Malaysian tech making waves in US oil palm-based supplements
Free Malaysia Today (25/11/2019) - KUALA LUMPUR: A new Malaysian technology is making waves in the US and helping spread the word on sustainable palm oil there.
Massachusetts-based Phenolaeis, a health and wellness company, recently developed a health specialty ingredient known as Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc) based on revolutionary technology from Malaysia.
The technology, developed by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), allows for the harnessing of oil palm phenolics, shikimic acid, and soluble fibres, which are water-soluble bioactive compounds.
Speaking to FMT at the recent International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition 2019, Phenolaeis CEO Kevin Ohashi said the first supplement product containing Phenolaeis’s PFBc specialty ingredient has received good response since its release in the US market in September.
“Based on feedback from our customers, we find that they like the benefits of PFBc. Its unique composition supports healthy cognitive and healthy ageing states,” he said.
Bernama previously reported that MPOB’s studies proved that oil palm phenolics had antioxidants, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.
Ohashi said PFBc, which is manufactured in Mexico, also gives people the opportunity to find out more about palm oil and the sustainable palm oil industry.
“An increasing number of people want products derived from sustainable sources,” he added.
“Many don’t understand the palm oil industry. When we say palm oil, the first thing that comes to mind is displaced orangutans.
“The visibility of PFBc is an opportunity for us to explain that the industry is increasingly moving towards ensuring sustainability, and Malaysia is driving this in a big way.”
He added that education and awareness programmes would help the public understand the issue of sustainability and the benefits of using palm oil.
Ohashi also said Phenolaeis wants to set up a manufacturing plant in Malaysia and make it the Asian hub for PFBc.
“The technology is from here, and there is a good supply of palm fruit from sustainably certified plantations.
“So from here, we plan to manufacture and export PFBc supplements to the whole of Asia,” he said, adding that the product would have a strong market for those seeking to boost cognitive functions or fight the effects of ageing.