Media

ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 22000:2005 certified company

News

• RAJKOT-BASED Vedantika Herbals has developed an instant mix from the recently-developed prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) formula to cure hangovers. It is for the first time in the country that a hangover medicine has been made in powdered instant drink form.


• The instant drink is made with the powdered pulp of prickly pear cactus and is said to have several other benefits too. Commenting on the product, company CEO N Limbasiya said the mix is prepared in such a way that it has more than one-year shelf life. It is also beneficial in reducing cholesterol as well as cardiac problems.


• Elaborating on the drink, he said, the research took 1-2 years and now the company is planning to popularise the product in the markets where alcohol consumption is maximum, generating higher demand for the product.


• The severity of alcohol hangovers may be related to inflammation caused by impurities in alcoholic beverages and byproducts of alcohol metabolism. C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver, becomes elevated after injury or trauma and is thought to be involved in inflammation and alcohol hangovers.


• An extract from the skin of the prickly pear fruit, Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) has been shown to reduce the inflammation.


• The inflammation caused by drinking is partly due to the toxic effects on liver’s mitochondria. These cells make energy for the liver and without them, the liver cells die. The prickly pear juice does not stop the mitochondrial intoxication of liver cells but it does limit the amount of c-reactive protein (CRP) enzyme released by the liver. It is this, which reduces the effect of hangovers, said Mr Limbasiya. Initially, the company mulls popularising the drink through basic demonstrations in countries like the US and South Africa where demand for such products is high. The product will later be sold in India.


• Though Vedantika has applied for the patent, it will take another 3-4 months before the drink is available in India.


• Having more than 56 researched products from natural product ranges like health drinks, skin and haircare products, the company is also planning to give marketing rights or even sell the formulation in the US and South Africa. Currently, generating a turnover of Rs 25 lakh, Vedantika is in the process to distribute marketing rights for energy drinks and fruit candies to a New Jerseybased marketing company, added Mr Limbasiya.

• SQUEEZE, relish and throw. This is what most people and companies do after extracting fruit pulp or juice. Not any more, if a Rajkot-based company’s product, made from fruit peels, is anything to go by. Vedantika herbals has come up with orange and lemon peel candies which besides adding value to hitherto disposed peels also help reduce cholesterol.


• Commenting on the product, company CEO N Limbasiya said, “We were constantly researching on how to reduce the bad cholesterol naturally without disturbing the carbohydrate balance of the body. The peel candy came out after a research of around three years. To prepare the candies orange and lemon peels are dipped in honey. Later, sugar is added as a preservative and then the peels are exposed to low temperature.”


• The candies have a shelf life of 18 months and reduce cholesterol level by 20% within a period of 2-3 months by increasing blood circulation in the body, according to Mr Limbasiya.


• A study conducted by the US department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize (Canadian nutraceutical company) that was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry identified a class of compounds isolated from orange and tangerine peels that shows promise in animal studies as a potent, natural alternative for lowering bad cholesterol. The added benefit of the peels is that it shows the results without possible side effects such as liver disease and muscle weakness, as observed after use of conventional cholesterol drugs.


• The study showed that the compounds called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) are similar to other plant pigments found in citrus fruits and can lower cholesterol levels effectively. Study also revealed that drinking citrus fruits is full of health benefits and taking PMF supplements could be an easier way to lower cholesterol.


• Formulating these candies on the same research, Vedantika will be the first one in the country to manufacture peel candies that can be consumed directly, claimed Mr Limbasiya. Initially, 100 kg each of peel candies will be manufactured for Indian as well as export purpose.


• The candies will be made available through Reliance Wellness, Magna Nutrition and Fab India Overseas outlets. On the exports front, the first lot will be dispatched to Europe owing to increasing inquiries from there.


• Vedantika herbals, usually known for its natural product ranges like health drinks, skin and hair care products, is also looking at a joint venture in the USA, in which the basic formulation will be manufactured in India but the binding agents such as dextrose etc will be added and sold in the US. The company with annual turnover of Rs 8-10 lakh also plans to come up with its own outlets in Rajkot, Dehradun and Ahmedabad within next 3-4 months.