I will admit, I am no patent expert. To my knowledge, you can patent the process, the molecule, the use of the molecule. I don't know exactly why they are all anonymous on 4 thieves vinegar, I assume it was because of patent stuff. It might be for other reasons. I would believe that showing instruction to produce a patented molecule would be an issue. (maybe not, I don't know) For insulin, I can assure you that there are patent for processes. Quite annoying.