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Centre for Innovation & Consultation

Caju-AnxiGo: Aromatherapy Formulation as An Alternative Management for Anxiety

Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain

Dr. Wan Nor Amilah

Professor Dr. Wan Rosli

Dr. PM Ridzuan

Mrs. Nazirah

Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil (MCEO) or locally known as cajuput oil. MCEO is derived from steam distillation processes of Melaleuca cajuputi (MC) leaves. Leaves of MC are used as herbal tea to relieve pain and treat various ailments including asthma, intestinal parasites, and viruses. MCEO is used to relieve coughs, colds, laxatives, muscle relaxants, sedatives, disinfectants against bacteria, and many more. In 2019, anxiety ranked among the top 25 leading causes of burden worldwide. According to WHO (2020) it affects approximately 350 million people globally and around 5% of the UK population suffers from generalised anxiety disorders. In Malaysia, the prevalence of anxiety ranges from 3.9% to 46%. Nowadays, available therapies are ineffective thus alternative treatment using MCEO is needed.

Problem Statement

Anxiety can lead to exhaustion, panic attacks, weakening of the immune system, headaches and insomnia. Antianxiety agents have become one of the most popular supplements since 2021. However, the use of these synthetic drugs can lead to many problems such as various adverse effects such as drowsiness, sedation, confusion and so on. Besides, poor satisfaction is probably due to the taste and difficulty in swallowing the tablets. In general, the cost of drugs is higher. Most people are concerned about the synthetic chemicals in drugs that can be toxic to health and long-term intake is associated with cancer risk. A new formulation from natural based probably the best solution for alleviating anxiety. It provides an alternative to the synthetic drugs available in the markets.

Novelty and Inventiveness

It contains 5 main active ingredients that produce synergistic effects. It also has efficacy in vivo at 5% (v/v) concentration with an EC50 of 5.48% (v/v).  It works by acting on CRH without causing toxicity and is safe both in vitro and in vivo. It is introduced to lessen the usage of synthetic chemicals. 1st commercialized roll-on aromatherapy using a combination of herbs (cajuput oil, olive oil, and virgin coconut oil) which is suitable for the management of anxiety, skin problems and can be applied as a perfume. This is the comparison between Caju-AnxiGo and psychotic drugs. The formulation is using phenoxyethanol in replacement of sodium benzoate which may produce cancer in the long run. Caju-AnxiGo is the first-ever formulation from a natural source that functions as 3 in 1 aromatherapy product mainly for its anti-anxiety effect but can be applied as a massage oil and also perfume. It is effective, affordable, has no harmful ingredients, is safe and environmentally friendly. Cajuput oil is a new source of economic growth for Malaysia. Therefore, this formulation will empower and give a strong impact on the essential oil industry and downstream industry-based herbs. It also gives diversified idle resources into useful products as an alternative treatment for anxiolytic effects.

Name of Product

  • Caju-AnxiGo.
  • Caju means cajuput oil whereas AnxiGO is for the purpose of reducing the level of anxiety.
  • Caju-AnxiGo is a novel and innovative natural-based aromatherapy, formulated as an alternative remedy for anxiety.

Description of Caju-AnxiGo

Pioneer in commercialized roll-on aromatherapy using a combination of herbs which is suitable for the management of anxiety, skin problems and can be applied as a perfume.

Product Technology Description

The main active ingredient of the Caju-AnxiGO is MCEO which is also known as cajuput oil.  It contains nearly 38% of antianxiety properties that have been tested by GCMS. Caju-AnxiGO is a unique research-based and the first aromatherapy essential oil roll-on product in Malaysia, formulated from MCEO or cajuput oil which is affordable, cheap, eco-friendly, and safe.  It was formulated with a certain percentage of cajuput oil and was scientifically tested and proven to be effective in alleviating anxiety. Based on the in vitro results of our studies on MCEO, there were no traces of heavy metals or harmful microbes, as well as no toxicity was demonstrated in BSLT tests. Furthermore, an in vivo study using an elevated plus maze test showed that MCEO exerted anti-anxiety effects at a concentration of 5%(v/v) by decreasing the corticotrophin-releasing hormone level in the rat model. Previous in-vitro and in-vivo toxicity studies showed that the MCEO was found safe and non-toxic. MCEO acts on pituitary glands by decreasing corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) without causing any toxicity.

Applicability and Benefits

  • As an alternative to the standard treatment for anxiety.
  • First ever formulation: 3 in 1 aromatherapy (anxiety), massage oil and perfume from natural sources.
  • Effective, affordable, no harmful ingredients, cheap, safe and environmental friendly.

Technology Benchmarking

Compare to the competitor, the approximate cost of our product is 4 times cheaper than the currently available psychotic drugs. Caju-AnxiGo is a local product, naturally based with less synthetic material with fewer adverse effects. There are impacts of our product. Not only for economic growth but also for health, education, environment, community and also the country.

Commercialization Potential And Industrial Partner

The impact of commercial potential is in accordance with Fortune Business Insights, the global Anxiety Disorders & Depression Treatment Market size that is projected to reach USD 13.03 Billion in 2027. People who prefer a natural product are our target customers. The Asian Pacific market is nearly 21% of the world market for antidepressant & antianxiety drugs. This provides a huge opportunity for Caju-AnxiGo to be sold in the Malaysian market and neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore etc. A business model canvas will be used for marketing strategies. Not only business-to-business but also the latest online application and online platforms such as TIK TOK, FB apps, Shoppe ETC will be applied in our business strategy.

  • DR. Ridzuan Manufacturing.

Intellectual Property Status

Trade Secret: TS/2023/003 - "Caju-AnxietyGo" FROM MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI ESSENTIAL OIL AS AN ANXIOLYTIC AGENT.

Status of Invention

Our product technology is ready at the stage of the TRL 6 prototype system which is tested in the intended environment.

Impact of Innovation

  • Economic: 
    • Essential oil is a new source of economic growth for Malaysia.
    • Diversify idle resources into useful products.
  • Environmental: 
    • Able to utilize natural sources.
    • Create an eco-friendly product.
    • Create a product that has high efficacy and non-toxic.
  • Education/University: 
    • Promote more R & D regarding the usage of essential oil.
    • Producing more IP – Trade Secret, Copyright & Patent.
  • Health: 
    • Producing more products that give benefit to health.
  • Community/Country: 
    • Establish a great community with high concern for natural sources and sustainable for the future generation.
    • Create more job and business opportunities among the community.
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