Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON NUTRACEUTICALS:-AN EMERGING FIELD IN HEALTH CARE

Sadhana Shahi*, Vaishnavi Joshi and Tejas Kothimbire

ABSTRACT

Since ancient times, humanity has harnessed the healing properties of natural materials to create medicines with various purposes. Dr. Stephen L. De Felice, in 1989, coined the term "nutraceuticals" to define substances that, beyond their nutritive value, provide health benefits and aid in disease prevention. Nutraceuticals, a fusion of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutics," have become a focal point in the realm of holistic health. This paper delves into the classification of nutraceuticals, considering traditional and non-traditional methods, sources, and marketed products. The therapeutic scope of nutraceuticals encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer to allergies, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. The global surge in the nutraceuticals market is indicative of a paradigm shift in people's attitudes toward a healthier lifestyle. This trend is prominently observed in the rapidly growing Indian nutraceuticals market. Advancements in scientific fields such as
Nutrigenomics, imaging techniques, and converging technologies are shaping the landscape of nutrition research. Nutrigenomics, a groundbreaking science, elucidates how specific foods communicate with our genes. Technologies like Nutrigenomics hold the promise of tailoring nutritional approaches to individual genetic profiles, thereby optimizing health outcomes. It's also anticipated that inventive food technology applications will help create new goods that promote optimal health. In conclusion, this paper explores the multifaceted realm of nutraceuticals, acknowledging their historical roots, current global relevance, and the transformative potential of emerging sciences. The intersection of nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge technologies presents exciting possibilities for enhancing human health and well-being.

Keywords: Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Health, Therapeutic Scope, Nutrigenomics