IFF Health, Dolcas Biotech partner for sale and marketing of Curcugen turmeric extract

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IFF Health (New York City, NY), part of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., and DolCas Biotech (Landing, NJ) partnered on the sale and marketing of Curcugen, an all-natural turmeric extract for use in dietary supplements and foods and beverages. Curcugen has a 50% curcuminoid concentration produced by a patent-pending technology and it provides “whole rhizome synergism” similar to the food format. It is also supported by the results of a human bioavailability study, which demonstrated a significant increase of bioavailability over standard extracts. 

The composition of Curcugen includes the three major curcuminoids in their natural ratios: turmeric essential oils, polar resins, and other natural constituents from turmeric that make its bioactive profile as robust as the rhizome itself. The standard formulation grade is palatable and disperses quickly without the need for agitation.

“The functional polar resins in Curcugen add significant value to the ingredient, avoiding the common practice of adding non-turmeric bio-enhancers or nanotechnology,” said Shavon Jackson-Michel, ND, director of medical and scientific affairs for DolCas-Biotech, LLC, in a press release. “The polar resins are believed to increase the surface area of otherwise clustered curcumin molecules, enhancing their interaction with water. Based on human bioavailability data, this mechanism effectuates a significant increase in absorption. Compared to unformulated curcumin, this results in a bioavailability increase of 39 times for free curcumin, 52 times for total curcuminoids and 31 times for tetrahydrocurcumin, which is the most beneficial and active metabolite. This concept provides a complete picture on the bioavailability of curcumin.”

Prototyping for Curcugen’s differentiated delivery capabilities is already underway and includes proof-of-concept formulations for non-traditional formats, including powdered drinks, oral dispersible powders, hard candies, ready-to-drink beverage shots, and gummies.