Nutraceuticals for boosting immunity against virus and combating high cholesterol

KOCHI, 21 December 2023: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has commercialised patent protected technologies of two seaweed-based nutraceutical products: one to boost anti-viral immunity and the other to combat high cholesterol or dyslipidemia. 

Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI signed a license agreement with Joby George, Managing Partner of Pioneer Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 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% natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly ‘green’ technology, said Dr A Gopalakrishnan. 

Anti-viral immunity booster 

According to CMFRI, the product Cadalmin Immunalgin extract or Cadalmin IMecould be used against post COVID complications as this nutraceutical has antiviral properties against delta variant of SAARS CoV-2 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 said.

Natural remedy for high cholesterol 

“Cadalmin Antihypercholesterolemic extract or 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% 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 towards their utilization based on the National Policy to harness the potential of this natural wealth of Indian coastal waters. Seaweeds are termed as the ‘wonder herbs of the ccean’ and are the sources of future pharmaceuticals and food for human well-being, he said. 

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.

These products would be made available in the market within a six month time-frame by the Pioneer Pharmaceuticals.

By Jagdish Kumar