Strategies for the Recovery of Phytochemicals from Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Cultivated in the Huasteca Potosina

Curcuma longa L. also known in some places as Indian saffron or curcuma is a rhizome from southeast India. The rhizome grows on places with hot and wet weather at 30°C. Due to the phytochemical composition, the rhizome is used for its medicinal value in pharmaceutical industry, and by its pigments, it is used in cosmetic and food industries. The Huasteca Potosina is a region that possesses the favorable climatic conditions for the cultivation of curcuma. Because of this reason, researchers are in search of alternatives to valorize the rhizome and to promote the cultivation of the plant. Curcumin is one of the compounds present in high amounts in the rhizome. The rhizome also contains other curcuminoids. The industries that use these compounds from this rhizome must use huge amounts of organic solvents for the extraction. The yield and purity obtained by the conventional methods are low and the costs for the recovery are elevated. The present manuscript reviews the main compounds found in curcuma, 184the extraction and concentration methods, as well as the main application of phytochemicals.