Study about Nutraceuticals and it's classification

1. Mr. Rahul Dev
Assistant Professor
Gracious College of Pharmacy, Abhanpur
NUTRACEUTICALS
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

2. Introduction
Nutraceutical is a substance considered as a food or its part,
which apart from its normal nutritional value provides health
benefits, prevents diseases, or promotes health, eg.- Lycopene, β-
carotene etc.
The term nutraceuticals was first coined from Nutrition &
Pharmaceutical by Stephen Defelice in 1989.
He defined nutraceutical as “a substance that is food or a part
of food and provides medical or health benefits, including the
prevention and treatment of diseases.”
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

3. Classification
Depending on various characteristics, nutraceuticals are
classified into:
1. Nutraceuticals according to their food source,
2. Nutraceuticals according to their mechanism of action,
3. Nutraceuticals according to their chemical nature,
4. Nutraceuticals according to their higher content in specific
food items.
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

4. Nutraceuticals according to their food source
Food Sources Examples
Plants Ascorbic acid, Cellulose, Lycopene, β-carotene, β-Glucan,
Luteolin, Lutein, Potassium, Allicin, Hemicellulose, Lignin,
Geraniol, Selenium, Zeaxanthin & minerals.
Animals Calcium, Coenzyme Q10, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA),
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexenoic Acid (DHA),
Sphingolipids, Choline, Lecithin, Selenium, Zinc, Creatine &
Minerals.
Microbes Lactobacillus acidophilus(LCI), Streptococcus salvarius
(subs, Thermophilus),
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

5. Nutraceuticals according to their mechanism of action
Anticancers Positive
influence on
Blood Lipid
Profile
Antioxidant
Activity
Anti-
Inflammatori
es
Osteogenetics or
Bone
Protectives
Capsaicin β-Glucan Lycopene Linolenic
Acid
Soy Protein
Genestein Tannins Ascorbic
Acid
DHA Calcium
Lactobacillus
acidophilus
β-Sitosterol β-Carotene Capsaiein Insulin
Sphingolipids Saponins Lutein Quercetin CLA
Limonene Guar Tocopherols Curcumin Genestein
Diallyl
sulphide
Pectin Gingerol EPA Daidzein
Curcumin Quarcetin Tanins GLA Casein
phosphopeptides
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

6. Nutraceuticals according to their Chemical Nature
Classes Components Sources Potential Benefits
1.Carotenoids
α-Carotene Carrots Neutralises free radicals
which may causes damage
to cells
β-Carotene Various fruits &
Vegetables
Neutralises free radicals
Lutien Green vegetables Maintennce of healthy
vision
Lycopene Tomatoes & Tomato
products(Sauces,
Ketchup etc)
Reduces the risk of
prostate cancer.
Zeaxenthin Eggs, Citrus & Corn Maintenance of healthy
vision
2.Collagen Hydrolysate Gelatin Improve some symptoms
associated with
osteoarthritis.
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

7. Nutraceuticals according to their Chemical Nature
Classes Components Sources Potential Benefits
3.Dietary
Fibers
Insoluble fibre Wheat bran Reduce risk of breast & colon
cancer
β-Glucan Oats Reduce the risk of
Cardiovascular Diseases
Soluble fibre Psyllium Reduce the risk of
Cardiovascular Diseases
Whole grains Cereal grains Reduce the risk of
Cardiovascular Diseases
4.Fatty Acids
Omega-3-fatty
acids
Tuna fish &
marine oils
Reduce the risk of CVDs; &
improve mental, visual
functions
Conjugated
Linoleic Acid
Cheese & Meat
products
Improve body composition; &
decreases the risk of certain
cancers.
Continue………..
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

8. Nutraceuticals according to their Chemical Nature
Classes Components Sources Potential Benefits
5.Flavonoids Anthocynidins Fruits Neutralise free redicals; &
reduce risk of cancer.
Catechins Tea Neutralise free redicals; &
reduce risk of cancer.
Flavanones Citrus Neutralise free redicals; &
reduce risk of cancer.
Flavones Fruits &
Vegetables
Neutralise free redicals; &
reduce risk of cancer.
6.Glucosinolates, indoles,
isothiocyanates, &
sulphoraphane
Cruciferous
vegetables(brocc
oli & kale) &
horseradish
Induce detoxification
enzymes; & reduce the risk
of cancer.
7.Phenols Caffeic acid
Ferulic acid
Fruits,
Vegetables &
Citrus
Antioxidant- link activities
& reduse the risk of
degenerative diseases, heart
diseases & eye diseases
Continue………..
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

9. Nutraceuticals according to their Chemical Nature
Classes Components Sources Potential Benefits
8.Plant sterols and Stanol ester
Corn, Soy,
Wheat & wood
oils
Lower blood cholesterol
levels by inhibiting
cholesterol absorption.
9.Prebiotics/
Probiotics
Fructo-
Oligocassharid
es (FOS)
Jerusalem
artichokes,
Shallots and
onion powder.
Improve gastrointestinal
health.
Lactobacillus Yogurt and other
dairy products
Improve gastrointestinal
health.
10.Saponins
Soyabeans, soy
foods & soy
protein
containing foods.
Lower LDL cholesterol;
anti- cancer activity
11.Soy protein Soybeans & Soy-
based foods
25 grams per day may
reduce risk of heart diseases.
Continue………..
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

10. Nutraceuticals according to their Chemical Nature
Classes Component
s
Sources Potential Benefits
12.Phytoes-
trogens
Isoflavonesda-
idzein,
Genistein
Soyabeans and
Soybased foods.
Reduce menopause
symptoms, such as hot
flashes.
Lignans Flax, Rye &
Vegetables
Protect against some cancers
& heart diseases
Sulphides/
Thiols
Diallyl
sulphide
Onions, Garlic,
Leeks & Scallions
Lower LDL cholesterol &
maintain healthy immune
system.
Allyl methyl
trisulphide,
Dithiolthiones
Cruciferous
Vegetables
Lower LDL cholesterol &
maintain healthy immune
system.
Tannins &
Proanthocyanisins
Cranberries,
cranberry produsta,
cocoa & Chocolate
Improve urinary tract health
& reduce the risk of CVDs
Continue………..
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)

11. Nutraceuticals according to their Higher Content in
Specific Food Items
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)
Neutraceutical Substances/Family Food of remarkably High Content
Capsaicinoids Pepper fruit
FPA & DHA Fish oils
Lycopene Tomatoes and tomato products
Allyly sulphur compounds Onion & Garlic
Isoflavones Soybeans & other legumes, apios
CLA Beef & dairy
Adenosine Garlic & onion
Resveratrol Grapes(skin) & red wine
Curcumin Turmeric

12. Advantages & Disadvantages of Nutraceuticals
Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)
Advantages:
1. They are substances like food & not considered as drugs so have less or
fewer side effects.
2. They are mainly used as preventive or prophylactic to improve medical
condition.
3. They have natural ingredients, dietary supplement to balance diet
discrepancies.
4. They enhance overall health & well being.
5. They are available without prescription means accessible and affordable.

13. Mr. Rahul dev (Asst. Prof.)
Disadvanteges:
1. Quality & Regulation issues: As compared to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals
are not regulated very strictly & directly. Some of the health claims made for
nutraceuticals may not be scientifically validated. There is lack of proper
regulation for nutraceuticals. Hance, may be compromise on quality of raw
material or method.
2. Bioavailability: Nutraceuticals may have poor bioavailability and data
related to pharmacokinetic & pharmacodynamics may not be available in
some cases.
3. Placebo effect: Body has mechanism to recover on its own. In such cases,
consumers may not use nutraceuticals to treat ailments and may have
placebo effect.
4. Safety and interaction: Rarely, nutraceutical may have some side effects.
As there is lack of appropriate regulations, there may be possible side
effects, interaction with other drugs or may be ineffectiveness in treating
disorders.
Continue………..