A composition comprising a water-soluble and stable complex formed by an alkyl ether derivative of gamma-cyclodextrin and curcumin and optionally comprising non-complexed cyclodextrin, the molar ratio of curcumin to cyclodextrin being between 1:1 and 1:6, and a method of manufacturing such a composition. The water-soluble and stable complex of curcumin is useful in therapy, e.g. for treatment of cancer, leukemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, sepsis, acute lung injury, acute liver failure, acute tubular necrosis, acute pancreatitis, radiation injury and other life-threatening conditions in a human or animal subject, as well as for preserving human or animal organs, tissues or cells at a hypothermic temperature.
