Good news! Seaweed extracts can cure obesity

 

 

Researchers of the Kochi- based Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have developed a natural remedy for obesity and dyslipidemia, a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, including lipoprotein overproduction or deficiency from seaweeds. 

 

CMFRI scientists prepared the extract from seaweeds which are commonly available in the Indian coastal waters and are natural bounty of the sea and are known for their extraordinary medicinal properties.

 

Seaweed harvesting: Photo courtesy: CMFRI

The product contains 100% natural marine bioactive ingredients from selected seaweeds by a patented technology, and would be made available in 400 mg capsules, said Kajal Chakraborty, Senior Scientist in Marine Biotechnology Division of CMFRI, who developed the product named CadalminTM Antihypercholesterolemic extract. The extract can be administered to regulate clinical indicators leading to dyslipidemia or obesity, total adipose tissue and visceral fat, triglycerides, cholesterol, both good and bad, known as HDL and LDL, he added.  

 

Detailed preclinical trials have proved the nutraceutical do not have any side effects. “The extract is the only product made by 100% natural marine bioactive ingredients from seaweeds as a natural remedy of obesity and dyslipidemia, as far as our knowledge goes,” Chakraborty added.

 

The active ingredients in the product would be packed in plant-based capsules to meet the dietary needs, said P Vijayagopal, Head, Marine Biotechnology Division of CMFRI. He also hoped that the extract holds great commercial value as it would appeal to a large vegetarian segment.  

   
CadalminTM Antihypercholesterolemic extract is the fourth in the series of the nutraceutical products developed by the CMFRI. Two anti-arthritic and one anti-diabetic nutraceutical products have been developed by the institute in the past and commercialized through pharmaceutical companies.

 

The CMFRI is also in the process of standardizing and promoting seaweed farming all along the Indian coasts as a livelihood option for the coastal communities.

 

 “The CMFRI is also in the process of standardizing and promoting seaweed farming all along the Indian coasts as a livelihood option for the coastal communities. This is expected to compensate for the dip in income for the fishermen during lean seasons”, A Gopalakrishnan, director of the Institute said. 

Related: Seaweed farming to get big boost in India
 

The product will be released by Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam during the inaugural function of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of CMFRI on Saturday in Kochi.