Supplement is the latest healthcare industry buzzword that is doing the rounds and many swear by the effects of these which come as power pills. Sri Lanka has cottoned on to the herbal supplements being close to the Ayurvedic culture and it is said that these are more popular here now than ever before. People are looking for new ways to improve their health, and they are turning to natural remedies rather than pharmaceutical drugs more and more.
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| Packing pic by Athula Devapriya |
Therapeutic benefits
“There have been countless studies performed on the therapeutic benefits and applications of various herbs and herbal extracts. Much of this research presents strong evidence that taking herbal supplements in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle can be beneficial,” Sattar Kassim, Managing Director, Bio Extracts (Pvt) Ltd, manufacturer of Baraka range of Black Seed Herbal Products says, settling down to a long chat with the Business Times.
He says that in the international market Sri Lanka is seen as a country with a rich herbal heritage.
The growth trends in the herbal sector of the trend setting countries now have a more positive outlook towards Ayurvedic science. Researchers are going back to nature for answers with the growing issues of environmental pollution, degradation, the concern on cancer, HIV/AIDS and viral epidemics.
Blemish-free skin, strong nails and healthy hair are all signs of good internal health. So, you might agree that true beauty comes from within. Mr. Kassim stresses that this is the reason why proper nutrition and supplementing your diet has never been more important than now.
When entering the Bio Extracts factory at Ratmalana you feel as if in this fast-paced world one hasn't realised that he/she has been neglecting his/her body's needs. Clinical and organised, the first thought is that this plant doesn't smell of ‘acid’. Instead it smells of a garden - and rightfully so. Having launched its state-of-the-art production facility late last year at Ratmalana with some Rs. 70 million, Bio Extracts has made strides into six different categories of supplements - namely; Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Health Food, Over The Counter (OTC) Drugs, Bulk Oils, Cold Pressed Oils and Essential Oils. According to Mr. Kassim, Bio Extracts is the market leader in this sector which brought together the age old herbal remedy and state of the art modern technology to produce a range of herbal products using black seed as its main ingredient.
Herbs used as a ‘panacea’
Mr. Kassim says that it was with creativeness and innovation that Bio Extracts, a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings, was able to bring together its range of black seed herbal products.
Joining in the discussion, Riza Bahardeen, Director/CEO Bio Extracts says that black seed a revered herb used as a ‘panacea’ for over thousands of years has in the recent past undergone intensive research studies and today it is scientifically proven that it has value and many health giving properties.
“This combined with the rich herbs of Sri Lanka evolved the range of the Baraka healthcare products. The herbal and natural raw materials used in the supplements are Black seed, Garlic, Bees Honey, Bees Wax, Natural Vitamin E, Cod Liver Oil, Evening Primrose oil, along with many Sri Lankan herbs and spices,” he explains.
For instance, Baraka GarliCHOL is a natural remedy for the control of high blood cholesterol. Mr. Kassim says that it contains garlic oil and black seed oil. "GarliCHOL synergizes the effects to reduce high cholesterol levels. Garlic oil also helps in reducing the viscosity of the blood. Black seed possess a number of biological components improving the integrity of action," he says, adding that garlic oil and black seed oil are both immuno-potent herbs providing all round protection to the body.
He also noted that ‘Gastricare’ is a combination of Ash plantain powder and liquorice powder, two ingredients which have been used to relieve gastric irritation in Ayurvedic medicine. The drug will give a quick effect which is vital in any drug used for Gastric irritation. Another revolutionary product is Clear ALCER, a combination of Katurumurunga (Sesbania grandiflora) and black seed. Mr. Bahardeen explains that Katurumurunga is a highly nutritious herb and a good natural source of Vitamin A and B, Iron and calcium, thereby useful in deficient conditions. A remedy for mouth ulcer, anaemia, night blindness and promoting good vision, this product is useful in de-worming specially thread worms. Black seeds aid in the utilization of the combination and strengthen the immune system.
Karapincha Plus is yet another ground-breaking product and according to Mr. Bahardeen. Karapincha/Curry leaf is an extensively used traditional herb in Sri Lanka, which comprises many medicinal characteristics due to its taste, nutrients and strength. Karapincha increases appetite and relieves gastric disorders. “The combination of both Karapincha and black seed enhance treatment regimen for many medical indications,” he says.
Cinnamon Plus is a cinnamon capsule containing a mixture of cinnamon powder with black seed powder. Cinnamon powder has been used frequently to control blood sugar levels and also as an anti-oxidant. "Black seed powder has the ability to synergize the effect of cinnamon. The mixture of both herbs will promote the total well being of an individual," Mr. Bahardeen explains.
Of all the news coming from the healthcare community, the loudest buzz may be about the power of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to give skin a more radiant, healthy, and, yes, youthful glow.
“The excitement is focused not only on creams and lotions you put on your skin but what you put into your body as well,” Mr. Kassim says, adding that vitamins and minerals in all forms play an integral role in a healthy complexion, whether the source is food, supplements, or even a jar of cream. Baraka Black Seed Cream is one that has proven to have antifungal, antibacterial, smooth muscle relaxant effects for insect bites, burns, cuts, boils and wounds.
Mr. Bahardeen says that this business has a long way more with huge potential, especially as they manufacture soft gel capsules.
“We have modernized Ayurvedic medicine through soft gel capsules. It’s more to do with how it’s presented to the people. What we strive to do is bring compliance, convenience and safety to the consumers,” he explains, adding that this industry is driven through word of mouth and ultimately trust.
Mr. Kassim says that Bio Extracts has the only facility in Sri Lanka which manufactures soft gel capsules. “We’re targeting to achieve Rs. 1 billion sales per annum by 2014,” he says, adding that Bio Extracts is exported to USA, UK, Singapore, the Middle East, South America, South Africa, Germany and Russia.
Mr. Kassim says that the supplement industry is a ‘sleeping giant’.
“This industry has been growing worldwide. Sky is the limit,” he says, adding that during the past few years Bio Extract entered many new markets. “We want to get into many sophisticated markets and obtain product registration in those countries,” he added. He said that in this respect there’s a lot of potential in Africa.
Mr. Bahardeen says that Bio Extracts’ ultimate goal is to expand this business and position this company to where the other multinationals are. “Currency the production is at 40% of its capacity. There’re more machines to come with expansions in the pipeline,” he added. |
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