A study by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) found that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may aid muscle recovery and reduce inflammation after exercise. A review of existing research showed that both pre- and post-exercise curcumin consumption is linked to better muscle recovery, reduced pain, and improved antioxidant capacity.
Turmeric: Market Overview
- Market Size: $4.3 billion (2020)
- Projected Growth: CAGR of 5.7% (2021–2026)
- Key Drivers:
- Anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.
- Rising demand in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries.
- Shift toward organic ingredients due to health concerns over artificial chemicals.
Key Properties & Benefits
- Active Compound: Curcumin (primary bioactive in Curcuma longa):
- Inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer progression (in vitro).
- Anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal benefits.
- Suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) transcription, reducing inflammation.
- Other Components:
- Phenolic cinnamic acids (ferulic, caffeic acids): Exhibit anti-microbial, anti-hyperlipidemic, and neuroprotective activities.
Agricultural Requirements
- Plant: Curcuma longa (ginger family, Zingiberaceae).
- Climate:
- Temperature: 68°F–86°F (20°C–30°C).
- Requires high annual rainfall.
- Key Part: Rhizome (root) used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Applications Across Industries
- Pharmaceutical:
- Cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal treatments.
- Cosmetics:
- Skin care (treating infections, bites, sores), anti-aging formulations.
- Food & Beverage:
- Natural colorant, flavor enhancer, preservative.
- Others:
- Potential in textiles (dyes) and emerging sectors.
India’s Supremacy in Turmeric
- Turmeric is referred to as “Golden Spice.”
- India accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production, with over 30 varieties grown.
- Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the largest turmeric-producing states.
- India holds a 62% share of the world’s turmeric trade.
- In 2023-24, turmeric was cultivated on 3.05 lakh hectares in India, with a production of 10.74 lakh tonnes.
- India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
- India produces 30 varieties of turmeric.
- Exports: In 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products, valued at 226.5 million USD, holding a 62% share of world trade.
Reference: PIB, SciTech Daily, Industryarc
