Curcumin extracts win EU patents

Indiana-based Verdure Sciences has won a patent in 8 European countries for its Longvida curcumin extracts.

The European Patent Office authorisations (EP 1993365) are valid in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain and Switzerland and relate the turmeric extracts’ ability to move freely in the blood stream.

Verdure Sciences says Longvida uses to Solid-Lipid Particle Technology to produce non-metabolised, bioavailable curcumin forms.

"This new patent marks a milestone for the Longvida brand," said VP of marketing Sonya Cropper, in a statement.

“The Longvida brand continues to set industry standards for curcumin research, which we believe will support its success in Europe and worldwide.”

Technical director Blake Ebersole added: “Thus far, more than a dozen scientific studies have proven this technology can fulfill the promise of curcumin for the brain and body.”

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color, has increasingly come under the scientific spotlight in recent years, with studies investigating its potential health benefits.

Curcumin exists naturally with two analogs demethoxycurcumin and bis demethoxy curcumin.

Studies suggest curcumin can benefit skin diseases, Alzheimer's disease, colitis, stomach ulcers, high cholesterol, scabies and viral infections.