NUTRACEUTICALS

 

                                  NUTRACEUTICALS 

----- CONTENTS OF BLOG ----

ü What are nutraceuticals?

ü Health benefits of nutraceuticals

ü Classification of nutraceuticals

ü Testing methods for nutraceuticals

ü Contamination of nutraceuticals

ü Nutraceuticals in various diseases

ü Nutraceuticals in cardiovascular diseases

ü Nutraceuticals in cancer chemo and radiation therapy

ü Quality assurance and safety of nutraceuticals

ü Conclusion and future oriented aspects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT ARE NUTRACEUTICALS?

Any product produced from food sources that offers additional health advantages or benefits beyond the fundamental nutrients present in foods is referred to as a nutraceutical.

Nutraceutical products are often thought of as broad biological therapies that are intended to prevent cancers or malignancies, manage symptoms, and enhance the overall health.

The word or the term “nutraceuticals” means the combination of a nutrient and a drug, where nutrient is a dietary ingredient which consists of nutrients and pharmaceutical which refers to a drug.

The idea behind nutraceuticals is to emphasize prevention, as expressed in the proverb "let food be your medicine," attributed to the Greek physician Hippocrates, who is regarded as the father of medicine.

 

 

 

BENEFITS :

These nutraceuticals have a major and numerous roles in biologicals processes –

ü  encompassing resistance against antioxidants

ü  proliferation of cells

ü  expression of genes

ü  preserving the integrity of the mitochondria

ü  enhance well-being

ü   fend off chronic illnesses

ü  delay aging

ü  ultimately lengthen lifespan

ü  prevention of many infections and potentially fatal conditions include diabetes, kidney, and gastrointestinal issues.

ü  Has a role in immunological function and vulnerability to specific disease conditions

 

CLASSIFICATION OF NUTRACEUTICALS

 

Traditional nutraceuticals                            Non Traditional nutraceuticals

ü  Chemical constituents                                  Fortified nutraceuticals

ü  Probiotic microorganisms                            Recombinant nutraceuticals

ü  Nutraceutical enzymes                                

TESTING METHODS FOR NUTRACEUTICALS

Nutraceuticals are usually determined using a mix of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, immunoassays, and chromatography.

While spectroscopy analyzes the amount of electromagnetic radiation that molecules absorb, emit, or scatter

chromatography involves the separation and identification of various chemicals within a sample.

Antibodies are used in immunoassays to identify particular chemicals in a sample.

These techniques enable the identification and measurement of particular nutraceuticals, including omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and polyphenols.

 

CONTAMINATION IN NUTRACEUTICALS

RAW MATERIALS: raw materials contaminated by heavy metals, insecticides, or microbes

MANUFACURING PROCESSESS: contamination during manufacture by germs, viruses, or other dangerous materials as a result of weak quality control procedures or hygienic standards.

PACKAGING AND STORAGE : contamination brought on by exposure to outside contaminants while being packaged or stored, such as dust, water, or air.

CROSS CONTAMINATION : contamination from manufacturing equipment not being adequately cleaned in between production runs or from products being produced in the same facility as products containing allergens or hazardous materials

ADULTERATION : purposeful addition of less expensive or hazardous substances, including prescription medications or illegal substances, to increase efficacy

 

NUTRACEUTICALS IN VARIOUS DISEASES

NUTRACEUTICALS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES:

Cardiovascular disorders, more than any other disease, exhibit important risk factors that are amenable to nutraceutical management.

Vascular disorders may benefit from the usage of nutraceuticals, according to a large body of research.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) primarily impact the heart's function and blood vessel health.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of death, contributing to around 30% of deaths worldwide each year.

Dietary supplements are generally utilized in the treatment of arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, angina, hypertension, and hyper lipidemias.

It has been demonstrated that these supplements are helpful in risk management and the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS/ NUTRACEUTICALS THAT HELP IN TREATING AND PREVENTION OF CVDS

-       Allicin and alliin

-       Omega 3 fatty acids

-       Soy isoflavones

-       Proteins, peptides and amino acids

-       Antioxidants

-       Phytosterols

NUTRACEUTICALS IN CANCER CHEMO THERAPY AND RADIATION THERAPY

Conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy come with a number of difficulties and major side effects, including hair loss, exhaustion, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain .

Certain malignancies have strong resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, making systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy less effective in promoting patient survival.

In this case, a number of combination medicines are used over an effective cancer treatment strategy.

Similarly, a number of plants and natural supplements have been shown to lessen the negative effects of chemotherapy and radiation. For this reason, they should be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to minimize side effects and increase the efficacy of treatment.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE NUTRACEUTICALS THAT HELP IN TREATING AND PREVENTING CANCERS OR SIDE EFFECTS WITH CHEMO AND RADIATION THERAPY.

-       Curcumin

-       Turmeric

-       Ginger

-       Genistein

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SAFTEY OF NUTRACEUTICALS

Users consume nutraceuticals, which are sold as over-the-counter products, as supplements. As a result, their safety must come first since otherwise, fatal consequences could result.

Contamination, intentional or unintentional adulteration, and false labeling are the most often reported problems.

Three distinct detection procedures can be used to show adulteration: the existence of an undeclared drug, the deviation of a component's level (content), and the likelihood that a profile would occur.

 

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ORIENTED ASPECTS

In summary, the nutraceuticals industry has the potential to grow and involves both nutrition and medical treatment to provide comprehensive medical support.

They may be used as nutritional supplements, to cure and prevent different forms of cancer, to prevent disorders including cardiovascular disease, and for other medical purposes.

As a result, the nutraceutical companies have a thorough understanding of the possible benefits of nutrients for human health.

Currently, it is believed that medications belong in the medical field. Conversely, nutrition is only considered a product for leading a healthy lifestyle.

As they both interact and complement one another, work is expected to be done in the upcoming years.

 

REFERENCES:

1.     Puri V, Nagpal M, Singh I, Singh M, Dhingra GA, Huanbutta K, Dheer D, Sharma A, Sangnim T. A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 3;14(21):4637. doi: 10.3390/nu14214637. PMID: 36364899; PMCID: PMC9654660.

2.     www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Nutraceuticals.aspx