A REVIEW: NUTRACEUTICALS & ITS ROLE IN AILMENTS

www.wjpps.com Vol 9, Issue 5, 2020.

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Parveen et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW: NUTRACEUTICALS & ITS ROLE IN AILMENTS

Rehana Parveen1* and Ranjeet Kumar Bhargav

2

*1,2

BBS Institute of Pharmaceutical & Allied Sciences, Greater Noida (U.P.), India.

ABSTRACT

„Nutraceutical‟ is used to describe a medicinal or nutritional

component that includes a food, plant or naturally occurring material,

which may have been purified or concentrated, and that is used for the

improvement of health, by preventing or treating a disease. It is often

thought that nutraceuticals have to occupy a narrow strip of legislative

ground between pharmaceuticals and food, but in reality their position

is much more complex. Major nutraceuticals posses multiple

therapeutic effect with lacking of unwanted effects hence attract more

consumer interest. Increase in shift towards preventive therapies and

increasing disposable income, favorable pricing environment growth in

pharma retail chain and increase in healthcare spending is mainly responsible for increasing

market for nutraceuticals in India, but lack of standardization and awareness, high pricing,

marketing and distribution are some challenges. Nutraceutical market is seeing tidal growth

mainly in United States, India and European countries. Faster access to this market is possible

through business partnership models, effective regulatory compliance and by evaluating key

trends and consumer reference.[1]

Most nutraceuticals, however, are openly on sale and

available via the Internet.

KEYWORDS: Nutrition, Dietary Fibers, Antioxidant, Probiotics.

INTRODUCTION

The word 'nutraceutical' was derived from 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical'[2]

in 1989 by

DeFelice and was originally defined as „a food or part of the food that provides medical or

health benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease. Over the last 20 years

the number of nutraceuticals available for selfmedication in pharmacies or for sale in

supermarkets and healthfood shops has grown enormously, fostered by wide media coverage

of their benefits. There has been a boom in their sales as patients rush to selfmedicate, either

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 7.632

Volume 9, Issue 5, 499-510 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

*Corresponding Author

Rehana Parveen

BBS Institute of

Pharmaceutical & Allied

Sciences, Greater Noida

(U.P.), India.

Article Received on

04 March 2020,

Revised on 24 March 2020,

Accepted on 13 April 2020

DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20205-16063


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in the hope that these products will be effective in treating diseases unsatisfactorily treated

with pharmaceuticals, or that the adverse effects of some pharmaceuticals may be avoided.

With an ageing population throughout the Western world, a number of diseases are becoming

increasingly prevalent, and current and predicted patient numbers are often vast. For

example, it has been predicted that arthritis will affect most of the population at some time

during their lifetime. And it is in disease states such as arthritis that nutraceuticals are

increasingly used.

A nutraceuticals word is comprises of „Nutrient‟ and „Pharmaceuticals‟. According to

AAFCO, 1996, „Nutrient‟ means a feed constituent in a form and at a level that will help,

support a life of human being or animal while „Nutraceutical‟ means any non-toxic food

component that has scientifically proven health benefits including prevention and treatment

of disease6. Products isolated or purified from food are sold in medicinal forms not usually

associated with food. A nutraceutical have a physiological benefit that it provides protection

against chronic diseases.[3]

The role of dietary active compounds in human nutrition is one of the most important areas of

investigation with the findings having wide‐ranging implications for consumers, healthcare

providers, regulators and industry (Bagchi D, 2006). Foods and nutrients play a vital role in

the normal functioning of the body. They help to maintain the health of the individual and to

reduce the risk of various diseases. Worldwide acceptance of this fact formed a recognition

link between "nutrition" and "health", and thus the concept of "nutraceuticals" evolved (Rama

CS et al., 2006).

CLASSIFICATION OF NUTRACEUTICAL

The food sources[4]

used as nutraceuticals are all natural and can be categorized as

1. Minerals

2. Probiotics

3. Prebiotics

4. PUFAs (Polyunsaturated fatty acids)

5. Dietary fibers

6. Antioxidant vitamin

1) MINERALS: Minerals are solid substances that are present in nature and can be made of

one element or more elements combined together (chemical compounds). Eg: Ca, Mg,


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Cu, Zn, Ph, etc. Gold, Silver and carbon are elements that form minerals on their own.

They are called native elements. Instead, ordinary kitchen salt is a chemical compound

that is called rock salt, which is a mineral formed of sodium and chlorine ions. Atoms,

ions and molecules that form a mineral are present in the space in a tidy way and

according to well-defined geometrical shapes, which are called crystal lattices. The

structure of the crystal lattice defines the shape of the crystal as we see it. For example,

rock salt or kitchen salt is a mineral formed of cubic-shaped crystals. Its crystal lattice has

the same shape and consists of sodium and chlorine ions that are present in the space in

alternate order.

2) PROBIOTICS: Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health,

especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes

diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called

"good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are

naturally found in your body. You can also find them in some foods and supplements. It's

only been since about the mid-1990s that people have wanted to know more about

probiotics and their health benefits. Doctors often suggest them to help with digestive

problems. And because of their newfound fame, you can find them in everything from

yogurt to chocolate.

a) Lactobacillus: This may be the most common probiotic. It‟s the one you‟ll find in yogurt

and other fermented foods. Different strains can help with diarrhea and may help with

people who can‟t digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

b) Bifidobacterium: You can also find it in some dairy products. It may help ease the

symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and some other conditions. Probiotics help

move food through your gut. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for

certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)

Antibiotic-related diarrhea

3) PREBIOTICS: Prebiotics are substances that induce the growth or activity of

microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi) that contribute to the well-being of their host.


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The most common example is in the gastrointestinal tract, where prebiotics can alter the

composition of organisms in the gut microbiome. However, in principle it is a more

general term that can refer to other areas of the body as well. For example, certain hand

moisturizers have been proposed to act like prebiotics to improve the activity or

composition of skin microbiota. Although all prebiotics are fiber, not all fiber is prebiotic.

Classification of a food ingredient as a prebiotic requires scientific demonstration that the

ingredient (Jacob RA, 1995):

Health benefit of prebiotics

Reduce the prevalence and duration of infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Reduce the inflammation and symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Exert protective effects to prevent colon cancer.

Enhance the bioavailability and uptake of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and

possibly iron.

4) PUFAs: These are fatty acids which contain more than one double bond and include

essential fatty acids. Eg: Omega-3-fatty acid, safflower oil, corn oil, soyabean oil, fish oil.

The group of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is divided into two groups: omega-3

(n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), differing in the position

where the first double C-bound is located. Two PUFAs are called essential fatty acids

since they cannot be synthesized in the human body and are vital for physiological

integrity. Therefore, they must be obtained from the diet. One is linoleic acid (LA) and

belongs to the n-6 family. The other one is α-linolenic acid (LNA) belonging to the n-3

family. These essential parent compounds can be converted in the human body to long-

chain (LC) fatty acid but humans cannot interconvert n-3 and n-6 fatty acids.

5) ANTIOXIDANT: Antioxidants are our first line of defense against free radical damage,

and are critical for maintaining optimum health and wellbeing. Oxygen is a highly

reactive atom that is capable of becoming part of potentially damaging molecules

commonly called “free radicals.” They are present in fruits, vegetables and fishes. They

are used to prevent the reactive Oxygen species and free scavenging radicals. Eg:

Vitamin- E, C, A, Beta cartone.


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Nutrient-derived antioxidants like ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols and

tocotrienols (vitamin E), carotenoids, and other low molecular weight compounds such as

glutathione and lipoic acid.

Antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and

glutathione reductase, which catalyze free radical quenching reactions.

Metal binding proteins, such as ferritin, lactoferrin, albumin, and ceruloplasmin that

sequester free iron and copper ions that are capable of catalyzing oxidative reactions.

Numerous other antioxidant phytonutrients present in a wide variety of plant foods.

Additional physiological antioxidants are –

Endogenous Antioxidants

Bilirubin Thiols, e.g., glutathione,

lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine

Dietary Antioxidants

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Beta carotene and other carotenoids and oxycarotenoids

Metal Binding Proteins

Albumin (copper)

Ceruloplasmin (copper)

Metallothionein (copper)

Ferritin (iron)

Myoglobin (iron)

Transferrin (iron)

6) DIETARY FIBERS: Dietary fiber (DF) consists of non-digestible carbohydrates and

lignins that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Functional fiber (FF) consists of isolated,

non-digestible carbohydrates that have beneficial physiological effects in humans. These

definitions broaden the category and allow resistant starches, oligosaccharides and other

non-digestible carbohydrates to be classified as functional fibers. The adequate intake for

fiber defined by the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is 38 grams/day for adult men and 25

grams/day for adult women. There was insufficient evidence to set a tolerable upper

intake level for dietary or functional fiber. They are present in fruits, vegetables, grains,


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legumes, etc. They are mainly used to correct constipation, bowel irregularities,

hemorrhoids.

TYPES[5]

OF NUTRACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THE MARKET

NUTRACEUTICALS

Functional food Functional beverages Dietary suppliments

Cereals Energy drinks Vitamins

Bakery & confectionary Sports drinks Minerals

Dairy Fortified juice Botanicals

Snacks Dairy beverages Enzymes

Functional Fats, oils Tea & Coffee Fatty acids

Baby foods Proteins

Probiotics

Prebiotics

SCOPE OF NUTRACEUTICALS

Nutraceuticals play a significant role in modifying and maintaining normal physiological

function that maintains healthy human beings. The food products used as nutraceuticals can

be categorized as dietary fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids,

antioxidants and other different types of herbal natural foods. These nutraceuticals used in

various diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis,

diabetes, cholesterol etc. In whole, „nutraceutical‟ has lead to the new era of medicine and

health, in which the food industry has become a research oriented sector. This article aim to

provide the knowledge of nutraceutical with its uses in various diseases.


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HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTRACEUTICALS

From cosumers' point of view, functional foods and nutraceuticals may offer many

benefits[7]

:

May increase the health value of our diet.

May help us live longer.

May help us to avoid particular medical conditions.

May have a psychological benefit from doing something for oneself.

May be perceived to be more "natural" than traditional medicine and less likely to

produce unpleasant side-effects.

May present food for populations with special needs (e.g. nutrient-dense foods for the

elderly)

ROLE OF NUTRACEUTICAL IN AILMENTS

1. CVS DISEASE: Dietary fibres, Anti-oxidants, Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids,

Vitamins, minerals for prevention andtreatment of CVS disease.[6]

Polyphenol(in grape)

prevent and control arterial diseases Flavonoids (in onion, vegetables, grapes, red wine,

apples, and cherries) block the ACE and strengthen the tiny capillaries that carry oxygen

and essential nutrients to all cells. Rice bran lowers the serum cholesterol levels in the

blood, lowers the level of (LDL) and increases the level (HDL) in cardiovascular health.

Higher the ratio more will be the risk of coronary heart diseases. Rice bran contains both

Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which improves eyesight and reduces the chance of cataracts. The

essential fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and folic acid in rice bran are also

promoting eye health. It is reported that low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated

with a high mortality in CVS disease.

Various nutraceuticals are used to treat CVS disease are as follow

Phytosterols

Polyphenols

Flavonoids

Vitamin E

Curcumin

Omega-3-fatty acid

Garlic


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2. DIABETES: Use of ethyl esters[8]

of n-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in diabetic

patients. Docosahexaenoic acid modulates insulin resistance and is also vital for

neurovisual development. Lipoic acid, an antioxidant, for treatment of diabetic

neuropathy. Dietary fibers from psyllium have been used for glucose control in diabetic

patients and to reduce lipid levels in hyperlipidemia.

Various nutraceuticals are used to treat Diabetesare as follow

Antioxidant

Vitamin C

Calcium/Vitamin D

Carbohydrate

Fats

Fibers

Protein

3. CANCER: Nutraceuticals are used to treat chronic disease & improve human health.

Flavonoids which block the enzymes that produce estrogen reducesthe estrogen-induced

cancers. Prevent prostate/breast cancer a broad range of phyto-pharmaceuticals with a

claimed hormonal activity, called “phytoestrogens” is recommended. Soyfoods source of

isoflavones, curcumin from curry and soya isoflavones possess cancer chemopreventive

properties. Lycopene concentrates in the skin, testes, adrenal and prostate where it

protects against cancer.

Various nutraceuticals are used to treat Cancer as follow

Chestnut

Berries

Soy

Green tea

Garlic

Ginseng

Tomato & red pepper

Dietary fibers.


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4. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: Inflammatory bowel diseases/syndrome (IBD/S),

including Crohn‟s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are a group of idiopathic,

chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, whose

incidence and prevalence has been increasing in the last decades.[9]

Nutraceuticals is a

broad term used to describe any product derived from food sources claiming extra health

benefits beyond the intrinsic nutritional value found in foods. The beneficial effects of

nutraceutical compounds in human health have been emerging in the last decades.

Although few clinical trials have been performed in IBD patients, nutraceuticals, such as

herbal products or vitamins, are generally accepted as safer alternative/supplementation to

conventional therapy.

Various nutraceuticals are used to treat IBD as follow

Curcumin

Aloe Vera

The Bael

Garlic

Honey

Probiotics

Minerals

5. GASTRO INTESTINAL DISEASE: Eating habits and trends in food production and

consumption have health, environmental and social impacts. Diet has implications on gut

health. Gut complications, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel

syndrome, and gluten therapy resistant celiac, result from overgrowth and imbalance of

intestinal microbial flora, and are related to one‟s diet. Gut health determines an

individual‟s overall health. The human gut has the following functions: (a) it breaks food

down to nutrients, (b) it facilitates absorption of nutrients into the blood through intestinal

walls, and (c) it prevents foreign and toxic molecules from entering the bloodstream. Gut

malfunction, therefore, has a direct negative impact on human health. This review focuses

on the role of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and food supplements in intestinal

health.[10]

Nutraceuticals are widly used (maximum) in treatment in GI disorders.

Various nutraceuticals are used to treat GI disease as follow

Dietary fibers


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Curcumin

Anti oxidant

Aloe Vera

The Bael

Garlic

Honey

Probiotics

Minerals

Carbohydrate diets

Omega-3-fatty acids.

6. HEART FAILURE AND LUNG CANCER: Corn‟s contribution[12]

to heart health lies

not just in its fiber, but in the significant amounts of folate that corn supplies. Corn

maintains the homocysteine, an intermediate product is an important metabolic process

called the methylation cycle. Homocysteine is directly responsible for damage of blood

vessel heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. It has been estimated that

consumption of 100% of the daily value (DV) of folate would, by itself, reduce the

number of heart attacks suffered by 10%. Corn also contains cryptoxanthin, a natural

carotenoid pigment. It has been found that cryptoxanthin can reduce the risk of lung

cancer of 27% on daily consumption.

7. OSTEOARTHRITIS: Osteoarthritis[13]

(OA), a debilitating joint disorder, is the most

common form of arthritis in the United States, where it affects an estimated 21 million

people. In 2004, the direct and indirect health care costs associated with all forms of

arthritis were approximately 86 billion dollars. Joint discomfort from OA and other joint

disorders may reduce physical activity in individuals experiencing this condition,

resulting in energy imbalance and weight gain. Increased weight can exacerbate existing

problems, through additional stress on joints (kalioraa AC et al., 2006). Glucosamine

(GLN) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are widely used to alleviate symptoms of OA. These

nutraceuticals have both nutrient and pharmaceutical properties and seem to regulate gene

expression and synthesis of NO and PGE2, providing a plausible explanation for their

anti-inflammatory activities.


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8. PARKINSON’S DISEASE: Vitamin E in food may be protective against Parkinson‟s

disease. Canadian researchers indicated that vitamin E in food may be protective against

Parkinson's disease. Creatine appeared to modify Parkinson‟s disease features as

measured by a decline in the clinical signs (Brower V, 2005). Nutritional supplements

have shown some promising results in preliminary studies, it is important to remember

that there is not sufficient scientific data to recommend them for Parkinson's disease at

present. The patients should be cautioned that over-the-counter medications do have side

effects and interactions with other drugs and are also expensive.

MARKET GROWTH OF NUTRACEUTICALS

The nutraceuticals market size has the potential to grow by USD 180.38 billion during 2020-

2024, and the market‟s growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period.

This report[11]

provides a detailed analysis of the market by product (functional food,

functional beverages, and dietary supplements) and geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North

America, and South America). Also, the report analyzes the market‟s competitive landscape

and offers information on several market vendors, including Abbott Laboratories, Archer

Daniels Midland Co., BASF SE, Cargill Inc., Danone SA, General Mills Inc., Kellogg Co.,

Nestlé SA, PepsiCo Inc., and The Coca-Cola Co.

CONCLUSION

The nutraceutical manufacturing industries are growing at a rate far exceeding expansion in

the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nutraceuticals has proven their health benefits and

disease prevention capability, which should be taken according to their acceptable


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recommended intake. In the present scenario of self-medication nutraceuticals play major role

in therapeutic development. But their success depends on maintaining on their quality, purity,

safety and efficacy. The global market is currently experiencing period of growth post

recession even after effect of recession fades, the market for nutraceutical is likely to remain

in the growth phase which is driven by emerging market of countries like India, China, Brazil

etc.

REFERENCES

1. Namdeo Shinde et al, Nutraceuticals: A Review on current status, Research J. Pharm. and

Tech., 7(1): January 2014.

2. Garima Verma et al. / International Journal of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, 2016; 7(4):

152-160.

3. Rajasekaran A, Sivagnanam G, Xavier R. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents: A Review.

Research J. Pharm. and Tech., 2008; 1(4): 328-340.


152-160.

5. Dr. Zeeshan Afsar, essential of herbal drug technology, PV publication, Page No. 33.


152-160.

7. Manisha Pandey et al, Nutraceuticals: new era of medicine and health, Vol.3 Issue 1,

January-March 2010.

8. Anwar F, Latif S, Ashraf M and Gilani AH. Moringa oleifera: a food plant with multiple

medicinal uses. Phytother Res, 2007; 21(1): 17-25.

9. Tiziana Larussa, Maria Imeneo, Francesco Luzza, World J Gastroenterol, 2017 April 14;

23(14): 2483-2492.

10. Avrelija Cencic et al, The Role of Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Food

Supplements in Intestinal Health, Nutrients, 2010; 2: 611-625; doi:10.3390/nu2060611.

11. Nutraceuticals Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2020-2024 by

https://www.technavio.com/report/nutraceuticals-market-industry-analysis.


152-160.

13. Manoj Kumar Mishra et al. / International Journal of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, 2016;

7(4): 152-160.

https://www.technavio.com/report/nutraceuticals-market-industry-analysis

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A REVIEW: NUTRACEUTICALS & ITS ROLE IN AILMENTS