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Turmeric (Curcuma longa LJ powder is a yellow coloured powder made by grinding of dried mature
turmeric rhizomes. Turmeric is used in culinary preparations, cosmetic industries and medicinal
preparations. It is available in Sri Lankan market both as branded and unbranded powders. This study was
carried out to assess the levels of macro, micro and toxic heavy metals in some of those widely used
branded and unbranded turmeric powders available in Sri Lankan market. Three batches from five different
brands and an unbranded turmeric powder and a pure turmeric rhizome were subjected to the analysis.
AOAC Official method of 975.03 (1996) was carried out to determine the metal content using Atomic
Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) method was also carried out.
The results were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). According to the results,
Potassium was the most abundant macro metal in turmeric. Except Iron the other micro metals were
present in very low level in turmeric. Iron and Cadmium contents in some brands were significantly
exceeded the maximum limit recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). There were significant
differences among all the brands and unbranded turmeric powder in metal contents. The variation among
batches in same brand for all the metals was not significant.
