SMS Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a Hyderabad-based bulk drugs manufacturing company, has entered into neutraceuticals segment by launching Fenudiet, a dietary fibre supplement to cure diabetes, on Thursday. The company claims that Fenugreek will control sugar levels in blood and urine.

According to P Ramesh Babu, managing director of SMS, Fenudiet is developed based on various research works published by scientists worldwide and with technical know-how from the US-based research and development firm Positive Healthcare. It is a nutritional food supplement to provide fibre for the diabetes patients. The dietary supplement is made of fibre extracts from Fenugreek seeds, known for its efficacy in treating diabetes for centuries.

The product, to be marketed through OTC channel, contains mainly debitterised, defatted and deodorised Fenugreek fibre and also extra vitamins, minerals, trace elements and anti-oxidants to provide more strength. The formula of the product has been patented by Positive Healthcare with which SMS has a tie-up to make the product.

The recommended dosage is 5gm of Fenudiet in 200 ml of water twice or thrice a day. A 100 gm tin of Fenudiet is priced at Rs 100. Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming the product as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Diabetics who are on Insulin are also advised to balance the dosage.

As part of its diversification plan, the company will launch 13 products. It is also developing anti-smoking and anti-tobacco chewing products. The company has plans to launch natural life-enhancing products – Hearty Salt, Set Free, Tender Joint and a family health drink -- shortly.

Fenugreek is rich in Galactomanan, a highly viscous solution with a ratio of 1:1glactose and mannose. The fibre is said to be the responsible factor for reducing plasma-glucose levels. It is recommended for diabetes, high triglycerides, secondarily arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, constipation and other ailments which are curable by dietary fibre.

Fenugreek, a member of the leguminous family, is commonly cultivated in India, North America and Yemen. Owing to its strong aroma and flavour, fenugreek is used as a spice in food.

Besides its use as a spice in food, fenugreek is well-known for its medicinal properties. Though the health benefits of fenugreek are well-documented, it has not been accepted in the western countries due to its strong aroma, residual body odour, bitterness and large dosage requirements.

“To overcome these drawbacks we are offering Fenugreek ingredients that are more concentrated, debitterised and deodorised,” Ramesh Babu said. Being an easily digestible and well-tolerated product, Fenudiet helps in controlling other disorders arising out of diabetes.