Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric,
which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The other two
curcuminoids are desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. The
curcuminoids are polyphenols and are responsible for the yellow color of turmeric.
Curcumin can exist in at least two tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The enol form
is more energetically stable in the solid phase and in solution. Curcumin can be
used for boron quantification in the so-called curcumin method. It reacts with boric
acid forming a red colored compound, known as rosocyanine. Curcumin is brightly
yellow colored and may be used as a food coloring. As a food additive, its E
number is E100.