Many alcohols serve as solvents for curcumin, and some are suitable for extracting curcumin from turmeric tissue. Ethanol, the alcohol present in beer, wine and many types of liquor, effectively dissolves curcumin, as do methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol, isopropanol and n-butanol. Such hydrocarbons as acetone and hexane also dissolve curcumin, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The acronym DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide. DMSO has potential as a treatment for such ailments as inflammation and arthritis, but a controversy over possible side effects has curtailed research, according to the DMSO website. However, it is an effective solvent for a wide variety of substances, including curcumin. DMSO serves as a curcumin solvent in laboratory experiments.
In addition to ethanol, other ethane derivatives dissolve curcumin. Ethyl acetate is an ester formed by the reaction of ethanol and acetic acid. In dichloroethane, two chlorine atoms have replaced two hydrogen atoms of the ethane molecule. Both have been used as solvents in the preparation of curcumin, though possible contamination of the product has led to restrictions on the use of dichloroethane, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Curcumin also dissolves in other chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane.
Curcumin has negligible solubility in pure water at room temperature. However, when heated, water dissolves curcumin to some extent. In addition, if a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide, raises the pH of water, the alkaline solution is capable of dissolving curcumin.
Curcumin dissolves in oils, according to the Food and Health Organization of the United Nations. At room temperature, curcumin partially dissolves in such vegetable oils as olive oil and canola oil, as well as glycerol, a chemical that enters into the composition of all fats and vegetable oils. The application of heat makes these oils a more satisfactory curcumin solvent.