Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has: anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer activity, antioxidants activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-aging, anti-fertility, hepacto-protective activity, opthalmic activity, antibacterial activity, antidepressant activity etc. Curcumin has shows significant effect in the treatment of oral mucosal disorders eg. aphthous stomatitis, oral ulcers, oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis etc. Curcumin affect systemic iron metabolism by reducing the levels of certain metal ions.