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Turmeric survey: final report

Last updated: 4 July 2022
Last updated: 4 July 2022

Title: Turmeric survey – final report
Customer: Food Standards Agency
FSA Project Officers: Chara Tsoulli, Michael Dickinson
FSA Project Number: FS430403 

Report Number: Report FR/002267 Turmeric survey – Final report
Fera Project Number: FR/002267
Project Manager: Emma Bradley

Principal Workers: Sharron Anderson, Antony Lloyd, Malcolm Baxter, Michael Walls, Victoria Bailey-Horne

Note: Whilst care has been taken to ensure that the web links contained in this report are correct at the time of issue, changes may occur.

This report has been prepared by Fera after exercise of all reasonable care and skill but is provided without liability in its application and use. This report may not be reproduced except in full, without the written approval of Fera.

Copyright © Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) 2022
 

The consumption of turmeric supplements is increasingly popular and is reported to provide numerous health benefits including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anticarcinogenic, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiplatelet activities [1].  However, in recent months there has been a number of reports of hepatotoxicity linked to the consumption of these supplements.  Such reports and scientific publications led to a review of the safety of turmeric and curcumin by the UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT).  The statement issued by COT in November 2019 concluded “Given past reported contamination issues with turmeric supplements, the Committee concluded that there would be value in commissioning a chemical analysis of turmeric supplements and raw/powdered turmeric available on the UK market”.  To address this conclusion the FSA requested Fera to:

  • develop and validate in-house method(s) for measuring curcumin in turmeric containing supplements, ground/powdered turmeric and raw/fresh turmeric
  • develop and validate in-house a method for measuring piperine in turmeric containing supplements
  • purchase turmeric containing supplements (n=15), ground/powdered turmeric (n=10) and raw/fresh turmeric (n=5) from a mixture of local outlets and over the internet
  • analyse all 30 samples for trace elements and curcumin
  • analyse all supplement samples for piperine content.

2.1 Samples

Samples were collected from retail outlets in the north of England and via the internet in February 2021.  In accordance with the FSA’s request the turmeric containing supplements (n = 15), ground/powdered turmeric (n = 10) and raw/fresh turmeric (n = 5) were purchased from a mixture of providers, for example, retail outlets and the internet.  Sample details were recorded and the associated packaging material was photographed.

2.2 Sample preparation for trace element analysis

2.2.1 Fresh turmeric

The fresh turmeric samples were washed with Millipore water, chopped with ceramic knife on a plastic board, then blended using a Buchi B400 Blender fitted with ceramic blades.  20 g of each homogenised samples was transferred to an acid cleaned vessel prior to trace element extraction and analysis.

2.2.2 Ground turmeric

The ground turmeric samples were mixed in the container in which they were received. Replicate aliquots were removed directly for trace element analysis.

2.2.3 Turmeric supplements 

Tablets – a portion of a tablet, an entire tablet or a number of intact tablets (depending on tablet mass) were removed directly for trace element analysis. Capsules - an entire capsule was removed directly for trace element analysis.

2.3 Trace element analysis

2.3.1 Sample extraction

Three sub-samples (3 x 0.5-1.0 g) of each turmeric survey sample were placed directly into TFM microwave digestion tubes and digested in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid using a high-pressure microwave digestion system (Milestone UltraWave).

2.3.2 Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) – mass spectrometry (MS) analysis

Samples were analysed on an Agilent 7700x ICP – mass spectrometer fitted with an ASX-500 auto-sampler and a standard front end, consisting of nickel cones, a glass double-pass spray chamber and a glass concentric nebuliser.  The analysis was conducted with a collision cell operated in both “no gas” and helium mode, the latter to remove any interferences.  The instrument was operated in general purpose mode with carrier gas flow 1.0 L/minute, RF power 1550 W, sampling depth 10 mm, peri-pump speed 0.1 rps.  Concentrations of the following elements were determined: Ag - silver, Al - aluminium, As - arsenic, Ba - barium, Be - beryllium, Bi - bismuth, Ca - calcium, Cd - cadmium, Ce - cerium, Co - cobalt, Cr - chromium, Cs - caesium, Cu - copper, Dy - dysprosium, Er - erbium, Eu - europium, Fe - iron, Ga - gallium, Gd - gadolinium, Ge - germanium, Hg - mercury, Ho - holmium, K - potassium, La - lanthanum, Lu - lutetium, Mg - magnesium, Mn - manganese, Mo - molybdenum, Na - sodium, Nd - neodymium, Ni - nickel, P - phosphorus, Pb - lead, Pr - praseodymium, Rb - rubidium, S - sulphur, Sb - antimony, Se - selenium, Sm - samarium, Sn - tin, Sr - strontium, Tb - terbium, Tl - thallium, Tm - thulium, U - uranium, V - vanadium, Yb - ytterbium, Zn - zinc, Hf - Hafnium, Ir - Iridium, Nb - Niobium, Os - Osmium, Pd - Palladium, Pt - Platinum, Re - Rhenium, Ru - Ruthenium, Sc - Scandium, Ta - Tantalum, Te - Tellurium, Th - Thorium, Ti - Titanium, W - Tungsten, Y - Yttrium.  Quality checks included blanks, spikes, and certified reference materials (CRMs).  The methodology used is accredited to ISO17025.

2.4 Method development and validation – curcumin in turmeric containing supplements, ground/powdered turmeric and raw/fresh turmeric

Methodology was identified which allowed for the determination of the curcuminoids: curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) and demethoxycurcumin (DMC) (Figure 1) [3].  This methodology was established in-house with additional confirmatory analytical capability using Time-of-Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).  In short, the method involved: extraction of the dried sample 0.5 g with tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) by shaking overnight at ambient temperature.  The samples were then diluted 1,000 fold with methanol before a portion (1 mL) was evaporated to dryness under nitrogen.  The residue was over-spiked and reconstituted in methanol to a total volume of 1mL prior to analysis by reverse phase HPLC using an ACE3 C18-AR 2.1 mm id x 100 mm, LC column with diode array (DAD - the quantitation wavelength was 425 nm) and TOF-MS detection. The mobile phase was 1.275% formic acid and methanol. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined using the measured concentration for the lowest calibration standard equivalent to the 1,000 fold diluted sample (0.00005 g/mL).
Replicate (n = 7 at each concentration) spiked samples following dilution (spiked to achieve concentrations of 0.45, 4.5 and 9 µg/mL in the solution equivalent to 9,000, 90,000 and 180,000 mg/kg in the samples) were prepared using lyophilised root ginger as a blank matrix. The method validation was performed in replicate (n=3) and the method performance characteristics determined.

2.5 Sample preparation for curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin analysis

2.5.1 Fresh turmeric

The fresh turmeric samples were washed with Millipore water, chopped with ceramic knife on a plastic board, then blended using a Buchi B400 blender fitted with ceramic blades. The blended sample was lyophilised using an Edwards pirani freeze dryer. The samples were mixed, and replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.5.2 Ground turmeric

The ground turmeric samples were mixed in the container in which they were received. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.5.3 Turmeric supplements 

Tablets – Five tablets (of each type) were ground using a pestle and mortar. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis. Capsules - Five capsule were emptied, then mixed. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.6 Curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin analysis

2.6.1 Sample extraction

Duplicate aliquots (0.5 g) of each prepared sample were placed in amber vials (12 mL) and capped. Tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added, sonicated (10 mins) then shaken overnight at ambient temperature. The samples were allowed to settle (2 hrs, 4°C) then diluted 1,000 fold with methanol before a portion (1 mL) was aliquoted to a 2 mL vial and capped.

2.6.2 Standard preparation

Standards were prepared using lyophilised ginger extracted using the above procedure. A portion of the extract (1 mL) was evaporated to dryness under nitrogen. The residue was over-spiked with curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin at levels equivalent to 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL and reconstituted in methanol to a total volume of 1mL.

2.6.3 LC-TOF-MS analysis

Portions of the solvent extracts of the samples and standards were analysed using an Agilent 1200 liquid chromatograph coupled with an Agilent 6230 TOF. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACE3 C18-AR 2.1 mm id x 100 mm held at 60oC. The mobile phases comprised of water containing 1.275% formic acid (A) and methanol (B). The gradient started at 20% B and changed to 100% B at 15 minutes before returning to 20% B at 20 minutes. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/minute and the injection volume was 10 µL. The MS was operated in positive ESI mode with monitoring from 50 – 1600 m/z. Spectral data were acquired by diode array and the quantitation wavelength was 425 nm.

2.7 Method development – piperine in turmeric containing supplements

Methodology was identified in house which allowed for the determination of piperine. This methodology was established in-house using Time-of-Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS).  In short, the method involved: extraction of the dried sample 0.5 g with tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) by shaking overnight at ambient temperature.  The samples were then diluted 1,000 fold with methanol before a portion (1 mL) was evaporated to dryness under nitrogen.  The residue was over-spiked and reconstituted in methanol (1 ml) prior to analysis by reverse phase HPLC using an ACE3 C18-AR 2.1 mm id x 100 mm, LC column with TOF-MS detection. The mobile phase was 1.275% formic acid and methanol. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was determined using the measured concentration for the lowest calibration standard equivalent to the 1,000 fold diluted sample (0.00005 g/mL).

Replicate (n = 7 at each concentration) spiked samples following dilution (spiked to achieve concentrations of 0.045 and 0.9 µg/mL in the solution equivalent to 900 and 18,000 mg/kg in the samples) were prepared using lyophilised root ginger as a blank matrix. The method validation was performed in replicate (n = 3) and the method performance characteristics determined.

2.8 Sample preparation for piperine analysis

2.8.1 Fresh turmeric

The fresh turmeric samples were washed with Millipore water, chopped with ceramic knife on a plastic board, then blended using a Buchi B400 blender fitted with ceramic blades. The blended sample was lyophilised using an Edwards pirani freeze dryer. The samples were mixed, and replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.8.2 Ground turmeric

The ground turmeric samples were mixed in the container in which they were received. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.8.3 Turmeric supplements 

Tablets – Five tablets (of each type) were ground using a pestle and mortar. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis. Capsules - Five capsule were emptied, then mixed. Replicate aliquots were taken for analysis.

2.9 Piperine analysis

2.9.1 Sample extraction

Duplicate aliquots (0.5 g) of each prepared sample were placed in amber vials (12 mL) and capped. Tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added, sonicated (10 minutes) then shaken overnight at ambient temperature. The samples were allowed to settle (2 hrs, 4°C) then diluted 1,000 fold with methanol before a portion (1 mL) was aliquoted to a 2 mL vial and capped.

2.9.2 Standard preparation

Standards were prepared using lyophilised ginger extracted using the above procedure. A portion of the extract (1 mL) was evaporated to dryness under nitrogen. The residue was over-spiked with piperine at levels equivalent to 0, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/mL and reconstituted in methanol to a total volume of 1 mL.

2.9.3 LC-TOF-MS analysis

Portions of the solvent extracts were analysed using an Agilent 1200 liquid chromatograph coupled with an Agilent 6230 TOF. Sample extracts were diluted as required. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACE3 C18-AR 2.1 mm id x 100 mm held at 60oC. The mobile phases comprised of water containing 1.275% formic acid (A) and methanol (B). The gradient started at 20% B and changed to 100% B at 15 minutes before returning to 20% B at 20 minutes. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/minute and the injection volume was 10 µL. The MS was operated in positive ESI mode with monitoring from 50 – 1600 m/z. Quantitation was carried out using m/z 286.1438 ± 100 ppm.
 

3.1 Sampling

Samples were receipted into the laboratory by logging into the Fera Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).  Each sample was assigned a unique number.  Sample details are given in Table 1. 

3.2 Trace element analysis

The concentrations of the elements determined in the samples are provided in Table 2.  Quality assurance data is provided in Annex 1.

3.3 Curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin method development and validation

Method performance data is provided in Annex 2. 

3.4 Curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin analysis

The concentrations of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin determined in the samples are provided in Table 3.  Concentrations are reported in units of mg/kg as received for the fresh, ground and supplements in tablet form. For the supplement capsules the powder was removed from the capsule and tested and so the concentrations are reported in units of mg/kg of the powder content. The mass of the powder in the capsule is also provided, as well as the mass of the tablet for those in tablet form. For the lyophilised fresh samples both the dry weight concentration and the equivalent wet weight concentrations have been reported.

3.5 Piperine method development and validation

Method performance data is provided in Annex 3. 

3.6 Piperine analysis

The concentrations of piperine determined in the samples are provided in Table 4.  Concentrations are reported in units of mg/kg as received for the fresh, ground and supplements in tablet form. For the supplement capsules the powder was removed from the capsule and tested and so the concentrations are reported in units of mg/kg of the powder content. The mass of the powder in the capsule is also provided, as well as the mass of the tablet for those in tablet form. Samples TU06, TU07 TU12, TU17, TU21 and TU30 contained levels above the calibration range and were diluted 10 fold to obtain quantitative data. 
 

[1]  Alok A., Singh I.D., Singh S., et al.  (2015)  Curcumin – Pharmacological Actions And its Role in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Review.  Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9: 1-3.

[2] Turmeric report (PDF) on the Committee for Toxicity website.

[3]  Monton,C., Charoenchai, L., Suksaeree, J. and Sueree, L.  (2016)  Quantitation of curcuminoid contents, dissolution profile, and volatile oil content of turmeric capsules produced at some secondary government hospitals Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 24: 493-499.

Download the full data tables: 

Figure 1: Curcuminoid structures

Curcuminoid structures including Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin.

Table 1: Sample details

Sample code LIMS number Product Type of product
TU01 S21-002317 Turmeric powder Powder
TU02 S21-002318 Turmeric with black pepper Supplement
TU03 S21-002319 Turmeric tablets Supplement
TU04 S21-002320 Ground Turmeric Powder
TU05 S21-002321 Turmeric Supplement
TU06 S21-002322 Turmeric and black pepper Supplement
TU07 S21-002323 Organic turmeric Supplement
TU08 S21-002324 Turmeric Supplement
TU09 S21-002325 Organic ground Turmeric Powder
TU010 S21-002326 Turmeric Powder
TU011 S21-002327 Turmeric powder Powder
TU012 S21-002328 Curcumin Supplement
TU013 S21-002329 Turmeric Supplement
TU014 S21-002330 Turmeric Powder
TU015 S21-002331 Turmeric Supplement
TU016 S21-002332 Organic Turmeric powder Powder
TU017 S21-002333 Turmeric and black pepper Supplement
TU018 S21-002334 Turmeric and piperine Supplement
TU019 S21-002335 Turmeric whole Ordered as fresh but actually whole
TU020 S21-002336 Turmeric and black pepper tablets Supplement
TU021 S21-002337 Turmeric, ginger and black pepper tablets Supplement
TU022 S21-002338 Turmeric Powder
TU023 S21-002339 Ground Turmeric Powder
TU024 S21-002340 Turmeric powder Powder
TU025 S21-002341 Cod liver oil and Turmeric Supplement
TU026 S21-002342 Turmeric Fresh
TU027 S21-002343 Turmeric Fresh
TU028 S21-002344 Turmeric Fresh
TU029 S21-002345 Turmeric Fresh
TU030 S21-002346 Turmeric with black pepper Supplement

Table 2: Trace element concentrations

Sample code TU01 TU02 TU03 TU04 TU05
Sample name Turmeric powder

Turmeric with black pepper

Turmeric tablets Ground turmeric Turmeric
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium 0.116 0.052 0.125 0.12 0.187
Beryllium 0.007 0.005 0.013 0.009 0.014
Boron 4 5 3 5 5
Sodium 271 784 1610 341 977
Magnesium 1960 1770 1130 1990 785
Aluminium 468 384 153 429 541
Silicon 800 800 500 900 1900
Phosphorus 2990 2210 1620 2580 1290
Sulfur 1300 1000 900 1200 900
Potassium 40700 34600 24300 40100 17300
Calcium 1900 1870 311000 1940 2500
Scandium 0.137 0.139 0.354 0.124 0.153
Titanium 39.9 25.5 281 31.6 9.5
Vanadium 1.79 1.55 0.88 1.44 0.77
Chromium 0.51 0.54 2.39 0.48 1.93
Manganese 42.9 31.4 62.8 62.2 89.9
Iron 317 261 283 259 228
Cobalt 0.294 0.212 0.109 0.21 0.163
Nickel 0.45 0.47 0.33 0.5 1.01
Copper 3.06 2.88 0.4 2.81 1.9
Zinc 9.1 7.1 5.2 9.4 7.4
Gallium 0.12 0.1 0.07 0.11 0.16
Germanium 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.03
Arsenic 0.035 0.017 0.102 0.036 0.448
Selenium 0.05 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.05
Rubidium 5.92 5.26 21.2 7.81 17.1
Strontium 9.3 11.8 85.8 11.9 17.2
Yttrium 0.174 0.128 0.699 0.139 0.313
Zirconium 0.26 0.2 0.75 0.24 0.23
Niobium 0.026 0.014 0.157 0.022 0.007
Molybdenum 0.11 0.08 0.1 0.15 0.13
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium 0.007 0.006 0.047 0.007 0.012
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium 0.013 0.009 0.219 0.037 0.055
Tin 0.01 0.024 0.024 0.011 0.036
Antimony <0.002 0.003 0.003 0.002 <0.002
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium 0.015 0.011 0.011 0.018 0.031
Barium 5.91 3.92 9.37 8.86 29
Lanthanum 0.123 0.057 0.364 0.177 0.366
Cerium 0.294 0.147 0.299 0.366 0.709
Praseodymium 0.035 0.019 0.057 0.043 0.085
Neodymium 0.156 0.09 0.238 0.177 0.328
Samarium 0.036 0.023 0.047 0.036 0.064
Europium 0.01 0.008 0.012 0.009 0.014
Gadolinium 0.036 0.025 0.057 0.043 0.085
Terbium 0.006 0.004 0.009 0.005 0.01
Dysprosium 0.034 0.026 0.057 0.029 0.057
Holmium 0.007 0.005 0.013 0.005 0.011
Erbium 0.018 0.014 0.04 0.015 0.031
Thulium 0.002 0.002 0.005 0.002 0.004
Ytterbium 0.014 0.011 0.031 0.011 0.025
Lutetium 0.002 0.002 0.005 0.002 0.004
Hafnium 0.009 0.006 0.015 0.007 0.007
Tantalum 0.001 0.001 0.009 0.001 <0.001
Tungsten 0.003 0.008 <0.002 0.004 0.069
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium 0.009 0.005 0.009 0.009 0.014
Lead 0.071 0.033 0.094 0.116 0.26
Bismuth <0.001 <0.001 0.004 <0.001 0.003
Thorium 0.036 0.013 0.03 0.058 0.137
Uranium 0.01 0.008 0.166 0.012 0.024

Table 2: Trace element concentrations (continued)

Sample code TU06 TU07 TU08 TU09 TU10
Sample name Turmeric and black pepper

Organic turmeric

Turmeric Organic ground turmeric Turmeric
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium 0.211 0.203 0.135 0.185 0.247
Beryllium 0.015 0.012 0.007 0.014 0.03
Boron 6 5 4 4 5
Sodium 3010 479 794 398 49
Magnesium 1960 1600 1870 2300 1830
Aluminium 403 1210 514 655 1420
Silicon 700 2000 1700 1000 1600
Phosphorus 134000 3270 2380 2890 2890
Sulfur 1300 1200 1200 1400 1200
Potassium 45200 31900 26300 41300 48000
Calcium 203000 2030 1550 1870 1860
Scandium 0.29 0.25 0.148 0.134 0.198
Titanium 37 24.6 24.3 36.4 30
Vanadium 1.55 1.69 1.32 1.37 1.23
Chromium 0.86 0.36 1.94 1.3 2.11
Manganese 131 333 49.5 28.4 200
Iron 233 408 288 290 357
Cobalt 0.185 0.179 0.235 0.208 0.205
Nickel 0.59 0.32 1.01 0.64 1.34
Copper 0.83 3.12 2.36 2.98 3.15
Zinc 9.4 37.8 9.2 9.4 22
Gallium 0.13 0.22 0.13 0.17 0.32
Germanium 0.03 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.05
Arsenic 0.084 0.095 0.031 0.053 0.133
Selenium 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.09
Rubidium 32.1 27.7 4.46 9.36 32.8
Strontium 50.7 16.7 13.5 16 18.1
Yttrium 0.758 0.404 0.143 0.193 0.343
Zirconium 1.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.18
Niobium 0.06 0.014 0.021 0.046 0.08
Molybdenum 1.87 0.43 0.19 0.16 0.86
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium 0.03 0.012 0.007 0.01 0.012
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium 0.037 0.221 0.017 0.015 0.086
Tin 0.155 0.032 0.012 0.022 0.042
Antimony 0.017 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.01
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium 0.015 0.09 0.011 0.024 0.086
Barium 14.7 49.8 8.37 9.09 33.2
Lanthanum 0.329 0.246 0.196 0.372 0.618
Cerium 0.56 0.455 0.44 0.769 1.19
Praseodymium 0.084 0.062 0.048 0.084 0.134
Neodymium 0.358 0.269 0.189 0.316 0.513
Samarium 0.081 0.061 0.036 0.059 0.095
Europium 0.019 0.022 0.009 0.013 0.022
Gadolinium 0.088 0.067 0.034 0.054 0.086
Terbium 0.015 0.011 0.005 0.008 0.012
Dysprosium 0.093 0.067 0.029 0.04 0.064
Holmium 0.019 0.013 0.006 0.007 0.012
Erbium 0.058 0.04 0.016 0.021 0.033
Thulium 0.008 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.004
Ytterbium 0.049 0.034 0.013 0.016 0.026
Lutetium 0.008 0.005 0.002 0.002 0.004
Hafnium 0.04 0.011 0.01 0.009 0.01
Tantalum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.003 0.005
Tungsten 0.027 0.018 0.016 0.009 0.039
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium 0.017 0.104 0.014 0.013 0.041
Lead 0.097 0.288 0.092 0.203 2.25
Bismuth <0.001 0.002 <0.001 0.001 0.008
Thorium 0.097 0.043 0.061 0.17 0.237
Uranium 0.57 0.012 0.014 0.032 0.037

Table 2: Trace element concentrations (continued)

Sample code TU11 TU12 TU13 TU14 TU15
Sample name Turmeric powder

Curcumin

Turmeric Turmeric Turmeric
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium 0.132 <0.005 <0.005 0.09 0.32
Beryllium 0.007 0.02 <0.001 0.006 0.016
Boron 5 42 <1 4 5
Sodium 421 447 78500 285 536
Magnesium 2550 1450 10 1770 1080
Aluminium 587 10.2 <0.5 306 98.1
Silicon 1700 1200 <100 700 400
Phosphorus 3510 20200 <10 2840 82300
Sulfur 1600 <500 <500 1300 <500
Potassium 42200 <20 50 38100 1140
Calcium 2310 28500 46 1570 323000
Scandium 0.202 0.074 <0.005 0.092 0.387
Titanium 58.8 4 <0.1 27.6 12.3
Vanadium 2.61 0.11 0.04 1.19 0.81
Chromium 0.74 0.12 <0.05 0.33 1.17
Manganese 105 1.7 0.2 39.3 31.7
Iron 456 251 <1 193 65
Cobalt 0.439 0.03 <0.005 0.22 0.042
Nickel 0.62 0.08 <0.05 0.41 0.17
Copper 4.46 114 0.05 2.62 0.18
Zinc 21.6 0.4 15.8 8.6 1.7
Gallium 0.16 0.01 <0.01 0.08 0.07
Germanium 0.03 0.02 <0.01 0.02 0.04
Arsenic 0.039 0.01 <0.005 0.034 0.286
Selenium 0.06 <0.01 <0.01 0.05 0.06
Rubidium 5.44 <0.02 0.06 6.78 0.57
Strontium 10.5 13.8 0.37 8.4 76.6
Yttrium 0.213 0.172 <0.001 0.112 4.12
Zirconium 0.32 0.25 <0.01 0.22 0.43
Niobium 0.034 0.01 <0.002 0.02 0.025
Molybdenum 0.11 0.03 <0.02 0.11 0.03
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium 0.007 0.009 <0.005 0.015 0.107
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium 0.032 <0.005 <0.005 0.015 0.107
Tin 0.014 0.022 <0.005 0.015 0.107
Antimony 0.004 0.017 <0.002 <0.002 0.24
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium 0.016 <0.001 <0.001 0.015 0.008
Barium 7.05 0.69 0.09 6.13 1.94
Lanthanum 0.144 0.112 <0.001 0.098 1.28
Cerium 0.334 0.149 <0.001 0.216 0.471
Praseodymium 0.043 0.022 <0.001 0.027 0.153
Neodymium 0.188 0.089 <0.001 0.109 0.653
Samarium 0.042 0.017 <0.001 0.024 0.116
Europium 0.012 0.005 <0.001 0.007 0.029
Gadolinium 0.044 0.02 <0.001 0.025 0.177
Terbium 0.007 0.003 <0.001 0.004 0.027
Dysprosium 0.042 0.018 <0.001 0.004 0.027
Holmium 0.008 0.004 <0.001 0.004 0.047
Erbium 0.022 0.012 <0.001 0.002 0.019
Thulium 0.003 0.002 <0.001 0.002 0.019
Ytterbium 0.019 0.014 <0.001 0.009 0.107
Lutetium 0.003 0.003 <0.001 0.001 0.016
Hafnium 0.011 0.008 <0.001 0.007 0.01
Tantalum 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001
Tungsten 0.003 0.031 <0.002 0.003 0.012
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.007
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium 0.019 <0.005 <0.005 0.009 <0.005
Lead 0.638 0.023 <0.005 0.231 0.111
Bismuth <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Thorium 0.041 0.01 <0.001 0.031 0.024
Uranium 0.011 0.028 <0.001 0.008 0.237

Table 2: Trace element concentrations (continued)

Sample code TU16 TU17 TU18 TU19 TU20
Sample name Organic turmeric powder

Turmeric and black pepper

Turmeric and piperine Turmeric whole Turmeric and black pepper tablets
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium 0.243 0.021 0.134 0.106 <0.005
Beryllium 0.014 0.124 0.009 0.006 <0.001
Boron 6 31 4 4 32
Sodium 1030 27 728 148 204
Magnesium 2810 584 1670 1750 375
Aluminium 1220 10.3 363 314 10.5
Silicon 1800 <100 900 500 1300
Phosphorus 3010 58200 2820 3220 30
Sulfur 1600 <500 1300 1200 <500
Potassium 46500 <20 29000 36200 <20
Calcium 3170 83500 1620 1380 16
Scandium 0.426 0.188 0.084 0.093 0.034
Titanium 82.8 4.8 10.8 19.6 0.9
Vanadium 5.95 0.55 0.65 1.11 0.01
Chromium 0.21 0.21 0.52 0.32 0.09
Manganese 48.2 10.1 70 37 0.2
Iron 906 23 154 182 2
Cobalt 0.617 0.015 0.156 0.226 <0.005
Nickel 1.07 <0.05 0.41 0.39 <0.05
Copper 5.38 0.18 2.37 2.44 0.05
Zinc 18.1 0.3 14.7 7.5 <0.2
Gallium 0.31 0.02 0.1 0.08 <0.01
Germanium 0.07 0.02 0.02 0.03 <0.01
Arsenic 0.068 0.015 0.052 0.047 <0.005
Selenium 0.06 0.03 0.11 0.02 <0.01
Rubidium 7.65 <0.02 13.8 4.91 <0.02
Strontium 14.5 26.9 14.3 7.98 0.09
Yttrium 0.371 1.53 0.168 0.122 0.008
Zirconium 0.34 0.12 0.11 0.16 0.4
Niobium 0.027 0.004 0.021 0.016 0.002
Molybdenum 0.08 0.02 0.12 0.07 0.02
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium 0.011 0.038 0.009 0.005 <0.005
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium 0.02 <0.005 0.065 0.014 <0.005
Tin 0.023 0.009 0.026 0.008 <0.005
Antimony 0.003 0.187 0.004 0.002 0.016
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium 0.03 <0.001 0.031 0.02 <0.001
Barium 6.14 0.25 27.7 5.97 0.11
Lanthanum 0.227 0.204 0.23 0.102 0.012
Cerium 0.563 0.396 0.474 0.265 0.029
Praseodymium 0.069 0.066 0.052 0.029 0.003
Neodymium 0.305 0.324 0.203 0.125 0.009
Samarium 0.073 0.104 0.04 0.03 0.002
Europium 0.02 0.024 0.011 0.009 <0.001
Gadolinium 0.075 0.151 0.037 0.032 0.002
Terbium 0.013 0.028 0.005 0.005 <0.001
Dysprosium 0.074 0.185 0.028 0.028 0.001
Holmium 0.014 0.038 0.005 0.005 <0.001
Erbium 0.041 0.109 0.016 0.005 <0.001
Thulium 0.006 0.014 0.002 0.002 <0.001
Ytterbium 0.033 0.082 0.012 0.012 <0.001
Lutetium 0.005 0.012 0.002 0.002 <0.001
Hafnium 0.011 0.003 0.005 0.006 0.01
Tantalum 0.002 <0.001 0.001 0.001 <0.001
Tungsten 0.003 0.035 0.005 0.002 0.003
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium 0.019 <0.005 0.017 0.007 <0.005
Lead 0.159 0.03 0.152 0.072 0.012
Bismuth 0.002 <0.001 0.001 0.001 <0.001
Thorium 0.066 0.006 0.057 0.032 0.007
Uranium 0.02 0.113 0.017 0.009 0.001

Table 2: Trace element concentrations (continued)

Sample code TU21 TU22 TU23 TU24 TU25
Sample name Turmeric, ginger and black pepper tablets

Turmeric

Ground turmeric Turmeric powder Cold liver oil and turmeric
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium <0.005 0.088 0.064 0.175 0.006
Beryllium <0.001 0.005 0.005 0.01 0.002
Boron <1 4 5 5 <1
Sodium 52 586 515 332 1340
Magnesium 435 1660 2060 2870 198
Aluminium 2.1 319 436 785 8.7
Silicon <100 600 1000 1300 1200
Phosphorus <10 2160 3240 2860 <10
Sulfur <500 1200 1400 1300 <500
Potassium <20 31900 39300 42500 <20
Calcium 13 1370 1950 3060 35
Scandium <0.005 0.089 0.144 0.267 0.03
Titanium 0.2 30.8 30.4 64.1 2.6
Vanadium <0.01 1.18 1.65 2.97 0.05
Chromium 0.14 1.4 0.36 1.18 0.12
Manganese <0.1 25.1 30.4 71.2 0.1
Iron 2 198 280 551 4
Cobalt <0.005 0.196 0.209 0.455 <0.005
Nickel 0.1 0.88 0.39 0.95 <0.05
Copper <0.05 3 3.23 4.56 0.75
Zinc 0.2 9.5 8.7 11.3 0.6
Gallium <0.01 0.08 0.12 0.2 <0.01
Germanium <0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 <0.01
Arsenic <0.005 0.093 0.02 0.052 <0.005
Selenium <0.01 0.04 0.04 0.04 <0.01
Rubidium <0.02 3.39 5.59 5.55 <0.02
Strontium 0.03 8.51 14.8 13.5 0.15
Yttrium <0.001 0.095 0.144 0.285 0.016
Zirconium <0.01 0.23 0.24 0.47 0.28
Niobium 0.004 0.022 0.016 0.039 0.002
Molybdenum 0.16 0.28 0.11 0.1 0.0002
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium <0.005 <0.005 0.009 0.01 <0.005
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium <0.005 0.013 0.011 0.019 <0.005
Tin 0.02 0.007 0.007 0.018 <0.005
Antimony <0.002 0.002 <0.002 0.006 <0.002
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium <0.001 0.01 0.008 0.021 <0.001
Barium 0.04 5.85 7.36 6.39 0.71
Lanthanum 0.001 0.106 0.101 0.159 0.019
Cerium 0.002 0.249 0.244 0.378 0.039
Praseodymium <0.001 0.03 0.03 0.049 0.005
Neodymium <0.001 0.12 0.129 0.225 0.016
Samarium <0.001 0.024 0.03 0.054 0.003
Europium <0.001 0.006 0.009 0.016 <0.001
Gadolinium <0.001 0.027 0.031 0.056 0.003
Terbium <0.001 0.004 0.005 0.009 <0.001
Dysprosium <0.001 0.02 0.029 0.055 0.002
Holmium <0.001 0.005 0.006 0.011 <0.001
Erbium <0.001 0.011 0.016 0.03 0.002
Thulium <0.001

0.001

0.002 0.004 <0.001
Ytterbium <0.001 0.008 0.013 0.024 0.002
Lutetium <0.001 0.001 0.002 0.003 <0.001
Hafnium <0.001 0.007 0.009 0.013 0.0004
Tantalum <0.001 0.002 <0.001 0.002 <0.001
Tungsten 0.035 0.003 0.002 0.003 0.003
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium <0.005 <0.005 0.008 0.013 <0.005
Lead <0.005 0.066 0.05 0.151 0.024
Bismuth <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Thorium <0.001 03035 0.018 0.043 0.005
Uranium <0.001 0.013 0.009 0.014 0.004

Table 2: Trace element concentrations (continued)

Sample code TU26 TU27 TU28 TU29 TU30
Sample name Turmeric

Turmeric

Turmeric Turmeric Turmeric with black pepper
Units mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
Lithium 0.01 0.007 0.016 0.007 0.005
Beryllium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Boron 1 <1 <1 <1 28
Sodium 42 10 20 6 147
Magnesium 411 242 162 243 287
Aluminium 63.6 18.4 28.4 19.7 9.2
Silicon 200 <100 <100 <100 1100
Phosphorus 910 360 210 370 30
Sulfur <500 <500 <500 <500 <500
Potassium 8850 5740 4460 5750 <20
Calcium 432 236 262 262 21
Scandium 0.024 <0.005 0.007 <0.005 0.028
Titanium 11.1 0.8 1.8 0.8 1.1
Vanadium 0.39 0.02 0.05 0.02 <0.01
Chromium 0.08 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Manganese 8 1.9 7.9 7.9 <0.1
Iron 49 6 9 6 1
Cobalt 0.033 0.006 0.007 0.007 <0.005
Nickel 0.08 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Copper 0.64 0.36 0.17 0.36 0.09
Zinc 2.1 1.9 1.3 1.8 0.2
Gallium 0.02 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Germanium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Arsenic <0.005 <0.005 0.007 <0.005 <0.005
Selenium <0.01 0.03 <0.01 0.02 <0.01
Rubidium 2.01 3.28 0.66 3.52 0.03
Strontium 1.9 0.5 3.42 0.53 0.1
Yttrium 0.024 0.009 0.01 0.01 0.003
Zirconium 0.1 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.18
Niobium 0.007 0.002 0.006 0.004 <0.002
Molybdenum 0.03 0.14 0.15 0.17 <0.02
Ruthenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Rhodium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Palladium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Silver <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Cadmium <0.005 <0.005 0.01 <0.005 <0.005
Tin 0.007 <0.005 0.01 <0.005 <0.005
Antimony <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.002
Tellurium <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Caesium 0.002 0.008 0.003 0.006 <0.001
Barium 1.13 1.88 3.98 2.08 0.09
Lanthanum 0.015 0.015 0.018 0.02 0.004
Cerium 0.035 0.028 0.038 0.037 0.008
Praseodymium 0.005 0.003 0.004 0.004 <0.001
Neodymium 0.02 0.014 0.018 0.017 0.003
Samarium 0.005 0.002 0.003 0.003 <0.001
Europium 0.002 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gadolinium 0.006 0.002 0.003 0.003 <0.001
Terbium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Dysprosium 0.005 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.001
Holmium 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Erbium 0.003 <0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Thulium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Ytterbium 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Lutetium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Hafnium 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.0004
Tantalum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Tungsten <0.002 0.005 <0.002 0.002 <0.002
Rhenium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Osmium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Iridium <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Platinum <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Gold <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Mercury <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Thallium <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005
Lead 0.011 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.008
Bismuth <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Thorium 0.003 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.003
Uranium 0.002 <0.001 0.003 0.001 0.002

Table 3: Curcuminoid concentrations

Sample code Product Average mass per tablet/capsule (g) Curcumin Concentration (mg/kg): A Curcumin Concentration (mg/kg): B DMC Concentration (mg/kg): A DMC Concentration (mg/kg): B BDMC Concentration (mg/kg): A BDMC Concentration (mg/kg): A Total Curcuminoids Concentration (mg/kg): A Total Curcuminoids Concentration (mg/kg): B
TU01 Turmeric powder NA 11,734 15,244 5,610 6,797 4,181 5,920 21,525 27,960
TU02 Turmeric with black pepper 0.60 9,027 10,139 3,806 4,131 3,055 3,500 15,888 17,770
TU03 Turmeric tablets 0.42 14,033 14,094 2,792 3,153 <LOQ <LOQ 16,825 17,247
TU04 Ground Turmeric NA 7,401 7,220 2,911 2,613 2,384 2,252 12,697 12,084
TU05 Turmeric 0.62 98,476 101,898 29,088 31,088 8,905 9,251 136,469 142,237
TU06 Turmeric and black pepper 0.35 24,630 22,962 4,804 5,092 <LOQ <LOQ 29,434 28,054
TU07 Organic Turmeric 0.46 22,085 25,256 9,826 11,153 8,503 9,953 40,415 46,362
TU08 Turmeric 0.53 80,671 81,022 23,871 24,744 8,309 8,472 112,850 114,238
TU09 Organic turmeric powder NA 14,154 13,688 6,066 5,790 4,126 4,120 24,346 23,598
TU010 Turmeric NA 19,430 20,852 8,981 11,245 8,159 9,693 36,570 41,790
TU011 Turmeric powder NA 13,060 14,870 6,261 6,929 5,135 5,798 24,455 27,598
TU12 Curcumin 1.00 438,679 466,572 31,578 34,215 5,590 6,566 475,847 507,309
TU13 Turmeric 3.96 35,686 38,380 9,732 7,759 2,275 2,365 47,875 48,504
TU14 Turmeric NA 13,777 15,542 6,544 8,524 4,783 6,501 25,104 30,567
TU15 Turmeric 1.57 69,805 66,148 20,086 16,064 4,781 4,356 94,672 86,568
TU16 Organic Turmeric powder NA 9,991 22,962 4,548 5,092 4,932 <LOQ 19,471 28,054
TU17 Turmeric and black pepper 0.15 286,110 258,679 13,279 12,958 3,324 3,014 302,712 274,651
TU18 Turmeric and piperine 0.61 11,670 11,075 4,625 4,195 4,556 4,660 20,851 19,930
TU19 Turmeric whole NA 17,717 16,420 9,182 8,598 6,517 6,312 33,416 31,330
TU20 Turmeric and black pepper tablets 0.25 58,081 59,475 <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ 58,801 59,745
TU21 Turmeric, ginger and black pepper tablets 0.34 25,735 24,505 6,870 6,967 3,519 3,284 36,124 34,756
TU22 Turmeric NA 7,196 7,201 2,424 2,738 2,504 2,589 12,125 12,528
TU23 Ground turmeric NA 16,554 15,931 6,925 6,483 5,925 5,554 29,404 27,967
TU24 Turmeric powder NA 13,688 14,050 5,558 5,880 4,978 5,069 24,224 24,998
TU25 Cod liver oil and turmeric 0.72 78,678 88,601 24,446 29,199 11,862 12,253 114,986 130,324
TU26 Turmeric (dry weight basis) NA 24,271 23,195 11,530 10,165 9,353 9,361 45,155 42,270
TU26 Turmeric NA 4,662 4,455 2,215 1,952 1,796 1,798 8,673 8,205
TU27 Turmeric  NA 16,278 18,492 11,112 12,614 5,819 7,130 33,209 38,237
TU27 Turmeric (dry weight basis) NA 2,059 2,339 1,405 1,595 736 902 4,200 4,835
TU28 Turmeric (dry weight basis) NA 36,591 49,527 19,796 27,391 18,008 25,817 74,395 102,735
TU28 Turmeric NA 2,749 3,721 1,487 2,058 1,353 1,940 5,589 7,718
TU29 Turmeric (dry weight basis) NA 15,352 15,228 10,255 10,718 5,606 5,817 31,213 31,763
TU29 Turmeric NA 1,993 1,977 1,332 1,392 728 755 4,053 4,124
TU30 Turmeric with black pepper 0.25 46,584 44,378 <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ 46,584 44,378
Control Ground Ginger NA <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ <LOQ

Table 4: Piperine concentrations

Sample number Product Average mass per tablet/capsule (grams) Piperine Concentration (mg/kg): A Piperine Concentration (mg/kg): B
TU02 Turmeric with black pepper 0.60 1,170 1,130
TU03 Turmeric tablets 0.42 <LOQ <LOQ
TU05 Turmeric 0.62 3,277 4,022
TU06 Turmeric with black pepper 0.35 92,131 89,469
TU07 Organic Turmeric 0.46 <LOQ <LOQ
TU08 Turmeric 0.53 <LOQ <LOQ
TU12 Curcumin 1.00 16,776 19,558
TU13 Turmeric 3.96 <LOQ <LOQ
TU15 Turmeric 1.57 7,837 7,270
TU17 Turmeric with black pepper herbal extract 0.15 164,103 199,609
TU18 Turmeric and piperine 0.61 653 457
TU20 Turmeric with black pepper tablets 0.25 31,629 38,423
TU21 Turmeric. ginger and black pepper tablets 0.34 34,457 33,129
TU25 Cod liver oil and Turmeric 0.34 <LOQ <LOQ
TU30 Turmeric with black pepper 0.34 140,509

138,428

Contorl Ground ginger Not applicable <LOQ <LOQ

Limit of quantification: Piperine = 107 mg/kg.

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Recovery and limit of detection

Element Recovery (%) LoD (mg/kg)
Lithium 91 0.005
Beryllium 98 0.001
Boron 71 1
Sodium 57 5
Magnesium 100 1
Aluminium 64 0.5
Silicon 98 100
Phosphorus 95 10
Sulfur 90 500
Potassium 78 20
Calcium 81 5
Scandium 77 0.005
Titanium 55 0.1
Vanadium 67 0.01
Chromium 100 0.05
Manganese 100 0.1
Iron 100 1
Cobalt 100 0.005
Nickel 100 0.05
Copper 100 0.05
Zinc 100 0.2
Gallium 80 0.01
Germanium 80 0.01
Arsenic 110 0.005
Selenium 100 0.01
Rubidium 107 0.02
Strontium 95 0.02
Yttrium 91 0.001
Zirconium 89 0.01
Niobium 85 0.002
Molybdenum 90 0.02
Ruthenium 93 0.001
Rhodium 91 0.005
Palladium 89 0.005
Silver 75 0.01
Cadmium 90 0.005
Tin 99 0.005
Antimony 101 0.002
Tellurium 129 0.01
Caesium 128 0.001
Barium 109 0.02
Lanthanum 111 0.001
Cerium 105 0.001
Praseodymium 100 0.001
Neodymium 95 0.001
Samarium 95 0.001
Europium 95 0.001
Gadolinium 95 0.001
Terbium 90 0.001
Dysprosium 88 0.001
Holmium 88 0.001
Erbium 85 0.001
Thulium 87 0.001
Ytterbium 87 0.001
Lutetium 84 0.001
Hafnium 69 0.001
Tantalum 66 0.001
Tungsten 79 0.002
Rhenium 89 0.001
Osmium 90 0.005
Iridium 87 0.001
Platinum 97 0.001
Gold 90 0.002
Mercury 95 0.005
Thallium 96 0.005
Lead 94 0.005
Bismuth 101 0.001
Thorium 89 0.001
Uranium 94 0.001

Certified reference materials

Element NIST 1548a (mg/kg) Reference (mg/kg) Bias (%) INCT-OBTL-5 (mg/kg) Reference (mg/kg) Bias (%) ZC73012(mg/kg) Reference(mg/kg) Bias (%)
Lithium 0.028 None - 29.1 ~19.3 51 0.496 0.54 -8
Beryllium <0.001 None - 0.085 ~0.081 5 0.002 ~0.002 21
Boron 4.55 4.16 9 50 33.6 49 26.9 19.6 37
Sodium 7470 8130 -8 407 ~435 -7 12900 10900 18
Magnesium 325 580 -44 8810 8530 3 1690 2410 -30
Aluminium 79 72.4 9 3150 1980 59 130 166 -22
Silicon <100 ~78.7 -53 2280 None - <100 240 -74
Phosphorus 2920 3490 -16 1720 1700 1 4670 4600 1
Sulfur 1500 1930 -22 4840 4550 6 7320 7200 2
Potassium 6360 6970 -9 31500 22700 39 18200 15500 17
Calcium 1610 1970 -18 51600 40000 29 7010 7000 0
Scandium <0.005 ~0.0008 - 0.782 0.64 22 0.009 ~0.007 29
Titanium 5.8 ~4.7 23 199 ~80.7 146 5.6 ~9 -38
Vanadium 0.02 None - 6.41 4.01 60 0.05 ~0.11 -59
Chromium 0.05 None - 6.27 ~6.3 0 1.62 1.8 -10
Manganese 3.5 5.75 -39 191 180 6 13.8 18.7 -26
Iron 20 35.3 -42 1630 ~1490 9 68 98 -30
Cobalt 0.01 ~0.028 -63 0.919 0.981 -6 0.056 0.089 -37
Nickel 0.24 0.37 -35 8.21 8.5 -3 0.98 0.93 6
Copper 1.43 2.32 -38 9.64 10.1 -5 1.5 2.7 -44
Zinc 16.7 24.6 -32 51.9 52.4 -1 28.6 26 10
Gallium 0.01 None - 0.92 None - 0.03 None -
Germanium <0.01 None - 0.17 None - 0.02 ~0.004 421
Arsenic 0.195 0.2 -3 0.766 0.668 15 0.068 0.062 10
Selenium 0.23 0.25 -7 0.18 None - 0.23 0.2 16
Rubidium 3.78 None - 17.6 19.1 -8 20.4 19.6 4
Strontium 2.76 2.93 -6 116 105 11 52.4 48 9
Yttrium 0.003 None - 1.31 ~0.963 36 0.012 0.015 -19
Zirconium 0.05 None - 0.88 None - 0.04 None -
Niobium 0.002 None - 0.196 None - 0.012 ~0.014 -12
Molybdenum 0.22 0.26 -16 0.41

0.414

-2 0.77 0.71 8
Ruthenium <0.001 None - <0.001 None - <0.001 None -
Rhodium <0.005 None - <0.005 None - <0.005 None -
Palladium <0.005 None - 0.058 None - 0.024 None -
Silver <0.01 Noe  - 0.05 0.053 -3 0.09 None -
Cadmium 0.034 0.035 -4 3.31 2.64 25 0.046 0.035 32
Tin 14.7 17.2 -15 0.163 None - 0.008 None -
Antimony 0.0078 ~0.009 -14 0.059 0.076 -21 0.008 None -
Tellurium <0.01 None - <0.01 None - <0.01 None -
Caesium 0.0087 None -

0.242

0.288 -16 0.082 0.082 0
Barium 1.08 1.1 -2 64.1 67.4 -5 34.2 12 185
Lanthanum 0.003 None - 1.48 1.69 -13 0.02 0.024 -15
Cerium 0.004 0.01 -56 2.82 2.99 -6 0.043 0.044 -1
Praseodymium 0.001 None - 0.37 ~0.321 15 0.005 0.004 11
Neodymium 0.003 None - 1.47 1.33 10 0.017 0.015 11
Samarium 0.001 None - 0.29 0.264 10 0.017 0.015 -2
Europium <0.001 None - 0.065 0.06 7 0.005 ~0.004 28
Gadolinium 0.001 None - 0.268 ~0.243 10 0.003 0.003 -17
Terbium <0.001 None - 0.043 0.035 24 <0.001 ~0.0005 -
Dysprosium <0.001 None - 0.246 ~0.184 33 0.002 0.003 -13
Holmium <0.001 None - 0.048 ~0.035 39 <0.001 ~0.0005 -
Erbium <0.001 None - 0.14 0.101 38 0.002 ~0.001 14
Thulium <0.001 None - 0.019 ~0.014 39 <0.001 ~0.00023 -
Ytterbium <0.001 None - 0.119 0.115 3 0.002 0.001 5
Lutetium <0.001 None - 0.018 ~0.017 6 <0.001 ~0.00016 -
Hafnium 0.002 None - 0.034 0.291 -88 0.001 None -
Tantalum <0.001 None - 0.01 0.042 -75 0.001 None -
Tungsten 0.002 None - 0.05 None - 0.061 None -
Rhenium <0.001 None - 0.01 None - 0.001 None -
Osmium <0.005 None - <0.005 None - <0.005 None -
Iridium <0.001 None - <0.001 None - <0.001 None -
Platinum <0.001 None - <0.001 None - <0.001 None -
Gold <0.002 None -

0.003

~0.003 -4 <0.002 None -
Mercury <0.005 ~0.005 -49 0.018 0.021 -13 0.011 0.011 -2
Thallium <0.005 None - 0.064 0.051 24 0.006 ~0.006 -4
Lead 0.054 0.044 22 2.16 2.01 8 0.274 0.19 44
Bismuth 0.001 None - 0.115 None - 0.001 0.003 -52
Thorium 0.001 None - 0.519 0.503 3 0.006 0.009 -38
Uranium 0.002 None - 0.106 ~0.113 -6 0.021 0.02 7

'-' indicates values where they are issued as a reference value. 

Curcumin

Calibration

Details in the text.

Recovery and repeatability

Sample Batch 1 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 2 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 3 concentration (mg/kg)
Low spike sample 1 9,899 9,217 9,203
Low spike sample 2 8,983 9,617 9,093
Low spike sample 3 8,531 8,906 9,180
Low spike sample 4 8,612 8,853 9,416
Low spike sample 5 8,716 8,632 9,816
Low spike sample 6 8,657 9,230 9,688
Low spike sample 7 8,631 8,703 9,695
Average  8,861 9,023 9,442
Recovery 98% 98% 105%
Repeatability (RSD) 5.4% 1.1% 3.1%
Medium spike sample 1 88,083 88,309 90,267
Medium spike sample 2 86,934 88,557 89,552
Medium spike sample 3 86,023 86,293 87,761
Medium spike sample 4 86,003 87,335 89,793
Medium spike sample 5 88,285 89,001 89,365
Medium spike sample 6 90,875 88,664 90,956
Medium spike sample 7 90,134 88,336 90,049
Average 88,048 88,071 89,678
Recovery 98% 98% 100%
Repeatability (RSD) 2.2% 1.1% 1.1%
High spike sample 1 180,540 178,114 179,583
High spike sample 2 183,548 180,893 182,099
High spike sample 3 180,048 178,661 183,678
High spike sample 4 178,903 176,628 178,446
High spike sample 5 178,456 176,339 175,942
High spike sample 6 178,537 176,395 177,756
High spike sample 7 176,755 175,586 180,721
Average 179,541 177,516 179,747
Recovery 100% 99% 100%
Repeatability (RSD) 1.2% 1.0% 1.5%

Bisdemethoxycurcumin

Calibration

Details of graph in the text.

Recovery and repeatability

Sample Batch 1 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 2 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 3 concentration (mg/kg)
Low spike sample 1 10,055 8,642 9,529
Low spike sample 2 9,389 9,076 9,542
Low spike sample 3 9,583 8,575 9,586
Low spike sample 4 9,356 8,941 9,199
Low spike sample 5 9,644 8,630 9,546
Low spike sample 6 9,632 9,064 9,433
Low spike sample 7 9,675 8,492 9,603
Average  9,619 8,774 9,491
Recovery 107% 97% 105%
Repeatability (RSD) 2.4% 2.8% 1.5%
Medium spike sample 1 84,061 90,443 87,706
Medium spike sample 2 83,835 91,551 89,092
Medium spike sample 3 85,270 92,213 86,301
Medium spike sample 4 87,098 90,044 87,764
Medium spike sample 5 85,970 90,827 90,689
Medium spike sample 6 88,088 92,214 89,824
Medium spike sample 7 85,824 93,060 89,137
Average 85,724 91,662 88,645
Recovery 95% 102% 98%
Repeatability (RSD) 1.8% 1.4% 1.7%
High spike sample 1 181,848 185,629 179,314
High spike sample 2 185,518 191,136 182,990
High spike sample 3 182,230 190,187 181,666
High spike sample 4 182,972 185,342 180,509
High spike sample 5 182,480 186,815 182,336
High spike sample 6 181,894 180,271 182,455
High spike sample 7 182,171 183,198 184,728
Average 182,730 186,083 182,000
Recovery 102% 103% 101%
Repeatability (RSD) 0.7% 2.0% 1.0%

Demethoxycurcumin

Calibration

All details in the text.

Recovery and repeatability

Sample Batch 1 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 2 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 3 concentration (mg/kg)
Low spike sample 1 11,016 8,567 9,527
Low spike sample 2 10,113 8,704 9,472
Low spike sample 3 10,173 8,156 9,239
Low spike sample 4 9,957 8,663 8,534
Low spike sample 5 10,611 7,909 9,457
Low spike sample 6 10,452 8,168 9,463
Low spike sample 7 10,327 7,999 9,476
Average  10,378 8,309 9,310
Recovery 115% 92% 103%
Repeatability (RSD) 3.4%

4.0%

3.8%
Medium spike sample 1 82,492 90,081 87,906
Medium spike sample 2 91,684 91,188 90,377
Medium spike sample 3 90,315 88,761 86,577
Medium spike sample 4 90,267 90,235 87,702
Medium spike sample 5 87,640 88,703 88,382
Medium spike sample 6 90,271 90,246 91,100
Medium spike sample 7 87,736 91,431 88,961
Average 88,629 90,105 88,715
Recovery 98% 100% 99%
Repeatability (RSD) 3.5% 1.2% 1.8%
High spike sample 1 177,896 180,299 177,926
High spike sample 2 180,907 184,294 179,632
High spike sample 3 181,684 185,411 182,946
High spike sample 4 177,627 182,840 177,503
High spike sample 5 183,585 186,984 176,702
High spike sample 6 180,224 175,844 170,056
High spike sample 7 179,451 181,837 179,465
Average 180,196 182,501 177,747
Recovery 100% 101% 99%
Repeatability (RSD) 1.2% 2.0% 2.2%

Piperine

Calibration

Details explained in the text.

Recovery and repeatability

Sample Batch 1 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 2 concentration (mg/kg) Batch 3 concentration (mg/kg)
Low spike sample 1 633 766 820
Low spike sample 2 581 743 831
Low spike sample 3 623 702 754
Low spike sample 4 588 741 818
Low spike sample 5 633 738 809
Low spike sample 6 599 702 814
Low spike sample 7 620 688 758
Average 611 726 801
Recovery 68% 81% 89%
Repeatability (RSD) 3.5% 3.9% 3.9%
Medium spike sample 1 16,327 14,128 12,387
Medium spike sample 2 15,272 13,283 12,466
Medium spike sample 3 16,045 11,923 11,436
Medium spike sample 4 15,890 12,224 12,300
Medium spike sample 5 15,569 11,036 12.633
Medium spike sample 6 15,362 10,935 12,868
Medium spike sample 7 16,604 11,152 12,420
Average 15,867 12,097 12,359
Recovery 88% 67% 69%
Repeatability (RSD) 3.1% 10.1% 3.6%

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