Golden halo: Arjuna to invest 5 percent of BCM-95 income on further turmeric-centered R&D

26 Sep 2019 --- Arjuna Natural’s (Arjuna) BCM-95 Bio-curcumin, a highly potent turmeric extract of curcumin, is now backed by 60 scientific studies. The research has shown that BCM-95 is highly bioactive with clinically-proven efficacy to help support cognitive and physical health. In response to “sizeable sales growth of BCM-95,” Arjuna shares that it will continue investing in research, infrastructure and supply chain enhancements regarding the extract.

“Curcumin is showing tremendous demand in research and consumers in market world wide, especially US followed by Europe,” Dr. Benny Anthony, Joint Managing Director for Arjuna tells NutritionInsight.

“Further studies of BCM-95 are planned for exploring the multiple health benefits of the ingredient as a hepatoprotective, for sports nutrition, and for its positive effects on certain inflammatory and lifestyle conditions,” he continues.

The composition of curcumin and turmeric oil increases the bioavailability of free curcumin and provides multifaceted health benefits, such as joint health, anti-inflammation, auto-immune diseases, diabetes and liver health, Anthony explains.

Studies have shown that BCM-95 is up to 500 times stronger than tumeric and is retained at significant levels for at least eight hours after oral dosing. The company notes that research has also demonstrated a link between BCM-95 and cognitive health, specifically helping alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and Alzheimer disease, working as either an adjunct or as a standalone therapy.

Traceability
Arjuna states it ensures traceability of BCM-95’s supply chain, from farm to finished supplement, to ensure a pure, clean, and safe product. To do so, BCM-95 goes through stringent quality control from raw material sourcing throughout the manufacturing process in its own solar-powered facility. 

“Arjuna has direct contract with the farmers and we sell only products manufactured at our own manufacturing facility. We have full control and system traceability from farm till delivery with stringent quality checks protecting our product from adulteration,” Anthony adds. 

Despite the FDA recently publishing data stating that only 2 percent of recalled supplements in 2019 were dietary supplements, there has been a rising need to detect fraudulent components and guarantee the ingredient’s authenticity, especially in the US market. 

Future investment
Arjuna announces it will devote 5 percent of BCM-95 income to turmeric-centered research and development. Overall, it spends 10 percent of its income on R&D, including patents, clinical studies, and formulation advancement. Anthony explains that Arjuna is currently collaborating with universities in the US, Australia, Japan and Europe and for its research in BCM-95 for various clinical indications. At the moment, BCM-95 is most studied at Baylor University in the US.

The company is also reinforcing distribution efforts to broaden product availability across the US and Europe. Through Arjuna’s multiple partnerships and sales channels, BCM-95 products are now available throughout the US and in numerous regions globally. 

Gaining speed
Botanical-based dietary supplements have made their mark in the nutraceutical industry.

This month, Natural Ingredients company Pharmactive Biotech Products launched its Affron Spanish saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract in the Asia-Pacific market. 

Meanwhile, building on the reported success of its NovaSOL Curcumin ingredient, IFF Health (formerly known as Frutarom Health) launched a new formulation of solubilized curcumin and Boswellia serrata extract also this month.

Lastly, as a naturally-derived marigold extract, Lutemax 2020 has received Foods with Functional Claims (FFC) approval to now claim to improve eye health and visual performance, to reduce eye fatigue and support sleep quality. 

By Anni Schleicher