SMPB NEWS

SMPB Celebrates 15 Years of Nellikka Juice Formulation in Thrissur

Sunday, February 1, 2026

The State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) marked a significant milestone as its Nellikka (Gooseberry) juice formulation completed 15 years of serving the public. Over the last decade and a half, the initiative has played a crucial role in making natural health supplements accessible, proving that traditional Ayurvedic wisdom can effectively meet modern lifestyle needs.

A commemorative event held at Hotel Elite International on January 31, 2026, celebrated the journey of this juice, originally formulated by SMPB and since gaining widespread popularity as both a refreshing drink and a powerful health rejuvenator. To mark the occasion, SMPB CEO Dr. TK Hrideek handed over a symbolic bunch of Nellikka to Minister K. Rajan, signifying the ongoing commitment to promoting traditional wellness.

The ceremony saw the participation of several distinguished figures from the Ayurvedic community and the arts. Notable attendees included Dr. D. Ramanathan of Sitaram Ayurveda Hospital, Dr. Rajithan from Oushadhi Panchakarma Hospital and Research Institute, and popular actor and comedian Jayaraj Warrier. Speakers at the event noted that the juice has successfully bridged the gap between traditional medicine and modern lifestyle beverages, gaining a reputation for its rejuvenating properties. Over the past 15 years, the SMPB-formulated drink has become a household name, praised for combining the therapeutic benefits of Indian gooseberry with the refreshing appeal of a contemporary health drink.