CURCUMIN-INDUCED ALTERATION IN THE GLUCOSE METABOLISM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

Escherichia coli of intestinal origin was grown in the presence of different fractions of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Curcumin (the pigment of turmeric) and the alcoholic extract of turmeric inhibited gas formation without inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Curcumin, which is also a constituent of the alcoholic extract, bound iron in the medium. This inhibited the formation of the enzyme formic hydrogenlyase which in turn inhibited gas formation, with acid accumulation and reduced glucose utilization.