Nutraceuticals: revolutionizing healthcare in 21st century

Author:Aliya Rehmani, Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, Mithilesh Singh,Rajesh Kumar Sharma

Abstract:
Nutraceuticals, a blend of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” encompass foods or components crucial for maintaining normal bodily functions in healthy individuals. They offer health advantages, often serving as alternatives to conventional medicine. Fruits and vegetables rich in nutraceutical properties are vital for a balanced diet. The surge in interest in nutraceuticals reflects prevailing population and health trends. Various items, including dietary fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and herbal/natural foods, fall under the umbrella of the nutraceutical sector, which encompasses functional foods, dietary supplements, and herbal/natural products. India is poised to become a notable player, with analysts anticipating significant expansion in its market, potentially reaching $4-5 billion in the near future and forecasted to rise to approximately $18 billion by 2025. Regulatory measures, such as the FDA’s classification of dietary supplements as foods and India 2006 Food Safety and Standard Act, ensure their safety. Herbal nutraceuticals are pivotal for health maintenance and disease prevention, aiming for optimal health, longevity, and enhanced quality of life. This overview comprehensively categorizes nutraceutical types and illustrates their applications in treating various ailments. Additionally, it addresses the significance and challenges in designing delivery systems for nutraceuticals, fostering better quality of life and fueling innovative research endeavours in the emerging fields.