SUBJECTS turmeric

Certification of Colorants. A further distinction between color additives is made relative to whether there is requirement for FDA certification. In general, only synthetic organic colorants are now subject to certification, whereas natural organic and inorganic colorants, such as turmeric and titanium dioxide, are not. The exemption from certification for a particular colorant holds whether the colorant is obtained from natural sources or is synthetically produced, as in the case of natural and synthetic -carotene. 

Tang, M., D.E. Larson-Meyer, and M. Liebman. 2008. Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects. Am. f. Clin. Nutr. 87(5) 1262-1267. 

Administration of the compound curcumin to rats at doses of 100 mg/kg daily for 6 days increased the formation of stomach ulcers, whereas doses of 50 mg/kg had no effect (Gupta et al. 1980). Conversely, an ethanolic extract of turmeric at a dose of 500 mg/kg was shown to have significant antiulcerogenic activity in rats subjected to stress or administered ulcer-causing compounds (Rafatullah et al. 1990). 

Curcumin is a polyphenol antioxidant derived from the turmeric root. Its hydrogenated form tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) was found to significantly lighten skin color [ 151]. In a local double-blind placebo-con-troUed study done at Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippines, the depigmenting effects of 0.25% THC and 4% HQ were shown to be comparable throughout the 4 week trial in 50 subjects. No adverse reactions were noted from 0.25% THC whereas reactions were mild to moderate with 4% HQ [119]. 

Boron is found in boric acid and borate salts which are used as mild antiseptics or for laundering. Occasionally cases of poisoning may be encountered. Borates can be detected in the urine of such subjects by their reaction with turmeric yellow to give a red-brown colour. 

Regulatory Status. GRAS ( 182.10 and 182.20) turmeric and turmeric oleoresin have also been approved as food colorants exempt from certification ( 73.600 and 73.615). The rhizome is subject of a positive German therapeutic monograph for treatment of dyspeptic conditions. ... 

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