Kerala highly prospective for nutraceuticals, Minister Rajeeve says

Minister launches market debut of seaweed-based product for liver health

KOCHI, 24 October 2024: Minister for Industries, Law and Coir P Rajeeve on Monday said that Kerala is highly prospective for the development of nutraceuticals.

He was speaking after the launching the the market debut of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s (CMFRI) seaweed-based nutraceutical product for liver health.

The Minister stressed the need for establishing a robust connection between the research institutes and the industry. “The government of Kerala is on a mission to foster this linkage aiming to translate scientific innovations into practical solutions for societal issues”, he said.

He appreciated the research initiatives of CMFRI on developing a series of nutraceuticals from seaweeds to combat lifestyle diseases.

The product named GreenRex^TM is the commercial brand of the technology developed by CMFRI and is commercially produced and marketed by Emineotech, Private Limited.

A unique blend of 100% natural bioactive ingredients extracted from select seaweeds, the product is made of an eco-friendly green technology to improve liver health.

Speaking on the occasion, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said:  “Nutraceuticals of marine origin plays a major role in the healthcare sector, providing essential nutrients and potential disease-fighting compounds to support overall well-being”.

He also said that CMFRI’s nutraceutical products receive an overwhelming response from the public which indicates a surge in demand for products developed from marine organisms.  

On significance of seaweed farming, Dr Grinson George said that CMFRI has identified 342 suitable farming sites for its cultivation in the country sprawling over 24167 ha with a production potential of 9.7 million tonnes (wet weight) per year.

“The nutraceutical product promises to offer a natural and effective solution for individuals struggling with liver health issues. With its unique formulation derived from seaweed, it helps improve cholesterol levels and other factors that can lead to liver diseases”, said Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Head of Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division of CMFRI who developed the product.

CMFRI has already commercialised nutraceuticals to combat lifestyle diseases such as type-2 diabetes, arthritis, cholesterol, hypertension, hypothyroidism and osteoporosis besides an immunity booster.

The product is available on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart and at all major pharmacies, said Emineotech Managing Director Evanjalist Pathrose. Dr. K Anilkumar, Assistant Professor, Govt TD Medical College Alappuzha delivered an awareness talk on liver health.  Anilkumar Rajendran, Director of Emineotech also spoke on the occasion.