© CMFRI
One is designed to boost anti-viral immunity and the other to combat high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).
Dr A Gopalakrishnan, director of CMFRI, has signed a licence agreement with Joby George, managing partner of Pioneer Pharmaceuticals, a wellness and pharmaceutical company based in Kochi, for commercial production and marketing of these products.
Bioactive pharmacophore leads from seaweeds were used to develop these two nutraceutical products, which are a 100 percent natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly technology, said Dr A Gopalakrishnan.
Anti-viral immunity booster
According to CMFRI, the product Cadalmin Immunalgin extract (Cadalmin IMecould) can be used against post-Covid complications as this nutraceutical has antiviral properties against the delta variant of the virus.
“It elevates immune responses by the regulation of the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines,” said Dr Kajal Chakraborty, head of the marine biotechnology, fish nutrition and health division of the CMFRI, who led the research works to develop these products.
“It will act as a good naturally derived alternative source for health benefits against inflammation and autoimmune disorders,” he added.
A natural remedy for high cholesterol
CMFRI says that the second product, Cadalmin Antihypercholesterolemic extract (Cadalmin Ace), has proved to be a natural remedy to combat dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemic disorders.
“Dyslipidemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. This was developed using seaweed concentrate with anti-dyslipidemic activities following a sequel of purification steps,” said Dr Chakraborty.
These nutraceutical products contain 100 percent natural marine bioactive ingredients from selected seaweeds, which are commonly available in the Indian coastal waters.
Referring to the future plans, Dr Gopalakrishnan said that CMFRI is in the process of developing more health products from seaweeds.
Besides these two products, the institute has successfully brought out nutraceuticals targeting a range of lifestyle diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis and fatty liver.
The products are due to reach the market within a six month time-frame.
