Nutraceuticals
Content
Nutraceuticals
Ø Definition of nutraceuticals
Ø Classification of nutraceuticals
Ø Market and growth
Ø Health benefits and role of
nutraceuticals in Diabetes, CVD, Cancer and irritable bowel syndrome and GID
Ø Source and Health benefits of Alfa
Alfa, Chicory and Fenugreek
Ø Source and Health benefits of Honey,
Amla, Ashwagandha
Objective
At the
end of this lecture, student will be able to
Ø Define nutraceuticals
Ø Classify nutraceuticals with
examples
Ø Discuss the Market and growth of
nutraceuticals
Ø Describe Health benefits of
nutraceuticals in diabetes , CVD, Cancer and irritable bowel syndrome and GID
Ø Discuss the health benefits of Alfa
Alfa, Chicory, Fenugreek and Ginseng
Ø Discuss the health benefits of
Honey, Amla, Ashwagandha
Nutraceuticals
“Any substance
may be considered as food or part of food, which in addition to its normal
nutritive value provides health benefits including prevention of diseases or
promotion of health”
Diabetes –
Garlic, momordica
Cancer – Flax seeds, green tea
Immunomodulator –
Ginseng
Classification of Nutraceuticals
Ø Inorganic
mineral supplements
Ø Vitamin
supplements
Ø Digestive
enzymes
Ø Probiotics
Ø Prebiotics
Ø Dietary
fibres
Ø Health
drinks
Ø Antioxidants
Ø PUFA
Ø Herbs
as functional foods
Inorganic mineral supplements:
Ø Large number of elements control variety
of physiological and biochemical functions of human body
Ø Most
of the minerals are provided through diet, Deficiency of minerals in food may
lead to various diseases
Eg: Calcium – Imp in the treatment of bone loss and
prevention, sufficient intake of Ca post menopause significantly reduce the
risk of bone fracture
Manganese
– bone formation and cartilage
Zinc –
Antioxidant
Vitamin supplement:
Ø Necessary for maintenance of human life in
small quantities
Ø Vit
B complex – Specific vitamin B recommended for to combat high levels of homocysteine
Ø Niacinamide deficiency – Neurological and skin problems
Ø Vitamin
C – Anti oxidant, Necessary for proper maintenance for bones
Digestive enzymes:
Ø Use to help absorb and digest food material
Ø Pepsin
of digestive juice – Digestive aid for proteins
Ø Amylase
– Digest carbohydrates
Ø Pancrilipase
– Breakdown of fat in small intestine
Ø Papain
and bromelain – In digestive disorders
Probiotics:
Ø Describing as a living organisms
Ø When
ingested with or without food improves the intestinal microbial balance and
consequently the health and functioning of large intestine
Ø Approximately
95% of bacteria found in colon of human body, some of them are useful and some
of them harmful
Ø Natural
balance between these two play an imp role in the health and functioning of
large intestine
Eg: Bioyoghurts – Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces
the incidence of vaginal infections Bifido bacteria found in yoghurt prevent
young children suffering from diarrhoea
Prebiotics:
Ø Food components that escape digestion by
normal human digestive enzymes and reach the colon after passage through the
stomach and small intestine
Ø selectively promote the growth of probiotics
Eg: Fructo oligosaccharide used in food supplements
encourage the growth of Bifido bacteria already present in the gut
Dietary fibres: Necessary for our body to function
properly
Water insoluble fibre:
Ø Absorbs water to certain extent
Ø Mainly
contributes to bulking of stool
Ø Allows
quick passage of wastes
Eg : Whole grain cereals, wheat, fruits and vegetables
Water soluble fibre:
Ø Get dissolved in a water and forms a gel that
binds the stool
Ø Slows
down the absorption of glucose and reduce the cholesterol levels
Eg : Oats, legumes, fruits and vegetables
Health drinks:
Ø Health drinks are incorporated with
antioxidants, Vit A, C and E and herbal extracts
Eg : Tropicana fruit juice fortified with Calcium provide
365 mg/250 ml
Anti-oxidants:
Ø Deficiency of antioxidants leads to variety of
diseases like diabetes, cardiac diseases, arthritis etc
True antioxidants:
Ø React with free radicals and block the chain
reaction of free radicals
Antioxidant synergists:
Ø Very low antioxidant potential, but enhance
the effect of true antioxidants by reacting with heavy metals which catalyse
the auto oxidation
Examples:
Ø Vitamin C
– Citrus fruits
Ø Lycopene
– Tomato
Ø β-carotene
– Carrot, sweet potato
Ø Rutin
– Buck wheat, eucalyptus
Ø Quercetin
– Onion, apple, black grapes
Ø Betalaines
– Beet root
Poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
Ø Human body is capable of synthesizing most
of the fatty acids except two major Poly unsaturated fatty acids omega-3-fatty
acid and omega -6-fatty acid
Ø These
are precursors for arachidonic acid and docosohexanoic acid (DHA)
Ø These
acids found to regulate Blood pressure, heart rate, blood clotting etc
Ø Essential
for the development of foetus and also during first 6 months after birth
Ø Breast
milk is a rich source for DHA
Herbs as functional foods: Various herbs used in prevention
of disease
Eg: Garlic, spirulina, momordica, flax seed, tomato,
turmeric, Ginkago biloba etc
Market and growth of Nutraceuticals
Ø Internationally nutraceuticals are
gaining importance and are becoming a part of the consumers daily diet
Ø Major reasons for this changes are the
increasing occurrence of life style diseases and people intentionally
taking preventive health care measures
Ø Developed markets like USA and
Europe are discovering the unexploited segment of modified products based on
health claims
Ø In 2010, the Indian nutraceuticals
industry was estimated at $ 2 billion, roughly 1.5% of the global
nutraceuticals industry
Ø The total Indian nutraceuticals
market was approximately $ 5 billion in
2015
Ø Global market size is expected to reach $ 300
billion by 2022
Ø Nutraceutical
has spectacular annual growth
rate of 25% in indian health care market
Ø Nutraceutical
market is predicted to record revenue of USD 671 billion by 2024
Health benefits of nutraceuticals in Diabetes
Nutraceuticals
may offer many benefits to our health like
Ø Increases the health value of our diet
Ø Help us to live longer
Ø Help us to stay away from particular medicinal
conditions
Ø May be supposed to be more natural medicine
than traditional medicine and do not produce unpleasant side effects
Vitamin C:
Ø It is a chain breaking antioxidant and
prevents the propagation of chain reactions
Ø Vitamin C (800 mg/day) replenishes the Vitamin
C levels in patients with type II Diabetes mellitus
Ø Low Vitamin C level impair insulin resistance
levels
Calcium/Vitamin
D:
Ø High calcium intake acts as protective to develop diabetes
Ø it acts by suppressing secretion of Para
Thyroid Harmone (PTH) and help to preserve insulin sensitivity
Vitamin E
Ø Essential fat soluble vitamin and acts mainly
as an anti-oxidant
Ø Low
levels of vitamin E produces increased frequency of diabetes
Ø Doses
of vitamin E up to 400 IU are generally safe to use
Fats:
Ø High fat diet can damage glucose
tolerance and promote obesity and these abnormalities can be improved by
reducing saturated fat intake. Mono saturated fat such as olive and peanut oils
have low glycemic index
Fibres:
Ø Foods rich in fibres like fruits,
vegetables and whole cereals provede
protective effects against chronic diseases and in lipid and glycemic
metabolism
Ø An intake of 26 g and 38 g is recommended for
women and men respectively
Chromium:
Ø Chromium supplements may increase
glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in patients with Type II Diabetes mellitus
Magnesium:
Ø Magnesium rich diets significantly
improves the insulin sensitivity
(Adiposite insulin sensitivity)
Alpha
Lipoic acid:
Ø Naturally occurring antioxidant
involve in chelation of heavy metals and regeneration of other antioxidants
such as glutathione, vitamine C and E.
Ø Protects the injury to the retina
which leads to visual loss (Diabetic retinopathy)
Vanadium:
Ø Acts similar to insulin in
transporting glucose in to the cells and useful in both type I and type II Diabetes mellitus
Ø 45 – 150 mg/day useful in decreasing fasting
blood glucose levels
Proteins:
Ø Stimulates insulin secretion but
excessive intake should be avoided as it may lead to diabetic nephropathy
Ø Vegetable protein is preferred over animal
protein as it is better for reducing serum cholesterol and in the management of
nephropathy
Ø Soya, rice, egg, milk products etc
Health benefits of nutraceuticals in CVD
Ø Majority of the cardio vascular
diseases can be prevented and controlled
Ø Low intake of vegetables and fruits
is connected with a high mortality in
CVD
Ø Nutraceuticals in the form of anti-oxidants,
dietary fibres, PUFA, vitamins and minerals recommended for prevention and
treatment of CVD
Phytosterols:
Ø Plant sterols are known as
phytosterols
Ø Present in plants – Fruits, vegetables, nuts
and cereals
Ø Inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol,
but do not affect HDL and VLDL. Form micelle with bile salts, thus improve
serum lipid profile and decrease the risk of CVD
Poly
phenols:
Ø Include flavonoids, phenolic acids
and stilbenes, found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages
Ø Exert anti athero-sceroticeffects in the
initial stages of atherosclerosis development and increase nitric oxide
release, which acts as a potent vasodilator and protects against myocardial
ischemia
Flavonoids:
Ø Present in vegetables, fruits,
beverages like cocoa, tea and wine
Ø Flavonoids exert their effect on
heart due to their antioxidant activity
Ø Inhibits platelet aggregation and loweroxide
superoxide production
Spirulina
and Soy nutrients:
Ø Spirulina is a rich source of
proteins, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids
Ø Spirulina supplementation alters the blood
lipid profile
Ø Soy products are rich in PUFA, fibre, vitamins
and minerals, have low saturated fat content
Curcumin:
Ø Curcumin prevents cardiac
hypertrophy and heart failure
Ø Decreases serum lipid peroxides and
total serum cholesterol
Ø Reduces chronic inflammation induced by
obesity and improves their vascular function
Omega 3-
fatty acid:
Ø Decrease inflammation and platelet
aggregation, cause vasodilation and improve myocardial function
Ø Most commonly used for primary and
secondary CVD
Tomato
and lycopene:
Ø Lycopene is a carotenoid present in red fruits and vegetables like
papayas, tomato, watermelon, red pepper etc
Ø Lycopene reduces myocardial infarction and
angina pectoris
Ø Most powerful anti-oxidant and plays
imp role in preventing CVD
Garlic:
Ø Garlic is composed of sulphur
compounds, proteins and amino acids
Ø It contains allicin (diallyl thiosufinate) has
potent anti-platelet activity
Ø Inhibits platelet aggregation, enhances vasodilation and fibrinolysis
Health benefits of nutraceuticals in Cancer
Ø Fibre content in fruits and
vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer
Ø Plant derivative polysaccharides act as
protective role in development of cancer
lesions
Ø Dietary supplements such as
microalgae, plant derivatives and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins,
minerals, amino acids and other micro nutrients
Ø Adequate utilization of dietary nutraceuticals is a sensible way to
maintain health and avoid the formation of cancer
Chestnut:
Ø Chest nut extract possesses
antioxidant activity and is protective against gastric cancer
Ø Mild protective effect against prostate and
breast cancer
Berries:
Ø Blue, black and strawberries are
good source of antioxidants and phenolic compounds
Ø These berries act as chemo protective against
breast cancer
Ø Exerts anti-cancer effect by inhibiting growth
of cancer cells by which activities of proteins involved in the oncogenesis
gets interrupted in their path way
Soy:
Ø Soy contains iso flavones, which
reduce the risk of breast cancer particularly in postmenopausal women
Ø Intake of high amount of soy reduced the risk
of colorectal cancer
Garlic:
Ø Garlic is composed of sulphur
compounds, proteins and amino acids
Ø Diallyl trisulphide prevents the development
of prostate cancer and lung cancer
Ø Acts by inhibiting the expression of androgen
receptor which is actively involved in the development of prostate cancer
Ø Garlic oil effective against liver cancer
Green
Tea:
Ø Green tea contains polyphenols which
prevent the advancement of cancer
Ø Protects the bladder against cell death,
antioxidant potency of green tea reduces the oxidative stress induced by
hydrogen peroxide in malignant/normal bladder cells
Grape
Seed:
Ø Effective in the prevention of skin
cancer (UV rays induced) and decreases
risk of squamous cell carcinoma as it contains polyphenols and proanthocyanidin
Ø It also inhibit blood cancer and prostate
cancer when taken as supplements
Tomato
and Red pepper:
Ø Tomato contain lycopene ( carotenoid
) is a potent antioxidant , which is chemo-protective against prostrate, breast
and lung cancer
Ø Lycopene reduces myocardial infarction and
angina pectoris
Ø Capsiacin an active component of
pepper inhibits the migration of skin cancer cells to other body parts
Dietary
fibre:
Ø These fibres prevents constipation
by increasing bulk of stool and hence reduces the risk of colorectal cancer
Ø Also reduce the risk of breast cancer in
postmenopausal women
Ø Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts contain dietary fibres
Health benefits of nutraceuticals in irritable bowel and GID
Curcumin:
Ø Derived from rhizomes of Curcuma
longa, Zingiberaceae
Ø Used both in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine,
especially in abdominal pain and bloating
Ø Curcumin has anti-inflammatory
activity and reduces mucosal injuries and useful in peptic ulcer
Garlic:
Ø Garlic is composed of sulphur
compounds, proteins and amino acids
Ø Garlic oil prevents ethanol induced gastric
injury and this protective effect has been recognized for its anti-oxidant
activity
Aloe
Vera:
Ø Contains potential anthroquinones, salicylates,
lupeol, acemannan
Ø Acemanan prevents stress induced gastric
ulceration
Ø Stimulates the collagen synthesis, thus
increases the ulcer healing process
Bael:
Ø Ripe/half ripe fruits of Aegle
marmelos, Rutaceae
Ø Luvangetin, a pyranocoumarin isolated from the
seeds has been shown to protect gastric mucosa in gastric ulceration
Honey:
Ø It has capacity to stimulate tissue
growth, enhance re- epithelization and minimize scar formation
Ø Effective against gastric ulcers induced by
acetyl salicylic acid
Ø Inhibits the growth of H Pylori responsible
for gastritis, peptic ulcer
Vitamins:
Ø Fat soluble vitamins A and D have
protective role in irritable bowel syndrome
Ø Vitamin D deficiency produces mucosal
inflammation
Probiotics:
Ø Describing as a living organisms
Ø When
ingested with or without food improves the intestinal microbial balance and
consequently the health and functioning of large intestine
Ø Approximately
95% of bacteria found in colon of human body, some of them are useful and some
of them harmful
Ø Natural
balance between these two play an imp role in the health and functioning of
large intestine
Ø Probiotics
available in the form of tablets, capsules, powders and food form
Eg: Bifido bacteria found in yoghurt prevent young
children suffering from diarrhoea
Alfa Alfa
Botanical
name: Leaves, seeds
and stems of the plant Medicago sativa
Family: Fabaceae
Alfa Alfa
is one of the most nutrient rich plants known as father of foods
Constituents:
Vitamins
– B1, B6 and C
Minerals:
Calcium, zinc and
iron
Phytoestrogens: Alfalfa coumestrol, genistein,
biocanine Triterpenoid saponins, amino acid – L-Canavanine,
Health
benefits:
Healthy skin:
Ø Alfa Alfa chlorophyll is rich in
vitamin A and enzymes. Vit A helps to maintain and construct a healthy and
glowing skin, helps to cure dry skin
Healthy hair:
Ø Rich
in Vitamin B1, B6 and Vit C and minerals,
essential for proper growth and health of hair, used to treat baldness
and prevent of hair loss
Ø Rich
in proteins- helps in healthy hair
Cardiac
disease: Helps in
elimination of bad cholesterol and control the level, thereby decreasing the
risk of heart diseases
Digestive problems:
Gastritis, stomach ulcers, bloating, and nausea can be prevented.
Alfa sprouts are also used in treating chronic constipation due to its high
fibre content
Cancer:
Prevents the risk of cancer as it contains an amino acid known as
canavanine
UTI: It has diuretic property, which prevents
disorders of kidney like water retention and prevents developing of UTI
Menopausal
symptoms: Alfalfa
coumestrol, genistein, bio canine counter the symptoms of menopause. As a part
of diet, fight vaginal dryness, postmenopausal osteoporesis
Anti-diabetic:
Diuretic nature of
alfa alfa keeps the increased sugar levels under control
Weight
loss: Being rich in fibres and proteins, helps those
who are on weight loss regime
Depression: Alfa alfa known to have tranquillizing
and sedating effect on nervous system. It is also known to be quite effective
in solving insomnia and other sleep disorders
Chicory
Botanical
name: Leaves, flowers & Roots of Cichorium intybus
Family: Asteraceae
Constituents:
Vitamins
– A, B6, C, E and K
Minerals:
Zinc, magnesium,
manganese, calcium, iron
Volatile
oil
Phyto
chemicals – Inulin,
oligo fructose, coumarins, flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids and sesquiterpene
lactones
Health
benefits:
Digestion: Good for digestion as it contains
inulin, which is a powerful prebiotic. It is effective against acid reflux,
heart burn as it reduces the acidity
Cardiac diseases: Inulin reduces the level of bad
cholesterol, which is main cause for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure,
also contributes for heart attack and stroke
Ø As
it is low calorie vegetable acts as anti arrythemic agent
Anti-cancer:
Reduces tumor
growth in various type of cancers, due to the presence of various fructans
which have anti-oxidant properties
Arthritis: used
in the treatment of arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory properties and
reduces the pain in conditions like osteoarthritis
Weight loss:
Chicory is an excellent source of oligo fructose and inulin, which helps
in the management of weight by promoting weight loss. These help in the
regulation of ghrelin, an amino acid mainly connected with feelings of hunger.
Constipation: Inulin is a natural fibre and helps in
bowel movements and peristaltic motions as well as secretion of gastric juices.
As a result digestion is improved and constipation is reduced
Improves
immunity: Powerful
booster for immune system, it has anti-bacterial effects and act as immune
system booster. Various phyto chemicals present in it acts as antioxidants and
improves immunity
Relieves
anxiety: Chicory
has sedative effects, which reduce anxiety and soothe the mind, thereby relieve
stress
Kidney
disorders: Root extract has diuretic effect which
increaser urine volume. Frequent urination helps to eliminate toxins stored in
liver and kidney, thus prevent the dangerous condition that occur when toxins
are allowed to remain in the body
Fenugreek
Botanical
name: Dried leaves
and seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum
Family: Fabaceae
Constituents:
Vitamins
– Riboflavin,
thiamine, niacin, Vit C
Minerals:
Zinc, calcium,
iron, Phosphorous
23-26%
Proteins, 58% Carbohydrates, 25% dietary fibre
Phyto
chemicals – Steroidal
sapogenin and diosgenin
Alkaloids – Trigo coumarin,
trigonelline
Saponins –
graecunin
Health
benefits:
Ø To enhance milk production in new
mothers
Ø Fenugreek seeds commonly used as a supplement
to control blood glucose level, especially to prevent or treat diabetes
Ø To enhance libido in both men and women
Ø Used to treat skin inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory
and anti-oxidant activities
Ø To reduce appetite , menustrual cramps and fever,
to balance cholesterol, to smooth muscle
pain
Ginseng
Botanical
name: Roots of Panax
ginseng
Family: Araliaceae
Constituents:
Vitamins
– Niacin and
Riboflavin
Minerals
– Iron, manganese,
zinc, Copper
Phyto
chemicals – Ginseng
saponins – Gensenosides or Panaxosides, triterpens of dammarane and oleanane
Health
benefits:
Alzheimer’s
disease: Root of
ginseng Improves the mental performance in people with alzheimer”s disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease: Improves lung
function and, many symptoms of COPD
Mental function: Ginseng improves abstract thinking,
mental arithmetic skills in healthy middle aged people. In combination with
ginkgo leaf extract improves memory
Erectile
dysfunction: Improves
sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction and also helps to prevent
premature ejaculation
Flu: Reduces the risk of getting cold or flu by
improving immunity
Diabetes: Help to lower blood sugar by stimulating
the production of insulin in pancreas
Increases energy: Stimulates the physical and mental
activity in people who weak and tired
Honey
B
Source: Honey is
viscous, sugary secretion obtained from honey comb of Apis mellifera and
Apis dorsata
Family: Apidae
• Bees produce honey from nectar of
flowers by enzymatic activity
• Honey is collected from honey comb,
either from wild bee colonies or from hives of domesticated bees.
Constituents:
Ø Honey is composed of carbohydrates-
fructose, glucose and sucrose, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and
organic acids
Ø Pure honey also contains flavonoids,
polyphenols, reducing compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, anthraquinones and
volatile compounds
Health
benefits of Honey
Ø Wound healing activity: Has antibacterial, antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Activates immune response to infection
Ø Anti-Diabetic: Honey reduces blood lipids,
homocysteine and c-reactive protein contents
Ø Anti-cancer effects: Honey modifies immune responses,
prevent cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, antimutagenic etc
Ø Cardiovascular diseases: (Flavonoids, polyphenolics, vitC and
monophenolics) Improves coronary vasodilation, reduces the ability of platelets
in blood to clot and inhibits low density lipoproteins from oxidizing.
Ø Neurological diseases: (Polyphenols) Prevents memory
disorders and induce memory production at the molecular level.
Ø Gastrointestinal diseases: Exerts antibacterial activity
against Helicobacter pylori, also treats gastroenteritis.
Amla
B
Source: fresh/dried
fruits of Emblica officinalis /Phyllanthus emblica
Family: Rutaceae
• Amla is a subtropical plant, is
small or medium sized tree, fruits are fleshy.
Constituents:
• Vitamins – Amla is a rich source of vit C (760mg/100g)
• Minerals – Zinc, copper, Chromium
• Amino acids – Alanine, lysine, proline, aspartic
acid
• Phyto constituents: Phyllemblin and curcuminoides
Health
benefits of Amla
Ø Immunity booster
Ø Treats respiratory disorders
Ø Manages diabetes
Ø Remedy for heart disorder
Ø Cures eye disorder
Ø Prevents aging
Ø Cures anaemia
Ø Enhances food absorption
Ø Helps urinary system
Ø Good for skin
Ø Promotes healthier hair
Ø Remedy for Scurvy
Ashwagandha
Biological
Source : Dried
leaves, roots and stem bases of Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae
• Short perennial shrub
Chemical
constituents
Triterpene
lactones:
Withanolides- which include withaferin-A, alkaloids, steroidal lactones,
tropine and cuscohygrine
Health
benefits of Ashwagandha
Ø Reduces blood sugar levels
Ø Anti-cancer properties
Ø Reduces cortisol levels
Ø Boosts testosterone and increase
fertility in men
Ø Increase muscle mass and strength
Ø Reduces inflammation
Ø Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
Ø Improve brain function and memory
Summary
Ø Nutraceuticals
– Nutritional value as well as health benefits
Ø Classification
– Inorganic mineral supplements, Vitamin supplements Digestive enzymes,
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Dietary fibres, Health drinks
Ø Antioxidants,
Poly unsaturated fatty acids, Herbs as functional foods