The Nagarjuna Ayurveda group, one among the top three Ayurvedic drug manufacturers in Kerala, has tied up with the Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to conduct advanced assessment studies of its new anti-hypertensive combination 'Cardo Guard' tablet.

Nagarjuna recently developed Cardo Guard anti-hypertensive tablet, is reportedly having properties to control blood pressure. It also claims beneficial effect on the heart by preventing cardio-vascular consequences.

Nagarjuna has entered into an agreement with the Sree Chitra Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, to conduct assessment studies of the tablet for its toxicity, and effect of the drug on myocardial mechanics as well as its effectiveness in the regression of hypertrophy.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Nagarjuna Group and SCTIMST jointly fund the project. A MoU in this regard was signed recently between Dr K. Mohandas, director, SCTIMST, and N.V. Subramaniyam, general manager (works), Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group, said sources.

Launches Kashayam capsules

Nagarjuna has launched traditional Ayurvedic decoctions, Kashayams, in capsule form.

The Thodupuzha based Nagarjuna group, which plans to launch 11 different kashayam capsules soon, has launched five capsules, this week. This included popular Kashayams like Rasanagrandhadi, Gandharva Hasthadi etc., and the Kashayam capsules have been made available through some of the agencies of Nagarjuna for sometime, Dr. Michael Puthanthara, a senior executive of the company told Pharmabiz.

According to company sources, the general inertia of using kashayams, tasting bitter, can be overcome with the introduction of capsules. The modern systems of extraction and concentration possibilities were used along with the traditional processing patterns of the Ayurveda to develop the capsules. The research and development wing of Nagarjuna had prepared the capsules without disturbing the efficacy of the 5000-year-old traditional medical decoctions in tune to the modern day demands, said the sources.

Nagarjuna, claimed to be the second largest Ayurvedic drug maker in the state, makes over 460 traditional Ayurvedic drugs and more than 40 patented medicines. The medicines are manufactured by its flagship company Nagarjuna Herbal Concentrates Ltd.. Started since 1989, Nagarjuna has a wide marketing network, which includes over 800 retail outlets in Kerala and over 150 outside the state. It has a full-fledged treatment centre at Kalady near Aluva, besides three other centres outside Kerala at Nagpur, Mumbai and Baroda. Nagarjuna also runs specialty clinics for diabetic care, ophthalmology, etc, an Ayurvedic Institute and Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Foundation to spread the message of Ayurveda.