Kochi, July 24: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has introduced a groundbreaking nutraceutical named CadalminTM Immunalgin extract (CadalminTM IMe) derived from select seaweeds. The product is designed to enhance innate immunity and address post-Covid complications effectively.
Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Head of the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition, and Health Division at CMFRI, spearheaded the research efforts to develop CadalminTM IMe. This 100% natural nutraceutical is a synergistic blend of highly nutritious bioactive elements, extracted using eco-friendly ‘green’ technology. Notably, it also exhibits antiviral properties against the delta variant of Covid.
CadalminTM IMe represents the institute’s tenth product in a series of nutraceuticals derived from marine organisms. CMFRI has previously succeeded in creating nutraceuticals to address various lifestyle diseases such as type-2 diabetes, arthritis, cholesterol, hypertension, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and fatty liver.
The development of CadalminTM IMe relied on utilizing bioactive pharmacophore leads from seaweeds. Through this approach, the researchers observed a promising reduction in viral infection rates when administering the nutraceutical on SARS CoV-2 (delta variant) induced cells. The product achieves this by enhancing innate immune responses and regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Crucially, CadalminTM IMe has passed detailed preclinical trials, demonstrating its safety and lack of side effects. The active ingredients will be encapsulated in plant-based capsules. Large-scale extraction of these vital components from raw materials was successfully optimized in a factory unit, affirming the commercial feasibility of the nutraceutical product.
Dr. Chakraborty affirmed that the process for commercializing the product is underway, and this significant development holds promise in supporting individuals’ overall health and immunity, particularly in the context of post-Covid recovery.
