06.01.08
Botaneco, Calgary, AB, Canada, has signed a feasibility agreement with Croda Enterprise Technology, Edison, NJ, to evaluate the possibility of adding functionality to echium oil, a specialty oil containing omega 3 fatty acids. Under the agreement, Croda will examine the ability of Botaneco’s technology platform to improve the stability and versatility of Echium plantagineum (echium) oil. Botaneco will provide Croda with material for purposes of chemical and functional analysis, and to determine the viability of a commercial-scale manufacturing process. Echium oil contains stearidonic acid, which is effectively metabolized to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which has been shown to promote heart health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits in both topical and oral formulations.