Arjuna’s curcumin research investment translates to launches this year

The Kerala-based company has been spending over US$1.5m on a clinical research programme to explore the diarylheptanoid’s health benefits as a potent antioxidant, as part of overall ingredient research worth more than 10% of the company’s annual turnover.

Extensive academic research is being conducted in India, Australia, Italy, the US and Japan on BCM-95, Arjuna's leading all-natural curcumin. Twelve clinical studies of turmeric curcumin, covering a range of conditions that include depression, Alzheimer disease, cancer and others, are ongoing. 

Arjuna holds 12 patents for BCM-95 worldwide, including one last year for a method of treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Its most recent study will be revealed in May at Vitafoods in Geneva.

“We differentiate our turmeric curcumin through a practice of extensive research and development​,” said Benny Antony, Arjuna’s joint managing director. “BCM-95 is the most researched bioavailable curcumin on the market, with a majority share in the US​.”

The ingredient is highly bioavailable due to the synergism between the curcumin and the compound ar-turmerone, an essential oil component of turmeric, with two dozen studies supporting its health benefits. 

Arjuna’s patented formulation method involves extracting maximum quantities of free curcumin without synthetic additives. All raw materials used being completely traceable, Antony says, and the product meets the new European 2015/1933 PAH regulation that sets maximum levels in food supplements. 

“This bioactive ingredient is clean of pesticides and heavy metals. Arjuna invested in the most advanced quality control equipment to meet the new EU regulations, and to ensure all products are clean and safe. ​

“The growing global demand for curcumin, and consumer expectations of pure formulations, encouraged Arjuna to develop a clean, GMO-free ingredient that consumers can trust,​” he added.

In January, Arjuna opened an operational base in Brussels to tap into the growing European preventative health market.

Arjuna’s R&D centre employs 40 scientists who work full-time in bench research and monitoring clinical studies for various applications in the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries.

Arjuna’s production processes and products meet market-specific regulations worldwide. A GMP-certified, SAP-driven company, Arjuna has achieved international certifications including ISO22000, Kosher and Halal. Arjuna continues to engage in research and development, with continuing scientific validation of its novel product line through advanced clinical studies.