This scientific literature review provides an overview of turmeric, focusing on its botanical characteristics, historical significance, molecular composition, extraction methods, and medicinal properties. Turmeric, known for its distinct health and culinary properties, holds cultural and medicinal importance, with curcumin being its key bioactive compound. Extraction methods range from traditional to modern techniques like supercritical fluid-based extraction. Turmeric exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, making it promising for medicinal use. It also finds lesser-known applications in agriculture and cosmetics. Despite some limitations, further research is needed to fully exploit turmeric's potential across various fields.