Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has gained significant attention for its medicinal properties, yet its therapeutic applications are often limited by low aqueous solubility and susceptibility to environmental factors. This study investigates the formulation of a curcumin-rich turmeric extract-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (TUE-β-CD) to enhance its bioactivity and stability. Structural characterization and metabolite profiling of the inclusion complex were conducted using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with LTQ-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). Results revealed that the inclusion complexes exhibit distinct morphological, spectroscopic, crystalline, and thermal properties compared to both curcumin-rich TUE and β-CD, confirming successful encapsulation of turmeric metabolites within β-cyclodextrin cavities. Results of UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS confirmed that β-CD had differential encapsulation efficiencies for bioactive compounds of turmeric. The results suggest that the inclusion complex significantly improves the thermal stability and bioactivity of turmeric extract, thereby enhancing its potential applications as a functional component in both food and non-food industries.