Quality Of Turmeric Powder In Herbal Stores: Pharmacognostical Investigations On Turmeric Powders Obtained From Herbal Stores In Istanbul, Turkey

Background and Aims: Curcuma longa L., known as Turmeric, has been traditionally used in Asian culture since ancient times to treat several disorders. With the increase in studies on turmeric and its major compounds, it became popular. The study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of powdered samples collected from 15 different herbal stores in Istanbul.Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical, bacteriological, and some physicochemical methods were used to evaluate the turmeric powder samples and the extracts of the samples. Additionally, the qualitative determination of curcumin in extracts was carried out by thin-layer chromatography (TLC).Results: The results of the study show that the powdered samples contain curcuminoids and are also of a moderate quality. The microbiological assay showed us the existence of high levels of pathogens.Conclusion: Turmeric powder should be consumed carefully, the storage period, and also the origin of the Turmeric is significant in consumption.