Abstract

NUTRACEUTICALS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Anushka Joshi*, Mr. G. A. Girnar

ABSTRACT

Since ancient times, civilizations ranging from the Ayurvedic tradition in India to Greek and Roman medicine have embraced the philosophy of "food as medicine." In the modern era, the rise of lifestyle-related diseases—driven by sedentary habits and the consumption of nutrient-poor "junk" food—has led to a resurgence of interest in nutraceuticals. Coined by Dr. Stephen De Felice in 1989, the term "nutraceutical" represents the intersection of nutrition and pharmaceuticals. These products, ranging from isolated nutrients and dietary supplements to functional foods and herbal extracts, serve as bioactive agents that help maintain physiological homeostasis and modulate immunity. This review explores the classification of nutraceuticals—including carotenoids, probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids—and examines their role as adjuncts to conventional pharmacotherapy. By analyzing delivery methods and the pharmacokinetic factors that influence dosage, such as genetics and organ function, this paper highlights the potential of nutraceuticals to prevent chronic illnesses and improve global health outcomes in an expanding multi-billion-dollar industry.

Keywords: Nutraceuticals, Functional Food, Bioactive Compound, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Lifestyle diseases.