Gencor and Pharmako Biotechnologies announce curcumin ingredient has been granted a U.S. patent

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In an April 2, 2025, press release, Gencor and Pharmako Biotechnologies announced that the curcumin ingredient HydroCurc had received the patent “Liquid Dispersible Curcuminoid Compositions and Methods of Improving Cognitive Function.” The patent covers the ingredient’s ability to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and also states: “This effect is further enhanced when the dispersible curcuminoid composition is combined with, or co-administered with, an iron supplement.”

A 2022 study¹ demonstrated that the combination of curcumin supplement (HydroCurc 500 mg) and iron was able to increase serum BDNF in the participants compared with other test groups in the study.

The proprietary and patented delivery technology LipiSperse by Pharmako increases the bioavailability of HydroCurc, converting the powder’s surface from lipophilic to hydrophilic. HydroCurc is able to deliver 90% of active ingredients.

“We are thrilled about this new patent for HydroCurc,” stated George Kokkinis, CEO and founder of Pharmako Biotechnologies,” in the press release. “This is the first study to demonstrate that an orally taken, highly bioavailable curcumin (HydroCurc) coupled with iron was able to increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that plays a critical role in the development, growth, and maintenance of neurons in the brain.”

As Kokkinis explained, key points of the results include:

• Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. It is essential for learning and memory. BDNF is vital for neuroplasticity
• Survival and Growth: BDNF helps support the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses
• Mental Health: Low levels of BDNF have been linked to various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Increasing BDNF levels can potentially improve mood and cognitive function.

Additional studies have demonstrated other effects of HydroCurc. A study² published in 2020 demonstrated it could allow faster return to exercise training by producing anti-inflammatory properties. Another study³ published in 2022 demonstrated its effect on reducing joint pain.

HydroCurc is able to be added into various formats including powder, tablets, capsules, gels, sachets, effervescents, drinks, and shots.

References

1. Tiekou Lorinczova, H.; Fitzsimons, O.; Mursaleen, L.; Renshaw, D.; Begum, G.; Zariwala, MG Co-Administration of Iron and a Bioavailable Curcumin Supplement Increases Serum BDNF Levels in Healthy Adults. Antioxidants 2020. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080645.
2. Mallard, AR.; Briskey, D.; Richards, A.; Rao, A. Curcumin Improves Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Postexercise Lactate Accumulation.” Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2020. DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1796885.
3. Briskey, D.; Roche, G.; Rao, A. The Effect of a Dispersible Curcumin (HydroCurc®) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Joint Pain in an Adult Population – A Randomised, Double-Blind Study. Complement Med Res. 2022. DOI: 10.1159/000524689.