Ashian Herbex enters OTC segment

Ashian Herbex Limited, an associate company of the city-based Alkali Metals Limited, has launched a range of natural products under the brand name 'Vemus' to cater to the functional foods and food additive segments.

The company exports various natural herbel substances such as oleoresin capsicum, oleoresin paprika, curcuminoid, turmeric oleoresin, solanesol, nicotine sulphate and neem-based products.

"We have decided to enter the over the counter (OTC) counter market with our product range in view of the potential for natural products. In addition to the six products that are being launched now, we will come out with some more products over the next six months," Y S R Venkata Rao, the managing director of Ashian, said at the launch.

The list of products that were launched include Cankure (functional food supplement for patients under cancer therapy), Glutes ( an anti-arthritis/spondilitis product), Kurcuma (a natural anti-oxidant), Smkare (for relieving side effects of tobacco chewing) and two food additives-- Merapa Drop and Kolor Drop.

With the launch of consumer products, the company hopes to achieve a turnover of Rs 12 crore during the current year, Rao said.