Stephanie Saey Chem430 F16

Chemistry/Biochemistry Research 430

Fall 2016

Stephanie Saey

Junior Biochemistry and Biopsychology Double Major

Research Times

Mon: 12-2pm Th: 11-1pm

section 01 = 0.25 credit = 4 hours per week.

Proposed Research Project

General Information

Advisor: Dr. Brad Sturgeon

Other research student collaborators: Nadia Ayala

Preparation of Curcuminoid Standards from Tumeric Plant

Curcumin is a secondary plant metabolite of the turmeric herb Curcuma Longa. The term "curcumin" has been used to refer to the bioactive molecule, but in reality curcumin has three derivatives of different molecular structures: curcumin I, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Together, these structures are known as curcuminoids. A review of curcumin studies suggest curcuminoids have chemotherapeutic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, among other uses to be discovered. However, difficulty arises when seeking to study the derivatives of curcumin individually. Curcumin I is only available in small amounts, while demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin remain unavailable commercially. The current research project aims to successfully isolate, purify, and characterize the curcuminoids in amounts large enough for further investigation. Using MeOH and a soxhlet apparatus, the curcuminoids will be extracted from turmeric and subsequently subjected to Flash Chromatography for separation. Once the curcuminoids are separated, NMR data collection will take place to compare the chemical properties of each derivative. The process will be repeated multiple times to prepare substantial standards of the curcuminoids.

Instruments to be used

Distillation Apparatus, Flash Chromotography System, NMR

References

Goel A, Kunnumakkara AB, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin as ‘curecumin’: from kitchen to clinic. Biochem Pharmacol. 2008;75:787–809.

Kiuchi, F, Goyto, Y, Sugimoto, N, Akao, N, Kondo, K, Tsuda, Y. Nematocidal activity of turmeric: synergistic action of curcuminoids. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1993;41:1640-3.

Research pledge

I, Stephanie Saey, have read the Chem/Bioc 430 course syllabus and understand the general structure and expectations of the research program. The above material was prepared after consultation, and in conjunction with my research advisor, Dr. Brad Sturgeon.