Phytotech Extracts has chalked out its manufacture and marketing plan to strengthen its presence in the EU and Asia Pacific region. The company known for its competencies in herbal extracts and formulations will be able to consolidate its presence in the EU going by its recognition for its range of extracts. In the Asia Pacific region, it is working to launch new extracts and formulations. The focus of the company is to offer modified dosage formulations in options of chewable, soft suels and candy variations. These will be easy-to-consume and convenient to carry.


“With the new import rules empowering the European Union, only herbal and Ayurveda companies, having expertise to clear the stringent toxicology tests assessing the residual solvents and the heavy metals will be able to export there. We have the capability and confidence on this front”, V Hariharan, managing director, Phytotech Extracts told Pharmabiz.


Currently the company is focused on 23 extracts which are being supplied to international customers and almost 15 formulations under various stages of development .


In the EU, Phytotech has already bagged a large order to supply Ayurveda extracts for a product ‘Happy Waters’ which has three variations known as ‘Reboost &Go' ‘Peace & Smile’ and Clean-up & Detox. These concentrates are manufactured by Phytotech and bottled in the EU.


For the Asia-Pacific region and Indian market, the company has just received a long-term contract production and marketing of a one- of- a- kind gum conditioner ‘PerioQ’ which is a US patented product of an American company. “We will be manufacturing in Bangalore and marketing this globally except in the US. We are entering into a virgin market with PerioQ and will provide the required clinical data details to the dental experts. Efforts are also on to bring in variations like mouth wash which sans alcohol using only herbal extracts. The value of the herbal dental conditioner is estimated around US$ 300,000 or Rs.150 crore, initially,” he added.


For a leading Korean company, Phytotech has entered into a pact to supply Guava leaf extracts for the production of a formulation ‘Down Choice’ to control blood sugar. With this product the company has already completed the animal studies for the Indian market and has proved its hepatoprotective properties. The company will now look at a novel formulation with Guava leaf extract, he said.


Further, using Guava leaf extract and three other botanical extracts, Phytotech has already developed a tablet for hangover. It is known to scientifically act as an Alcohol De-Hydrogenese (ADH) , an enzyme to prevent the unbearable affects of over-consumption of spirits. The extract is already supplied to Japan and Korea.


It has also developed a formulation, Orthoglu which is Glucosamine - Chondroitin combination and is in good demand in several global markets.


The revenue generators for Phytotech are the extracts of Gauva leaf, Mulberry leaf, Kidney beans and Sesamin. In the formulations, it is the ADH which is creating the maximum demand, said Hariharan.


Market value for herbal extracts and formulations is estimated at Rs.8,000 crore (US$2 billion) in 2011 with a growth rate of 15-18 per cent. By 2015, its value would escalate to Rs.20,000 crore (US$ 5 billion). There is ample awareness and affordability in India with an interest towards preventive healthcare. Leading players in the space are Nicholas Piramal, Herbalife, Amway, Himalaya and scores of small localized companies catering to specific needs of the population in the region.