Turmerone is a bioactive compound found in turmeric, the popular spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. It belongs to a class of compounds called sesquiterpenoids, which are organic compounds composed of three isoprene units.
Chemically, turmerone is a cyclic sesquiterpene ketone, specifically a monocyclic ketone. Its structure consists of a 10-membered ring with a ketone functional group (C=O) attached. Turmerone exists in several isomeric forms, with α-turmerone and β-turmerone being the most abundant ones.
These compounds are known for their various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. They contribute to the health benefits associated with the consumption of turmeric and its derivatives. Additionally, turmerones have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases and conditions.