Phytotech Extracts Pvt Ltd has finalized a joint venture with a European pharma company specializing in herbal formulations. Under the agreement, Phytotech will manufacture and package the entire range of formulations at its new unit in Nanjangud at Mysore which will be commissioned in mid-2008. The JV partner would market the formulations in the international arena.

In order to capitalize the best of the opportunities unfurling in the herbal extracts space, Phytotech has also firmed up its plans to enter the nutraceuticals space and the products are presently at the clinical trials stage.

Phytotech's products comprise Xerononi (Morinda citrifolia) which is one of the fast selling and the only Noni extract that is standardized to Morindin, Xeronin and Polysaccharides. This being water-soluble, many companies have formulated as Noni juice/drinks.

Guavarin (Psidium guajava) leaf extract is the only one of its kind standardized to Guaijavarin, Saponins and Tannins which is used as a hepatoprotectant and for blood glucose control.

Kathachin (Acacia catechu) extract is another of the company's fast growing products. This provides Catechins up to 90 percent and is being used as an anti-inflammatory drug by one of the leading multinational companies.

Further, Phytotech also markets White Kidney bean extract, Fenugreek extract and Fenusol Fenu fiber, Iminosol, (Mulberry leaf extract) Phyllanthus niruri extract, Amla extract, Ashwagandha extract and Brahmi extract, to name only a few. Efforts are on to introduce a couple of new products in early 2008.

The high quality standards maintained by Phytotech has allowed it to clinch awards and exclusive Toll manufacturing contracts from leading European companies to manufacture Cascara sagrada, Horse chestnut extract and Natural Iodine from marine algae. "We are open to co-operate with global majors for Toll Manufacturing to utilize the additional capacity of the Nanjangud unit," said V Hariharan, CEO and managing director, Phytotech Extracts Pvt Ltd.

"The biggest strength of Phytotech is its adherence to quality. We have one of the best research and quality control labs which helps us to launch new products periodically, besides add value to the existing products. We are also an IS0 9001-2000 certified company by UKAS," the Phytotech chief added.