15
LASSIFICATION
Categories of nutraceuticals11)
PHARMATUTOR
PRINT ISSN: 2394-6679 | E-SSN: 2347-7881
II. Nutraceutical Enzymes.
1 Nutrients - substances with established nutritlonal I.Chemical Constituents
value. a) Nutrients:
Examples: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty Includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty
acids, polysaccharides, etc. acids with established nutritional functions. These
2. Herbals or botanical - Products of herbs of are helpful in curing heart diseases, strokes,
botanical products in the form of concentrates or cataracts, osteoporosis, diabetes and cancer.
xtracts. Minerals found in plant, animal and dairy products
Examples: Aloe vera, wheat grass, ginger, garlic, etc. are useful in osteoporosis and anaemia. Flax seed
and salmon contain fatty aclds; OMEGA 3-PUFAS and
ae potent controllers of the inflammatory process,
Whest grss
maintenance of braln function and reduce
cholesterol deposition,
b) Herbas
iarlir Examples indude willow bark (Solix nigra), having
active component salicin, which is anti-inflammatory,
Fig.2: Herbals for nutraceutlcals[6] analgeslc, antipyretic, astringent and antlarthritic.
Parsley E
(Petroselinum cripsum) contains flavonolds
3. Dietary supplements - Compounds derived from (aplol, psoralen) and is dluretic. arminatve
other sources serving speclfic functions such as antipyretlc. Peppermnint (Menth
sports nutritlon, weight loss supplements and meal
replacements. ngustifolio) contains 1tannin
tavende (Lavendula ngu
Depending upon varlous characterlstics,
which Is helpful in curing depression, hypertension,
nutraceutcals can be classifled into(12] stress, cold, cough and asthma. Cranberries
a. Nutraceuticals according to food source. (Vaccintum erythrocarpum) contain
b. Nutraceuticals according their actlon of
proanthocyanadin and found to be useful in cancers,
mechanism.
ulcers and urinary tract infections.
c Nutraceuticals according to their chemical nature.
d Nutraceuticals according to their higher contents
in specifilc food items.
Nutraceuticals are categorized on the basis of foods
available in the market [13, 14]
1. Traditional nutraceuticals
2. Non-traditional nutraceuticals
1 TRADITIONAL NUTRACEUTICALS: Petre Penzainripam
These are natural substances with no changes to the
foodstuff. They are grouped on the basis of
L. Chemical Constituents
a) Nutrients
b) Herbals Fig.3: Traditional nutraceutical herbals9
) Phytochemicals ) Phytochemicals]
IL. Probiotic Microorganisms
Vol. 3, Issue 8 | magazine.pharmatutor.org
16
PHARMATUTOR
PRINT ISSN: 2394-6679 | E-ISSN: 2347-7881
These are classified on the basis of chemical name the production of the specific enzyme (B
given according to their phytochemical properties. galactosidase) that can hydrolyse the offending
Examples indude carotenolds (isoprenoids), legumes lactose into its component sugars.
(chickpeas and soybeans), etc. Flavonoid - Prebiotics are a more ecent addition to our
polyphenolics are found in berries, fruits, vegetables vOcabulary and are substances which when
and legumes which are potent antioxldants, consumed are not digested by us. Instead, they act
phytoestrogens, prevent breast cancer, prostate as a nutrient source for good probiotic bacteria.4
cancer, and control dlabetes. Non-flavonoid
polyphenolics are present in dark grapes, ralsins, II. Nutraceutical Enzymes
berries, peanuts, turmeric roots; are strong anti These enzymes are derived from microbial, plant or
inflammatory, antioxidants, anticlotting agents and animal sources.
educe cholesterol. Spirulina and chlorella also used
as food supplements. 2. NON-TRADIMONAL NUTRACEUTICALS
These are artificial foods prepared with the aid of
. Probiotic Microorganisms. biotechnology. Food samples contain bioactive
"Probiotics mean "for life" and are defines as live omponents which are engineered to produce
microorganisms, which when consumed in adequate products for human wellness.
amounts, confer a health effect on the host. They are divided into:
Features: a) Fortified nutraceuticals
They are friendly bacteria that promote healthy b) Recombinant nutraceuticals
dgestion and absorption of nutrients.
-They act to crowd out pathogens such as yeasts, a) Fortified nutraceuticals
other bacteria and viruses that may otherwise cause It constitutes fortified food from agricultural
disease and develop a mutualy advantageous breeding or added nutrients and/or ingredients eg
symbiosis with the human gastrointestinal tract.. Orange juice fortified with calcium, cereals with
They have an antimicrobial effect through added vitamins or minerals and flour with added
modifying the microflora, preventing adhesion of folic acid. Also, milk fortified with cholecalciferol
to the intectl sn competing
nathogens used in vitamin D deficiency. Prebiotic and probiotic
teionte necessary for pathogen inval fortified milk with Bfidobacterium lactis HNO19 sed
ing some of
producing an antitoxin effect and reversing in dlarrhea. respiratory infections and severe
Consequer s of infection on the intestinal
etina oe in
ilnesses in children.
childre Banana fortified uusing soybean
erritin ene
epithelium, such s secretary changes and neutrophil ficiency was discovered by
eobio
migratior biotics can cure lactose intolerance by Kumar.
Fig.4 : Bfidobocterium lactis HNO19, good bacteria' in curd and other Prebiotic and probiotic fortified juices and
milk
b) Recombinant nutraceuticals with the help of biotechnology. e.g.: bread, alcohol,
As the word itself denotes; these are energy fermented starch, yogurt, cheese, vinegar, etc.
providing foodstuffs formed by "recombination",
NUTRACEUTICALS ARE FOOD OR DRUGS?
Vol. 3, Issue 8 | magazine.pharmatutor.org
2.1.6. Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are beneficial, concentrated
or purified chemicals from plants that have active
components for biochemical and metabolic
reactions in humans, such as lutein and lycopene
[13]. Phytochemicals can help in maintaining
chemical balance of the brain, thus providing
neuroprotective activity [51]. Additionally, high
consumption of vegetables and fruits that contain
phytochemicals can reduce the risk of cancers,
and cardiac and neurodegenerative disorders
[29,51].
Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
Nutraceuticals play an important role in preventing the onset of chronic diseases
and reduce the complications involved. Evidence suggests they are used in the
prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity,
and inflammatory-based diseases. l6]
Improve Eye Health
Patients with eye disorders and conditions like age-related macular degeneration,
glaucoma, and visual disorders can benefit from certain nutraceuticals. "
Nutraceuticals like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E reduce the risk of
cataracts. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s are important for visual
development and retinal function, l8)
Improve Immune Function
Immune booster nutraceuticals like green tea, blueberries, amino acids, and
vitamin Dare found to be useful in improving and strengthening immune health
and thus help to prevent disease.
Herbs and plant extracts like echinacea and astragalus help in the development
and regenerations of stem cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of garlic can
enhance the functioning of the immune system. 191
Improve Gut Health
Many nutraceuticals like prebiotics, probiotics, flavonoids, aloe vera, resveratrol,
and omega-3 and omega-6 acids can restore and stimulate the growth of good
bacteria and reduce the effect of harmful bacteria in the gut. l10 Some forms of
magnesium supplementscan also improve gut health.
Nutraceuticals are shown to influence inflammation pathways and play an
important role in reinforcing the body's natural gut defense mechanisms.
Support Reproductive Health
Many nutraceuticals play an important role in male and female reproductive
health. Nutraceuticals help with male infertility 1 and dysfunction, and prevent
damage to sperm. Certain nutraceuticals can influence hormones and are also
used to improve fertility, preconception, pregnancy outcomes in women, and
provide support during menstruation.
Treat Inflammation
Nutraceuticals are showing promising resuts in the prevention and treatment of
inflammation due to the presence of phytochemicals. They can reduce oxidative
stress in chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. 12]
Enhance Sports Medicine
Nutraceuticals are useful in sports medicine as they help athletes improve their
performancel13 and reduce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,
which occurs because of heavy exercise.
Particularly, mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals (MTNs) such as resveratrol
and quercetin, have been shown to have antioxidant effects at a molecular level,
(14 which improves mitochondrial bioenergetics and leads to better exercise
performance and recovery.
Prolong Life
Nutraceuticals provide preventative care to the body, which increases life
expectancy as it reduces the risk of many diseases and helps the body recover
quickly.
Certain nutraceuticals like those present in citrus fruits and soybeans help renew
healthier cells and improve gene expression. Some nutraceuticals can slow the
aging process and thus promote longevity. 5)
Improve Mental Health
Research shows that nutrients and nutraceuticals play an important role in the
prevention, management, and treatment of mental health disorders and
psychological functioning. (16]
Certain nutrients and nutraceutical compounds including omega-3, vitamins B
and D, magnesium, iron, zinc, curcumin, lycopene, and b-carotene are showing
promising results in improving mood, stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive
functioning.
Nutraceuticals with antioxidant properties help prevent neurodegenerative
diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Other Uses of Nutraceuticals
Here's a look at other benefits of nutraceuticals:
Improve overall health
Increase energy
Improve sleep
" Regulate bodily functions
Enhance skincare
Improve mental clarity
" Reduce cravings
Adverse Effects
Compared to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals are potentially safe and can
improve health naturally. However, certain nutraceuticals can have side effects
such as allergic reactions caused by interactions with other nutraceuticals or
therapeutic drugs. 7
A few nutraceuticals can also cause toxicity. In addition, many people tend not to
disclose nutraceutical use to their physicians, which can result in adverse drug
supplement reactions. [18]
Nutraceuticals have a powerful effect on your body, and that's why it's important
to consume only the recommended amounts of nutraceuticals. It is also
important to talk to your healith professional about your symptoms and
nutraceutical use.
