functional foods and nutraceuticals

1. PRESENTED BY
Sowmiya G
1.M.Sc(N&D).

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also
known as Indian ginseng, and as Indian Winter
Cherry is an important ancient plant, the roots
of which have been employed in Indian
traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda and
Unani.

3. Biochemical-properties
The biochemical composition of Withania
somnifera has been widely studied and researched.
 Akaloids: About 13 alkaloids are known as
Isopelletierine, Anaferine, Cuseohygrine, Anahygrine,
Tropine etc.
 Somniferin: It is a bitter alkaloid with some hypnotic
activity.
 Steroidal Lactones: Withanolides, Withanoferins.
 Saponins: These are with an additional acyl group.
 Iron.

4. ASHWAGANDHA IN PARKINSON'S
AND
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
An L-dopa in an herbal formulation found
in Ashwagandha. Enhances memory through
cholinergic channels. Stabilizes mood, improves
learning ability.

5. Hypoxia
Hypoxia is considered to generate
superoxide radicals because of less availability
of oxygen which causes hippocampal
neuro degeneration and cognitive dysfunction
including memory impairment. Withanolide A
maintains balance of corticosterone level by
increasing mineralocorticoid receptor
expression and decreasing glucocorticoid
expression in hippocampus.

6. Catalepsy
Neuroleptic catalepsy can be reversed by
D1 & D2 receptor agonist and W. somnifera play
an important role in this

7. Bipolar Disorder
Cognitive impairments with frequent mood
fluctuations are easily observed in bipolar
disorder. Anxiety and insomnia are commonly
observed symptoms in this disorder. Limited
treatment availability makes herbal
medication an attractive tool

8. DOSAGE
There is no standard dose for administration
of ashwaganda although 3-6 grams daily of
the powder formula is cited most commonly.

9. Aloe vera is the oldest medicinal plant ever
known and the most applied medicinal plant
worldwide. Extracts of Aloe vera is a proven skin
healer.

10. COMPONENTS

11. FUNCTIONAL
PROPERTIES

12. Wound Healing
Wound healing is a dynamic process,
occurring in 3 phases. The first phase is
inflammation, hyperaemia and leukocyte
infiltration. The second phase consists of
removal of dead tissue. The third phase of
proliferation consisting of epithelial
regeneration and formation of fibrous tissue

13. Skin Protection
Application
Aloin and its gel are used as skin tonic
against pimples. Aloe vera is also used for
soothing the skin, and keeping the skin moist to
help avoid flaky scalp and skin in harsh and dry
weather.

14. JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN
Aloe Vera relieves joint and muscle pain - Pain
in the joints and muscle pain occurred due to
arthritis is reduced by the application of Aloe
Vera sprays or gels.