Plandaí Biotechnology to Focus on International Nutraceutical Cannabis Opportunities

Full-Profile Non-Psychoactive Cannabis Extract To Target Pain Relief and Other Over the Counter Applications

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCQB: PLPL) ("Plandaí" or "the Company"), producer of the highly bioavailable Phytofare® catechin complex, today discussed its focus on developing the international nutraceutical market for its full-profile, non-psychoactive cannabis extract. The international market for nutraceutical or wellness products is expected to reach $302,306 million by 2022 from $184,092 million in 2015, with an annual growth rate of 7.04% from 2016 to 2022. Recent innovations and findings of function-specific antioxidants are expected to create new opportunities in the international sector,  and the Company believes its highly bioavailable, full-profile, non-psychoactive cannabis extract will play a role in this emerging growth market. Certainly, cannabis is an emerging innovation in this sector, as shown by the rapid acceptance of cannabis for medicinal use in many countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Israel and Italy.

Callum Cottrell-Duffield, Chief Operating Officer of Plandaí, explained, “Our focus is on getting a full-profile, non-psychoactive cannabis extract product to market as quickly as possible so that customers can have access to a wellness product that specifically targets the pain receptors of the human endocannabinoid system.  In light of the current prescription opioid epidemic, we believe that a non-psychoactive, non-addictive pain reliever will be a welcome option for those suffering from both short-term and chronic pain.  Millions of people around the world currently treat pain symptoms with cannabis but taking a psychoactive is not ideal for many people, especially children, the elderly, and the chronic sufferers.  We have the potential to produce an highly bioavailable, full-profile, non-psychoactive cannabis product that can be delivered in a one-a-day capsule.”

The human endo-cannabinoid system helps modulate a variety of functions, including pain, memory, mood, and locomotor activity. CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the brain and nervous system, as well as in peripheral organs and tissues, and are the main molecular target of the phyto-cannabinoid, THC. One other main endocannabinoid is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) which is active at both cannabinoid receptors, along with its own mimetic phyto-cannabinoid, CBD. 2-AG and CBD are involved in the regulation of appetite, immune system functions and pain management.

Mr. Cottrell-Duffield added, “Once we have validated our extract with respect to composition, bioavailability and non-psychoactivity, we will immediately seek to establish international marketing channels for our product specific to pain management and appetite regulation.  While it may take time before the United States generally accepts medical cannabis, or even non-psychoactive cannabis that is far safer than currently available opioids, many regions of the world will be open to our product, including the Africa SADIC countries and parts of Europe. We believe there is a strong nutraceutical and wellness market worldwide, and this provides a ready opportunity to establish our product and brand.”

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC Markets: ) develops highly bioavailable, phytonutrient rich extracts which are being utilized to deliver a new family of drugs to safely and affordably treat a multitude of diseases and conditions. Plandai Biotechnology, through its South African subsidiaries, controls every aspect of production, from growing specific raw materials such as green tea on its farms to producing its proprietary Phytofare extract, allowing the Company to guarantee the continuity of supply as well as quality control throughout the entire process. The manufacturing facility has also been engineered for citrus fruits and the recovery of limonoids. Targeted industries for the Company's products include animal husbandry, dietary supplements, diabetes and cannabis. Plandai Biotechnology is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. For more information, please visit:  

Forward-Looking Statements

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