Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of curcumin comprising provision of a curcuminoid composition, contacting said curcuminoid composition with basic amino acid or amino acid ester in order to form an amino acid salt of curcumin, separating the salt of curcumin, and recovering curcumin at increased purity levels. Curcumin may be obtained at purity levels beyond 90 wt. %.