CMFRI's seaweed-based nutraceutical for liver health is launched

Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Monday launched GreenRexTM, a weed-based nutraceutical product developed by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

The minister appreciated research initiatives taken by CMFRI in developing a series of nutraceuticals from seaweeds. Seaweeds are believed to help combat several lifestyle diseases. 

He said Kerala had a high potential for producing nutraceuticals. “The government of Kerala is on a mission to foster the linkage aiming to translate scientific innovations into practical solutions for societal issues”, he said. 

Nutrient+pharmaceuticals=nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are products that are used both for nutrition and medicine. They are said to have health benefits such as preventing chronic disease and improving human performance. Nutraceutical products can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms, and prevent malignant processes. The term `nutraceutical' combines  `nutrient,' (a nourishing food component), and `pharmaceutical' (medicine).

GreenRexTM is the commercial brand of the technology developed by CMFRI and is commercially produced and marketed by Emineotech Private Limited. It is a blend of natural bioactive ingredients extracted from select seaweeds and it helps improve liver health. 

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

He said CMFRI’s nutraceutical products received an overwhelming response from the public. This indicated the potential for a surge in demand for products developed from marine organisms.

342 seaweed farming sites  

Dr George said CMFRI had identified 342 suitable farming sites across the country for seaweed farming spanning over 24,000 hectares with a production potential of close to one crore tonnes a 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, the head of Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division of CMFRI who developed the product.

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

The product is available online from Amazon and Flipkart and at all major pharmacies, Emineotech Managing Director Evanjalist Pathrose, pointed out.