Arjuna to bring organic BCM-95 turmeric extracts to market
11 Feb 2020 --- Natural extract manufacturer Arjuna Natural has introduced its certified organic turmeric extracts, which includes the company’s flagship product BCM-95 (Curcugreen) – touted for being seven times more bioavailable than standard turmeric and the most researched bioavailable curcumin on the market. Dr. Benny Antony, Joint Managing Director of Arjuna Natural, tells NutritionInsight that due to the current growing awareness on the usage of chemicals and the impact on human health, organic certifications across the supply chain are increasingly sought after.
“Organic BCM-95 is a response to strong demand from our customers for a popular bioavailable turmeric extract. While organic turmeric extract has been available in the market from few sources, there has been a need for a reputable label to bring out the product. The demand for organic products and trusted sources of turmeric extracts in combination with changing lifestyles and food consumption patterns is driving this demand for organic supplements,” he explains.
Turmeric is known as a powerful antioxidant while also used as a common household spice.Dr. Antony also highlights that certifications provide an independent third party assurance that the product is organic across the supply chain. The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and US National Organic Program (NOP) have granted the new line an organic certification. Moreover, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the EU Regulation on Organic Production have recognized India’s National Standards for Organic Production as meeting the strict standards of the NOP and EU Regulation 2092/91.
“A bioavailable turmeric extract like BCM-95 has no parallel in the market and this is a gap that the product fills. With Arjuna launching both Organic BCM-95 as well as organic turmeric extracts, this represents a sea of change in the organic turmeric extract space,” Dr. Antony foretells.
While BCM-95 has sustained a market presence of over 18 years, Organic BCM-95 is expected to be made available to formulators and dietary supplement manufacturers by the second quarter of 2020.
Growing popularity for turmeric
Studies on BCM-95 have demonstrated the turmeric extracts’ multiple health benefits as an anti-inflammatory, supportive of joint function and mobility, as well as heart, mood and cognitive health. Dr. Antony affirms that new applications are being researched every day, driven by a growing market for turmeric extracts.
Arjuna’s turmeric extract line including BCM-95 has been used in a variety of forms including capsules, soft gels, ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks, tablets and tinctures. “The new line, which is an organic version of this, would be available across all these forms and applications,” he further explains.
BCM-95 is touted as being 500 times stronger than standard turmeric.Arjuna’s turmeric line is up to 500 times stronger than standard turmeric and retains free curcumin in the bloodstream after eight hours. The company guarantees its product’s efficacy and safety with more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status.
Long-term investments
Dr. Antony elaborates on how Arjuna made a conscious decision to invest not just in human health with its natural product range, but also in planetary health. Consequently, Arjuna manufactures its BCM-95 turmeric at its in-house facility powered by 100 percent solar energy.
“We invest in the most modern plant and processes, as well as ensuring that they are 100 percent green in as many ways possible. We believe in responsible business and the green initiative is a part of this wider initiative to be a responsible corporate citizen with a responsibility to all stakeholders,” he states.
Moreover, Arjuna devotes 5 percent of its 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.
“Long-term profitability is invariably linked to sustainability. From our raw material to our product and the processes that go into them, we strive to be sustainable on all counts,” Dr. Antony concludes.
By Anni Schleicher
