This herb is not approved for dermatologic conditions but is used in Asian medicine for cutaneous inflammation, bruising, bites, pruritis, wounds, fungal infections, and ulcers. Its active compounds include volatile oils, such as tumerone, which provides the unique aroma, 4% curcuminoids, heptanoids, and 30-40% starch. This extract provides the yellow color and much of the flavor for curry in foods (3). These molecules provide antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, and insect repellent effects. Curcumin may color cosmeceuticals claiming to be free of artificial ingredients. Tetrahydrocurcumin is an off-white color that protects cosmeceutical formulations with antioxidant effect that appears superior to tocopherol. Curcumin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to abortifacient effect.
Clinical studies demonstrating any impact upon parameters of photoaging are lacking. A paste containing curcumin and neem (Antelaea azadirachta) clinically cured 97% of 814 children afflicted with scabies within 15 days (31).