Methods of making safe extracts of Curcuma longa L. are provided. The processes provided include methods that use an extraction solvent that is at least substantially non-toxic and useful also as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in liquid dosage forms. The processes can produce a significantly higher yield from a single extraction than the state-of-the-art processes. For example, liquid dosage forms can be produced directly from the extraction process without requiring removal of the extraction solvent, reducing complexity and cost of processing over the state-of-the-art. Methods of making microemulsions and nanoemulsions are also provided to enhance the bioavailability and stability of the extracts.
