Gencor announces outcomes of HydroCurc impact on BDNF levels

Published: 14-Aug-2020

Outcomes have been presented from a six week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study administered by the University of Westminster and Coventry University

Gencor has announced results from the first study to evaluate the co-administration of Iron and HydroCurc on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy adults.

Outcomes from the six week, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study administered by the University of Westminster and Coventry University suggest that individuals whom were administered HydroCurc and a low dose iron supplement experienced an increase in BDNF, an essential protein for normal neurological function and energy homeostasis.

HydroCurc, a cold-water dispersible Curcuma longa extract, was launched by Gencor in 2018 with its proprietary LipiSperse technology to help increase the bioavailability of its curcuminoids. Because many fat-soluble ingredients, such as curcumin, are challenged by limited solubility, LipiSperse provides for greater dispersion and absorption of the curcumin once administered. HydroCurc was developed by Gencor's sister company, Pharmako Biotechnologies.

Gencor evaluated 155 healthy subjects between the ages of 19 and 40, randomized into five groups: 1) low dose iron (18 mg) with no curcumin, 2) low dose iron (18 mg) with 500 mg HydroCurc, 3) high dose iron (65 mg) with no curcumin, 4) high dose iron (65 mg) with 500 mg HydroCurc, or 5) placebo. Participants were administered according to a 42-day schedule and evaluated for BDNF levels. Results indicate that participants supplemented with varied levels of both iron and HydroCurc experienced a statistically significant increase in BDNF levels between baseline and endpoint.

"The study results demonstrate for the first time that the co-administration of HydroCurc and iron resulted in an increase to BDNF levels," said Venkatesh, Managing Director of Gencor Pacific. "The findings have vast implications given the increasing concern of the general population with maintaining long-term cognitive function. We recognize that BDNF is critical for the maintenance of normal neurological function and energy homeostasis. Our findings go further in suggesting that the co-administration of iron and HydroCurc provide an additive effect on BDNF, thus aiding in improvement of cognitive functions such as learning and memory."

According to one of the researchers cited in the study, Dr Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, the study results provide previously unexplored scientific insights into iron metabolism and supplementation, contributing to development of more efficient supplementation strategies. Iron deficiency remains the most common nutritional deficiency globally and is strongly linked with fatigue and diminished physical and cognitive performance.

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of iron and curcumin separately on the expression of BDNF. However, Gencor's study is the first to evaluate the co-administration of both iron and bioavailable curcumin together. Gencor and Zariwala are currently planning to investigate these findings further with continued studies and hope to help expand the knowledge of iron and curcumin co-administered therapies in context of fatigue and cognition.

"We thank the researchers at the University of Westminster and Coventry University, for this groundbreaking study. Being published in a high impact factor journal (Antioxidants) demonstrates the quality of the study design" said Eric Meppem, Commercial Director at Pharmako Biotechnologies.

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