betaturmerone

Betaturmerone is a natural organic compound in the turmerone family of sesquiterpenes found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) essential oil. It is the beta isomer of turmerone, alongside alpha- and gamma-turmerone. Betaturmerone is typically a minor component of turmeric essential oil, with amounts varying by plant source, processing, and extraction method.

It is lipophilic and volatile, isolable by steam distillation or solvent extraction of dried rhizomes. In vitro studies have reported various biological activities for betaturone and related turmerones, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in certain cancer cell models, but results are preliminary and often involve mixtures of turmerones; there is no robust clinical evidence for therapeutic use.

As a fragrance and flavor component, it contributes to the aroma profile of turmeric oil and may be used in cosmetics or flavor applications. Safety considerations mirror those of essential oil constituents: concentrated turmerone-rich oils can irritate skin or provoke allergies in some individuals; culinary use is typically safe in small amounts, but ingestion of concentrated oil is not advised without guidance.

See also: alpha-turmerone, gamma-turmerone, Curcuma longa essential oil.