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Organic Turmeric Root Powder vs Turmeric Root Extract (Curcumin) Powder

3 min read time Nov 26, 2024

Description

Description

One of the questions we receive regularly is,

“What is the difference between Organic Turmeric Root Powder and Turmeric Root Extract (Curcumin) Powder?”

Today, we are going to answer this very plainly, and list the differences in an easy to read table format (see below).

This simple comparison highlights that while whole turmeric root powder offers a broader spectrum of plant compounds, turmeric root extract powder provides a more concentrated and bioavailable form of the active curcuminoid compounds.

The choice between the two depends on the intended use and desired health benefits.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a vibrant yellow spice derived from the rhizomes of a plant in the ginger family, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary applications across Asia.

In recent years, scientific interest in turmeric has surged due to its potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly curcuminoids[1].

As the popularity of turmeric as a dietary supplement has grown, consumers are faced with a choice between two primary forms:

1) organic turmeric root powder, or 2) turmeric root extract (curcumin) powder with high curcuminoid concentration

What's the difference between organic turmeric root powder versus turmeric root extract powder (90% curcuminoids)

This simple comparison reveals in very basic format the differences, advantages, and potential applications of organic turmeric root powder versus turmeric root extract powder (90% curcuminoids).

Organic turmeric root powder, derived from the whole dried and ground rhizome, contains a complex matrix of compounds including curcuminoids, essential oils, and other phytochemicals[2].

In contrast, organic turmeric root extract powder (90% curcuminoids) is a concentrated form that has undergone extraction processes to isolate and concentrate the curcuminoid compounds, primarily curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin[3].

Here are the basic differences to help you make a better decision on what version will serve you best:

Aspect	Whole Turmeric Root	Curcumin
Source	Ground dried root of Curcuma longa plant	Extracted and isolated compound from turmeric
Common uses	Culinary spice, traditional medicine	Dietary supplements, research studies
Cooking	Sprinkle on eggs, put in smoothies, make rich marinades	Consume small amounts (½ teaspoon per serving)
Composition	Contains various plant compounds, including curcuminoids	Purified curcuminoid compound
Curcuminoid content	About 2-8% of weight	Up to 95% in extracts
Absorption	Lower bioavailability	Higher bioavailability, especially with enhancers
Flavor	Distinct earthy, slightly bitter taste	Generally flavorless
Color	Bright yellow	Yellow to orange
Common uses	Culinary spice, traditional medicine	Dietary supplements, research studies
Doses for effects	Higher amounts needed (2.5 to 5 grams)	Lower amounts effective (400-500 mg)
Additional Compounds	Contains other beneficial plant substances	Lacks additional turmeric compounds
Contaminants	May contain trace contaminants	Generally purer, fewer contaminants
Heat stability	Some curcumin lost during cooking	More stable in supplement form
Research focus	Less studied in isolation	More extensively studied for specific health benefits

For more information about these fantastic products, go here:

References:

[1] Prasad, Sahdeo, and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine." In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd ed., edited by Iris F. F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2011.

[2] Rao, Pasupuleti Visweswara, and Siew Hua Gan. "Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014 (2014): 642942. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/642942.

[3] Anand, Preetha, Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara, Robert A. Newman, and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "Bioavailability of Curcumin: Problems and Promises." Molecular Pharmaceutics 4, no. 6 (2007): 807-818. https://doi.org/10.1021/mp700113r.