Dolcas Tenshi Bioceuticals (DTB) is expanding its nutraceutical portfolio with Curcugen, a 100 percent natural, water-dispersible curcumin ingredient. Curcugen’s patent-pending composition base is turmeric oleoresin, rather than the 95 percent standardized curcuminoid material common in the supplement industry. This, according to the company, elevates the nutraceutical as it avoids the need to complement the curcuminoids with other, non-turmeric ingredients, or reconstitute it with displaced turmeric ingredients.
“We believe Curcugen’s comprehensive profile will generate significant interest and readily establish itself in this crowded curcumin market since it overcomes a number of limitations including delivery, potency, bioavailability and its clean-label appeal,” says Shavon Jackson-Michel, Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs at DTB.
The market for the “golden spice” has steadily grown in popularity, as knowledge around its health halo has expanded. It has made its way into a range of food and beverage and supplement launches in recent years. However, worries have arisen in the industry of the potential adulteration of turmeric and curcumin products and ingredients are increasingly seeking to differentiate themselves in this busy market.
The “unique composition” of Curcugen is due to the SELF D platform technology – from Olene Life Sciences – that “optimizes the oleoresin base so that its benefits can be fully realized.” Its formulation is said to preserve the original complex of curcuminoids, essential oils and polar resins within the optimized oleoresin matrix. These naturally occurring constituents help to overcome the absorption issues characteristic of unformulated curcumin.
“Curcugen was developed using our patented SELF D platform technology,” says Dr. Somashekara Nirvanashetty, CEO and Co-Founder of Olene Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. The company manufactures the Curcugen technology that enhances the natural, whole-food state of curcumin. “It is a truly ‘disruptive innovation’ sure to redefine the curcumin landscape.”
DTB touts the product as being among the most concentrated curcumin ingredients on the market – with curcuminoid concentrates at a 50 percent standard – and maintains a 95 percent turmeric rhizome base, free from chemical excipients.
Additional properties include a self-dispersing mechanism in liquid that allows for a clinical dose in a fluid medium. This makes it suitable for functional foods and ready-to-mix/RTD beverages. As a free-flowing dry ingredient, Curcugen offers other formulation options, including traditional capsules, gummies, soft chews and oral dispersible formats.
An extensive clinical study program for Curcugen evaluating safety and efficacy (including GRAS assessment) is being initiated both domestically and internationally. The results of several such studies are expected to be published by the end of this year.
The product will be debuting at this year’s Vitafoods show in Geneva, Switzerland, May 7-9.