Nutraceuticals

Introduction to Nutraceuticals
The word “Nutraceutical” comes from the combination of “Nutrition” and
“Pharmaceutical.”
It was first used in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, who was the Founder and Chairman of
the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FIM).

Other similar terms used are:

• Dietary supplements
• Functional foods
• Multi-functional foods

Definition

According to DeFelice:
A nutraceutical is “a food (or part of a food) that provides medical or health benefits,
including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease.”

Classification of Nutraceuticals (Based on

Chemical Groups)
1. Inorganic mineral supplements
2. Vitamin supplements
3. Digestive enzymes
4. Probiotics
5. Prebiotics
6. Dietary fibres
7. Cereal and grains
8. Health drinks
9. Antioxidants
10. Phytochemicals (Polysaccharides, Isoprenoids, Flavonoids, Phenolics, Fatty
acids, Lipids, Proteins)
11. Herbs as functional foods
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1. Inorganic Mineral Supplements

Minerals are very important for many body functions. They control different
physiological (body) and biochemical (chemical) activities.

Most minerals are taken through our diet. If missing, they may cause health problems
and diseases.

Examples of minerals:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Boron
• Copper
• Zinc
• Phosphorus
• Silicon

2. Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins are organic substances that are needed in small amounts for life and health
in both humans and animals.

They are of two types:

• Water-soluble vitamins
• Fat-soluble vitamins

3. Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes help in breaking down food so the body can absorb it.

Examples:

• Pepsin
• Pancreatin
• Pancrelipase
• Amylase
• Papain
• Bromelain
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4. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (friendly bacteria). When taken in the right amount,
they give health benefits to the host.

Most common probiotics:

• Species of Lactobacillus
• Species of Bifidobacterium

5. Prebiotics

Prebiotics are food components that are not digested by human enzymes. They reach
the colon unchanged, where they promote the growth of probiotics (good bacteria).

Examples of prebiotic foods:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Chicory root
• Asparagus
• Wheat
• Rye
• Barley
• Breast milk
• Tomatoes, berries
• Bananas

6. Dietary Fibres

Fibres are the parts of plants (leaves, stems, fruits) that cannot be digested or
absorbed by our body. They are essential for proper body function.

Types of fibres:

1. Water-soluble fibres
2. Water-insoluble fibres

Daily recommended intake: 30–40 g

Health benefits of dietary fibre:

• Prevents constipation
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• Improves digestive health (helps in diverticular disease, irritable bowel

syndrome, regular bowel movement, hemorrhoids)
• Lowers the risk of some cancers
• Reduces high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease risks
• Helps in weight control (increases fullness)
• Improves blood sugar and insulin response (helps in diabetes)

7. Health Drinks

Health drinks are an emerging type of functional food.

• They are often enriched with vitamins A, C, E and herbal extracts.

• Drinks containing caffeine help to refresh the body and mind, increase focus,
and improve reaction time.

8. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutraceuticals that protect the body from diseases caused by free
radicals.

Their deficiency is linked with many conditions such as:

• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Cataracts
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease

Examples of natural antioxidants:

• Vitamin C (from citrus fruits)

• Lycopene (from tomatoes)
• β-carotene (from carrots, green vegetables)
• Catechins (from green tea)
• Liquiritin (from licorice)
• Naringin (from citrus fruits)

9. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)

The human body can make many fatty acids but not all. Two important PUFAs must be
taken from diet:
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• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Omega-6 fatty acids

Functions of PUFAs:

• Control blood pressure

• Control heart rate
• Help in blood clotting
• Support the immune system

Sources of PUFAs:

• Cold-water fishes
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Flaxseed oil
• Some vegetables

Herbs as Functional Foods

1. Flax Seeds (Alsi)

• Botanical Name: Linum usitatissimum

• Family: Linaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• May help prevent cancers such as breast, colon, and rectal cancers.
• Helps lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Helps control blood sugar levels in diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease because it contains omega-3 fatty acids and
fibre.

2. Ginkgo

• Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba

• Family: Ginkgoaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• Improves memory and brain function, especially in older people or those with
dementia.
• Has antioxidant effects that protect brain cells from damage.
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• May reduce anxiety and improve mood in some people.

3. Spirulina

• Source: Blue-green algae (Spirulina platensis)

• Family: Oscillatoriaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• Boosts the immune system.

• Helps in managing viral infections such as HIV, influenza, herpes, and mumps.
• Reduces inflammation, useful in arthritis.
• Works as an anti-aging agent because it is rich in antioxidants like phycocyanin,
beta-carotene, and vitamin E.

4. Karela (Bitter Gourd)

• Botanical Name: Momordica charantia

• Family: Cucurbitaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• Strong effect in lowering blood sugar, useful in type 2 diabetes.

• Helps the liver store glycogen (increases glycogen synthesis 4–5 times).
• Contains compounds (charantin, vicine, polypeptide-p) that lower blood sugar.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supports insulin-producing cells.
• May improve insulin sensitivity and reduce resistance.

5. Turmeric (Haldi)

• Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

• Family: Zingiberaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• Protects the liver.

• Shows antiviral potential by blocking HIV-1 enzyme.
• Has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Useful in arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cancer prevention.
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6. Fenugreek (Methi Dana)

• Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Medicinal Importance:

• Helps treat anorexia (loss of appetite) and gastritis.

• Works as a laxative, expectorant (clears mucus), and soothing agent.
• Helps lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect).
• Helps reduce cholesterol (hypocholesterolemic effect).

7. Ginseng

• Botanical Name: Panax ginseng

• Family: Araliaceae

Medicinal Importance:

• Acts as an adaptogen (helps the body handle stress).

• Improves brain function, memory, and mental performance.
• Reduces tiredness, boosts immunity, and fights oxidation.
• Helps regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
• Improves sexual health and increases overall energy.

8. Black Cohosh

• Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa

• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Part Used: Root and Rhizome

Medicinal Importance:

• Relieves joint pain and inflammation (antirheumatic).

• Helps reduce cough (antitussive).
• Has mild calming effects (sedative).
• Promotes menstrual flow and reduces discomfort (emmenagogue).
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Cosmeceuticals
Definition

Cosmeceuticals are products that are half cosmetic and half pharmaceutical.
They are applied on the skin (like cosmetics) but contain active ingredients that
improve skin health and biological functions.

A. Skin Cosmeceuticals
Skin care products are important for beauty and health. Cosmeceuticals improve skin
by:

• Encouraging collagen growth

• Fighting free radicals
• Maintaining keratin structure
• Making skin healthy and glowing

Important Ingredients in Skin Cosmeceuticals:

1. Vitamins (A, C, E) → Antioxidants

2. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) → Exfoliate skin, improve circulation (lactic acid,
citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid)
3. Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) → Antibacterial (salicylic acid)
4. Essential Fatty Acids → Smoothen, moisturize, and protect skin (linoleic,
linolenic, arachidonic acids)
5. Aloe Vera → Softens skin
6. Arnica (Arnica montana) → Astringent and soothing effect
7. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) → Soothes, softens, and helps skin cell
growth
8. β-Bisabolol (Chamomile flower) → Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, calms
irritation
9. Green Tea Extract → Antioxidant
10. Licorice Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) → Skin whitening, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
11. Pycnogenol (Grape seed extract) → Anti-aging

1. Sunscreens

• Protect skin from sunburn, aging, and skin cancer.

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• Also protect from sun sensitivity caused by some drugs (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfa
drugs, chlorpromazine).
• Work by either absorbing UV radiation or reflecting it away from skin.

2. Moisturizers

Functions:

• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

• Brighten and tone skin.
• Hydrate dry skin.

Examples of ingredients in moisturizers:

• Black cohosh
• Soya extract
• Vitamins A and E

3. Bleaching Agents

Used to fade skin pigmentation (dark spots, melasma).

• Hydroquinone → Effective for bleaching brown marks.

• Kojic Acid → From mushrooms; less strong but sometimes mixed with steroids.

B. Hair Cosmeceuticals
Hair care affects appearance and confidence. Hair products are applied to scalp and
hair.

Uses of hair cosmeceuticals:

• Treat dandruff
• Treat oily hair (Achillea millefolium)
• Treat hair loss (Alopecia) → Minoxidil
• Treat fungal infections → Ketoconazole