Herbal medicine tapped through S&T

Herbanext Laboratories Inc. was launched in 2001 by aquaculturist and agriculturist Philip Cruz in a quest to improve his health.

Cruz had problems with high cholesterol and high uric acid, which pushed him to study the “King of Herbs” in traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lucidum.

He successfully cultivated the mushroom in 1997 and teamed up with natural product researchers and medical practitioners in developing the mushroom into a nutraceutical product.

Due to inefficient processing methods of harvesting and drying, the company desperately needed an upgrade. It availed itself of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s financial assistance through the Innovation System Support Fund, which provided P1.54 million for acquisition of new technologies, consultancy services on food safety and productivity enhancement through the manufacturing productivity extension program, and training on current good manufacturing practices.

DOST’s help resulted in reduced drying cost by at least 20 percent, increased production volume by 150 percent and a 200-percent increase in sales. Herbanext was also able to produce consistent quality products and expand product range.

The company currently studies 20 different medicinal herbs including banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), cat’s whisker (Orthosiphon

stamineus), five-leaved chaste tree (Vitex negundo), ginger (Zingiber officinale), green chireta (Andrographis paniculata), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), wild tea (Ehretia microphylla) and turmeric (Curcuma longa).

It continues to work with DOST and other research institutions to create more herbal supplements and drugs under the brand name “Daily Apple.”