Optimization of Extraction of Curcuminoids from Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa)

In this study extraction of curcuminoids from turmeric was explored by various methods of extraction. For extraction soxhelet, ultrasonication and distillation methods were employed for separation of curcuminoids from turmeric powder under more or less varying same parameters. The results were analyzed and compared with reference method. The UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC and TLC were used for the confirmation and quantification of extract. The TLC analysis showed the three bands denoted the presence of three curcuminoids. The UV-Vis spectral analysis specified the absorption peak at 425nm. The HPLC studies implied the existence of three peaks for sonicated extract. The interpretation of the observation emphasized that the yield of extraction was higher for sonication method than remaining other extraction methods under varying parameters. Hence sonication method was considered as optimized extraction method which was time saving and less energy consuming favorable extraction method. The emphasized characteristics of improved extraction methods including cost-effectiveness (due to much saving in time and energy consumption) and environmentally benign nature make them more favourable extraction methods.