Plant-based nutraceuticals are important because they offer a natural, safe, and effective way to promote health and prevent diseases. Nutraceuticals are defined as any substance that is a food or a part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diseases. Throughout the pandemic, preventive healthcare has emerged as a crucial line of defence, demonstrating the nutraceutical industry’s value as a reliable source of income for the population. The demand for nutraceuticals has grown significantly in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global nutraceutical market size was valued at USD 382.51 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) OF 8.3% from 2020 to 2027.
ABHA Biotechnology provides a wide range of nutraceuticals that can be beneficial towards one’s health and some have been discussed below:
Moringa oleifera, also commonly called ‘drumstick tree’ or ‘horseradish tree’, is native to India and is known for its nutritive value. The leaves are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other vital compounds. Leaves extract from Moringa can be used to treat malnutrition and is also known to help. The bioactive components of Moringa such as kaempferol, quercetin, niaziminin and apigenin have been found to have antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies done for Covid-19 showed the plant can strengthen the immune system with apigenin showing the highest activity in fighting against SARS -Cov-2- MPro (Fajri, 2021). The aqueous root extract of the plant has been shown to significantly inhibit the development of oedema in animal models. The finding suggested the root extracts’ anti-inflammatory properties are as potent as the drug indomethacin (Ndiaye, et al., 2002).
Ashwagandha,also known as “Indian winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” is highly regarded as a Rasayana herb in the Indian Ayurvedic medical system. It is specifically utilized as a nervine tonic and used for a variety of illness processes. A study was conducted in India with subjects having a history of chronic stress, results of this study reveal that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract increases a person’s ability to cope with stress while also enhancing their self-rated quality of life (Chandrasekhar, et al., 2012).
Garcinia cambogia, also known as “red mango” is most popularly known as a weight-loss supplement. The fruit rind contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which is a strong inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, a catalyst involved in the conversion of citrate to acetyl-coenzyme A, which plays a crucial role in cholesterol, fatty acids and triglycerides synthesis. Studies show that Garcinia cambogia fruit extract had a considerable hypolipidemic impact in rats receiving dexamethasone. It decreased triglycerides and cholesterol to normal levels, as well as the free acids produced by dexamethasone in the plasma and liver (Semwal, et al., 2015)
Piper nigrumcommonly called “black pepper” and often considered as “king of species” is cultivated for its fruit, the peppercorn. Black pepper has proven to have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as profound effects on CNS. Studies done on the neurotoxic mouse model showed that black pepper significantly improved and chavicine was the main compound producing these pharmacological effects (Iqbal, et al., 2016). Another study showed that piperine, the main alkaloid found in back Piper nigrum suppressed the onset and duration of seizers Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and Maximal electroshock seizure (MES) induced models (Takooree, et al., 2019).
