The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has launched ‘Pio’ drink- a healthy herbal product. The drink is 100% plant-based, free of caffeine and artificial sweeteners, yet it still retains its flavor and fizz.
Ten or so years ago, NBRI made an attempt to create a herbal soft drink. However, it was unable to compete with the large, international beverage companies that control the industry.
Nevertheless, the scientists persisted in refining the product until they were able to present it as a nutritious substitute. There are four months left on the product’s expiration date and no preservatives have been added.
Pio drink has received positive feedback from Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. The drink is marketed under the slogan “Pio Herbal, Jio Har Pal.”
NBRI Director Ajit Kumar Shasany, said, “Soft drinks are consumed by people of all ages, be it children or elderly. Hence, there was an urgent need for replacing these unhealthy drinks with healthy options. A team of scientists carried out an in-depth study to develop scientifically validated and standardised health beverages by fortifying them with certain health protective/promotive functional attributes.”
He further added, “Based on traditional knowledge, we selected certain herbs. Extracts of herbs like liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly known as ‘mulethi’, heart-leaved moonseed (giloy), Ashwagandha, punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), common grapevine, and cardamom have been used in the product.”
The NBRI Director added that Pio had no alcohol, cocoa, and other synthetic chemicals and has been successfully evaluated for its efficacy.
Managing director of the private company concerned, Sandip Vyas, said: “This herbal soft drink has the potential to replace other synthetic soft drinks. We have taken the technology from CSIR-NBRI. We have undertaken all the necessary tests which are essential for its production and efficacy.”
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