DolCas Biotech LLCs novel Curcugen curcumin formulation is being primed for the sports health sector. The ingredient has been given GRAS designation as a safe, functional food ingredient, and is designed for sports supplements and post-workout bars, shakes, and beverages. A recent clinical study endorses Curcugens role as a compelling post-workout anti-inflammatory agent. 

Results of clinical research published in the Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo, December 2020, confirmed Curcugens positive anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and analgesic capacity on subjects engaging in acute exercise. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, led by Neil Schwarz, PhD, 24 participants were randomised to either a daily dose of 500 mg of Curcugen or the equivalent dose in rice flour prior to an intense exercise protocol of 50 hurdles and 50 dro jumps. Joint range-of-motion (ROM), soreness, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly better in the Curcugen group 72 hours post-exercise, demonstrating its capabilities in accelerating post workout recovery. 

"Following an exercise bout, acute serial supplementation with Curcugen at 500mg improved knee range-of-motion and thigh pain tolerance when compared directly with placebo," said Schwarz, who acts as Associate Professor of Exercise Science at the University of South Alabama. "This is an interesting finding which warrants further investigation into the proper use of Curcugen for recovery after exercise." 

"Curcumin is not entirely new to the sports health industry," said Dr Shavon Jackson-Michel, Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs for DolCas. "Curcumin most commonly appears in capsule and pill formulations. This could be due to its water-insoluble nature. While also applicable to conventional formats, like capsules and pills, Curcugen has been uniquely formulated with a self-dispersing mechanism that allows it to be easily integrated into powdered shakes and other functional applications, even at room temperature — perfect for on-the-go enjoyment." 

Formulators increasingly are exploring the botanical world for naturally derived sport performance boosters and post exercise recovery solutions to meet growing demand for clean label nutrition, DolCas says. "Our raw material contains no non-turmeric or synthetic bio-enhancers, excipients, or binding agents," said Jackson-Michel. "It also imparts a mild taste that serves to keep high-yield sweeteners at a minimum, with little need for masking agents." 

Curcugens recently awarded self-affirmed GRAS confirmation has deemed the ingredient safe for use in smoothies/shakes, nutrition bars, and yogurts at a dose between 210-1400 mg/day. 

"Given Curcugens high performance credentials and scientific substantiation for its anti-inflammatory benefit in exercise, we are now positioning it to be a major player in the sports health scene," said Jackson-Michel. "Our pilot study sought the lowest dosing of Curcugen suggested and succeeded in drawing out significant early evidence that supports its worthiness both for sports formulations and future investigations."