Anti-obesity product made from seaweeds to hit the market soon

The Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi is planning to start commercial production of its recently developed nutraceutical product aimed at reducing bad cholesterol and obesity.

The premier marine research body said it developed the product from selected seaweeds after years of intense research. After clinical test, it was found to be effective in combating abnormal amount of lipids in the blood like bad cholesterol and triglycerides. CMFRI entered into a commercial production agreement with a private company on Wednesday.

Called CadalminTM Ace, the bioactive principles in the drug inhibit enzymes like hydroxymethyl glutaryl and many target receptors that are primarily responsible for causing obesity and dyslipidemia (high amount of blood fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood).

“Pre-clinical trials show the product has no side effects even after patients have had tablets over a long time. It is prepared from seaweeds that are known for their extraordinary medicinal properties and are available in coastal waters”, said CMFRI director Dr A Gopalakrishnan. CMFRI is planning to tap marine weeds to develop more products.

“Seaweeds are one of the predominant oceanic flora and these marine herbs are considered as a prolific source of bioactive compounds as they are able to produce a great variety of secondary metabolites characterized by a broad spectrum of extraordinary medicinal properties,” said Dr Kajal Chakraborty, senior scientist at CMFRI.

The CMFRI and Indian Council of Agricultural Research are also in the process of standardising and promoting seaweed farming as a livelihood option for coastal communities.