The Hindu Business Line : Herbal healthcare firms focus on treating stress

WITH the increase in the occurrence of stress-related disorders and the widespread need for herbal alternatives, herbal healthcare companies are increasingly focusing their attention on this segment.

Dabur Pharma Ltd, which is widely known for its oncology products, will be focusing on therapeutic areas such as the cardiovascular, gynaecology and diabetes segments during the year.

Himalaya Herbal Healthcare already has a portfolio of oral diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-stress drugs, while the latest entrant, Krauter Healthcare Ltd, has been launching formulations for controlling cholesterol, boosting immunity system and preventing hair loss.

Mr Ajit K. Chauhan, Director of Krauter, said that the herbal healthcare market was following the footsteps of the pharma industry and is trying to capitalise on the huge potential present for treating stress-related ailments.

"The size of the overall herbal healthcare market is estimated to be Rs 2,500 crore and is growing at 25 per cent per annum," he added.

The company has made an initial investment of Rs 15 crore and will market products with the idea of `Prevent and Protect' against common health problems. It aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 30-35 crore in the next two years.

The growing demand for herbal alternatives is evident in the success of Dabur Pharma's Revas, a cardiovascular drug, which was launched a year ago.

"Sales in this non-oncology business segment (cardiovascular, diabetes and gynaecology) in India grew by over 8 per cent in 2003-04. This is a highly competitive segment but with the introduction of new products in the high growth therapeutic segment, we expect to maintain positive growth," said a company spokesperson.

Himalaya, meanwhile, has said that high-pressure lifestyles, cramped living conditions, fewer open spaces and an acute consciousness for healthy and better living has created a need for instant natural remedies or herbal supplements that can be consumed without prescription.

"Remedies that are available in capsule form are increasingly replacing the older and cumbersome forms of medicine like pastes or lotions," said a company official.

More Stories on : Alternative Medicines | Lifestyle

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page