant materials, highlighting both conventional methods and emerging green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction. A critical comparison of these methods is provided based on extraction efficiency, environmental impact, and scalability. Furthermore, the review explores the diverse functional applications of curcumin across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food industries, cosmetics, and agriculture. Challenges associated with curcumin's low bioavailability and chemical stability are also discussed, along with potential strategies like nanoencapsulation and formulation improvements. The paper concludes with future prospects in bioengineering and industrial-scale production, emphasizing curcumin's role as a sustainable, multifunctional natural compound.