Nutraceutical products from seaweeds - wonder herbs of the oceans

Seaweeds encompassing several species are common in the coastal areas of Indian subcontinent, and can be termed as the wonder herbs of the ocean due to their potential pharmaceutical properties. Marine-based resources are drawing the attention of nutraceutical industries due to their protective function against various chronic diseases and the growing demand for new compounds of ‘marine natural’ origin. Considering this, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute developed research program to systematically search identified seaweed species for the development of promising bioactive molecules. The nutraceutical products CadalminTM Green Algal extract and CadalminTM Antidiabetic extract as green alternatives to synthetic drugs to combat rheumatic arthritic pains and type-2 diabetes, respectively were developed. Following this, CadalminTM Antihypercholesterolemic extract and CadalminTM Antihypothyroidism extract to combat dyslipidemia and hypothyroid disorder, respectively were also developed. The lead molecules with action against angiotensin converting enzyme-I, from seaweeds were also isolated, and added to a nutraceutical product CadalminTM Antihypertensive extract that is being out-licensed