Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family. The root of the turmeric plant contains a bright yellow pigment known as curcumin, which has been widely studied for its potential health benefits. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been investigated for its potential use in treating a variety of health conditions, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer.