Turmeric powder is primarily made from the dried and ground rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. It contains a variety of compounds , including curcuminoids (like curcumin, demethoxy curcumin , and bisdemethoxycurcumin), essential oils, and other polysaccharides and resins. Curcumin, a diarylhepta noid, is the main component respons ible for turmeri c ' s characteristic yellow color and many of its health benefits.