The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed a nutraceutical product from select seaweeds that it said can boost innate immunity related to post-Covid complications.
Named CadalminTM Immunalgin extract (CadalminTM IMe), the product has antiviral properties against the delta variant of COVID.
"The product is a synergistic combination of seaweed-based nutraceutical product, which is a 100% natural blend of highly nutritious bioactive ingredients extracted with eco-friendly green technology", Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Head of the Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division of the CMFRI who led the research works to develop the product, said.
Dr Chakraborty said the bioactive pharmacophore leads from seaweeds were used to develop the nutraceutical product.
"A promising reduction of viral infection rate was observed by administering CadalminTM IMe on SARS CoV-2 (delta variant) induced cells. CadalminTM IMe elevates innate immune responses by the regulation of the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines", he added.
The nutraceutical does not have any side effects as established by detailed preclinical trials.
