Tetrahydracurcumin is a colourless
hydrogenated derivative of the natural
yellow curcuminoids, which are
extracts of the root of the Curcuma
longa plant also known as turmeric
(1). It appears in cosmetic products
as its three sub-ingredients:
tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin,
and
tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin,
which are used for their antioxidant
protection from free radicals, antiinflammatory
properties, antimicrobial
and immune system supporting
effects, and improved absorption and
transdermal bioavailability of active
constituents (1). Tetrahydracurcumin
has been found in cosmetics used for
skin lightening and protection against
ultraviolet B and in antiaging preparations.
They may also be found in
medicaments such as topical gels used
for treatment of muscle injury.