Turmeric is the dried rhizome (root) of the Curcuma longa plant and is one of the most widely used spices (curry) in India. Used for its flavor, as a food color and as an medicinal herb.urcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin is the yellow-orange pigment and the most important ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin has many clinical applications, particularly as a powerful, yet safe, anti-inflammatory agent.